What life in North Korea is really like and how I escaped | MY STORY

Jihyun Park broke out of North Korea TWICE only to become a slave in China before finally escaping to the West: Brave defector who now lives in Britain shares her incredible life story.
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[@sylph99]

Her story deserves a full length feature film.

[@MarsLos10]

That's so true!

[@latonyagreen-warner7402]

Such a strong woman. Great testimony.

[@beny988]

I think it's propaganda.

[@sarahlouise4445]

@@beny988ye because N Korea is a lovely charming place to live really 🤦‍♀️🙄

[@Irish__Clan]

@@beny988 North Korea is horrible. The entire world knows this.

[@DaveJansenTPV]

@@beny988 I think you're a North-Korean getting paid by Kim to type these messages and defend North-Korea on the internet. Actual propaganda.

[@vietmanhduong1946]

"ESCAPING "only happened in the Communist countries like Russia, Cuba, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and East Europe ...Never in the Freedom countries. Because they had the freedom to move and live wherever they wanted...

[@Xtina2525]

Makes me realize how lucky I am even just to have basic necessities whenever I need them. 😢❤

[@trashteamracing8262]

I'm grateful I wasn't born in a country that demanded respect of its leaders under threat of imprisonment or death.

[@ImtheONEnotthetwo]

Such as the ability to eat white rice and egg everyday, and not just once a year on the President’s birthday. That was such a simple thing but spoke volumes to their food supply because I thought they at least eat rice everyday.

[@munkyjammin]

What a way to meet your husband! Incredible living history filled with endurance, perseverance, love, commitmentl & intelligence . This lady & her family deserve a happy life filled with prosperity & joy.

[@evandelagarza2003]

The way she met him is so tragically beautiful.

[@lizzeyflower]

There children must so proud of how they met. 😢 angle was there when needed each other

[@allenwilliams6561]

What a strong will woman fighting for her freedom...

[@christianhakanssonskansens9223]

Brave woman with an incredible story. I hope you get all you deserve in this life!

[@janpierzchala2004]

Remarkable relaxed North Korea - she escaped twice. Never happened in Soviet Union or GDR

[@markfromct2]

Agreed

[@brianrodriguez6897]

Thank you

[@thelastpickle]

@@janpierzchala2004 or Romania

[@Irish__Clan]

@@janpierzchala2004 Nerd.

[@jayjordan9275]

Just when you think your life is difficult. This woman literally fought for her freedom.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

We are fighting for our freedom from oppressive health care insurance. our fight is for real.

[@katiempojer]

These defectors are SO BRAVE!

[@Volundur9567]

I take it all with a grain of salt after Yeonmi Park was exposed as not being truthful. Her own mother called her out. Now I have to wonder if these tales are just that- tales to tarnish the Communist Party's reputation..

[@MrNetAble]

Would not trust any of them. Hard core comeies are most of them. Same as russians.

[@janpierzchala2004]

But those in Soviet Union and GDR were even braver. These in North Korea cross the border 2 and more times. Very relaxed attitude by the regime, nobody illegally crossed the Soviet border twice in their life.

[@filipjohansson6006]

​@@janpierzchala2004there were people who crossed daily to smuggle things.

[@betsybabf748]

@@janpierzchala2004 You commented just to try to minimize her courage and struggle?🤦🏻‍♀🤦🏻‍♀

[@Pvt_Hudson]

All the people of North Korea should be liberated from this evil.

[@markfromct2]

Agreed

[@gustavojaimes4802]

@@KenHubbard-jz1vqwhat?

[@KenHubbard-jz1vq]

@@Pvt_Hudson WHAT EVIL , I DONT SEE THEM STARTING WARS ALL AROUND THE WORLD ,WHO DOES THAT ? THE ONLY WAR N K WAS IN WAS A CIVIL WAR AND AMERICA HAD ONE OF THOSE AND YOU PRAISE THAT ONE BUT CRITICIZE N K PLEASE EXPLANE, WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION

[@itsyaboimaxoo]

​@KenHubbard-jz1vq are you mentally ill?

[@brianrodriguez6897]

​@@KenHubbard-jz1vq from this video

[@aminahchaueldinah1651]

I really pray that one day you can be reunited with your brother. I have a younger brother whom I love so much. I can't imagine my life without him

[@SuperEnterenter]

Same here. I cried when she said he wanted her to save herself. :(

[@Newton_Xavier]

I want the same.. She should reunite with his brother

[@Essfffssfff]

He might not be alive anymore

[@Milioem]

@@Essfffssfffyeap

[@Kable472]

She's a very brave soul

[@CarolineSchmirt]

Someone should pay her a boatload of money for her life rights because that story could make an incredible movie. I wish her happiness and peace.

[@hpatdh077]

I believe they get payed by south korea if they escape to south Korea. But she went to UK so I don't know how they managed that.

[@Ra-rg1vk]

Everytime I think I have problems, I will think of this lady's incredible life. Amen

[@OGYouTuber05]

So true. As a westerner, my so-called struggles are nothing compared to what some people have to endure each day.

[@TeddyHasTwoMams]

Wow. What an incredible story.

[@Turnip-Tuneup777]

So sad for her younger brother. The fact that she told her whole story in English is mind blowing 😮

[@gustavojaimes4802]

I would love to hear the story of the moment she went to recover her son and how she managed to get him from that Chinese family

[@greenliter1]

I think she did an interview with MADLIV or something like that. It’s “25 minutes with…a North Korean Defector” or something along those lines.

[@sula1529]

How old was her son?

[@adarshminj2543]

@@sula1529 4 yo

[@a56635]

Just saw her Ladbible interview - the most amazing and detailed account I've heard of her interviews so far. She essentially disguised herself to avoid being recognized by her old husband/mother in law, then went into the town and found her son playing on the playground, and she went up to him and grabbed him. Her son was happy to see her and it was evident that he was malnourished and treated improperly by his grandparents. INCREDIBLE.

[@yorkshiremgtow1773]

Very brave woman.

[@juliadoherty83]

Wow! Astonishing what despotic monsters can make a person undertake. I'm in England and this lady should be part of the schools curriculum. What an amazing lady. Her family too.

[@akshathakini157]

Incredible story. Hats off to the brave lady. Wishing her a peaceful and joyful rest of life.

[@cybershamans1624]

I can.t believe how calm she is. Amazing woman

[@regjauncey4843]

Never under estimate the power of a woman,well done madam...🎉

[@stellapan4346]

Omg… her love story is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard

[@singerrb4984]

Brave, articulate, amazing woman; surely made me filled with gratitude for living in the US and always experiencing freedom.

[@ssamuel5570]

What a testimony!!! She's a very strong, determined and resilient woman.

[@MrRydoone]

Most north Korean can't even read English but this one speak English? This is just propaganda

[@feministssuck4439]

It's just like somebody soft to say something like that just like a nerd a soft America nerd

[@toudi_p]

​@@MrRydoone she had 14 years to learn it. Its possible

[@RJFP67]

My life has been a blessing compared to your despair. I’m happy that you found freedom ❤

[@janpierzchala2004]

The camp she was in after the first defection was so nice to free her so she could defect the second time!!!

[@petrahanstein7749]

​Free to die elsewhere under constant control...

[@steffilomi9328]

So heartbreaking that some have to endure such things. I am glad she could reunite with her son and even find love and safety.

[@KlaraKaramell]

I‘m deeply touched by her story and i hope you will reunite with your brother again. So much strength and bravery. Wow.

[@drawgonartstudio1424]

For you in the future watching this video , whether this lady is your grandmother or maybe even ancestor by now . I hope your proud of the life you have . And the actions taken to get you there

[@Sparkle3421]

I really felt that, it’s so true. She is a warrior and she made it happen through strength and resilience despite all she faced. It’s so incredible.

[@akiraaoi18]

She’s a hero - and strong! Learn from her to never give up!

[@cindyboye5495]

Wow! I admire YOUR bravery!!! You are a very strong, resilient lady. Many blessings to you, your husband and children.

[@Jindy2]

What an incredible story, and what a heroic woman!

[@86Boxingtv]

Amazing. Happy for her and her family. One can’t take anything for granted as there are those who’ve been through far worse.

[@ccss2516]

What a brave woman. I could listen to her talk for hours

[@tapferundtreu53]

May she find peace and happiness for the rest of her life ….

[@linuxman0]

What a powerful story!! The best movies are made of true stories like this. This is an incredibly strong and courageous woman.

[@ashleycnossen3157]

That pastor saved a lot of lives

[@ladynikkie]

Thank you for sharing your story im sure your family is smiling down from heaven knowing you survived and living your life in freedom

[@loyvanboxel1494]

Amazing. I'm so thankful to live in America

[@alainaaugust1932]

Brave soul, thank you for sharing your story. You are smart and clever and didn’t give up. These are the qualities that build democracy, that build healthy societies. Welcome to the West. You and your bold family are so very needed. Blessings.

[@louisefarber7573]

Omg, what a story. I am crying.

[@rosebud6485]

That woman is the epitome of bravery! I’m more convinced than ever, after watching this interview, that I’m so thankful to have been born in and live in the United States of America.

[@georgebright6491]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a brave and strong woman I wish I wish you long life and happiness for you and your family.

[@Thunderrolls87]

More Americans should hear what a Authoritarian govt is like.

[@aasenprivate5199]

French people too. I am French.

[@marcstein2510]

They will learn soon enough when china rules the world…

[@markfromct2]

Agreed

[@nzfreeski]

Agree

[@dorothysmith3850]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@stephenbanks5952]

It is an incredible story and we can feel a lot of empathy for her. Just think though that there are milllions of displaced desperate people in the world. It is so easy to think of them as a faceless group of individuals and make plans to limit their number or stop their movement. Yet every one is a person just like her with a back story and loved ones in their life. We always need to remember that.

[@Spike-ck5tj]

What an extraordinary story of resilience and courage. 👏 How sad she lost her family but I am glad she is now happy and leads a settled life now. Those children have 2 brave heros for parents.

[@EM-qx3hx]

As a species, we are despicable. The fact that there are places on this Earth where human beings are treated like that is abhorrent beyond words.

[@heliosphere9789]

This brought tears to my eues. What a life and what a strong person! ❤

[@freespirit9806]

Wow what an incredible story.

[@janpierzchala2004]

2 escapes! There are Koreans who passed the border 10 times and more, illegally. Never happened to anyone in Soviet Union

[@Daisy99999]

@@janpierzchala2004the fact that you felt the need to reply this under so many comments in insane. It’s akin to saying “oh yeah you had that cancer.. well you could have had a worse cancer or illness.” She is literally just sharing her story.. perhaps her life could have been worse but she still went through horrific things and she is sharing her experience. I really don’t know what’s wrong with you or what point you are trying to prove. Sure if you wanna say Soviet Russia was worse that’s totally fine but not sure why you feel the need to say it in such a smug arrogant way

[@petrahanstein7749]

​@@Daisy99999👍

[@the.magic.catbus9459]

Wow! Incredible story of strength. So much loss but so much perseverance. I wanted to know how she got her son back. I’m so glad she did.

[@jojin9226]

Incredible story. Her story needs to be turned into a movie

[@artsy897]

Beautiful story, I’m so sorry your life was so hard and full of sorrow. But I’m happy that now you have some things to be joyful about!❤️

[@marymiles8700]

This is why immigration is so important, for people like this. The end of her story made it sound easy. I'm guessing an emergency visa might have been issued, but there would have been a mountain of paperwork work and hoops they had to jump through to get from Mongolia to the UK. It nice to see this story has a bittersweet ending. I hope her brother found some sort of happy refuge somewhere.

[@Kristinapedia]

Yoenmi Park said it best: If you think you're oppressed: YOU'RE NOT OPPRESSED.

[@lql1094]

There are MANY forms of oppression. Y'all really need to shut up about "watch this Americans"🙄. The American government is just as oppressive in different ways.

[@Paaaa32]

Brave woman❤

[@dajamonet]

What a beautiful story of bravery and survival. I’m not crying you are.

[@lynnmahan154]

So much respect and admiration for this courageous woman, wife and mother. ❤

[@JackieM414]

Brave woman We are so impressed and proud of you. Stay strong, safe and know you are loved

[@jariahussain-lala]

So happy you got reunited with your son. Hope you are leading a happy life with your family. X

[@titonycrican]

Powerful story, powerful woman!!

[@TrueCrimeDime]

Bless her heart! She deserves everything in life 🙏🏻🩶

[@ChiChisFav1011]

I was so moved. I hope you and your family live a long and happy life.

[@etoneetone]

So happy for your family today , Queen Jihyan , thank you for sharing 💜

[@horse-4598]

What an incredible story, gave me goosebumps when she met her husband at the Mongolian border.

[@Nate67843]

such an amazing story - so many of us are sending hope and love your way.

[@janetridley3662]

An incredible life- story.Thanks for sharing and telling.In all- daily my head is full with sorrows,struggles,own troubles. WoW Lady.I honour you and send Blessings.

[@Lilyandmoomin]

Amazing strong women, I’m so glad that she found her son. I hope she is living a happy and fulfilling life.

[@margaretcastell9429]

What an amazing story. I don't know anyone who could endure what this young woman so matter of factly relates. No one in general seems to have a heart in either country except for the exceptional few. How stoic she is and how brave. Finding her son and now married to her saviour with other children, her life must seem like a miracle of joyful things to do. As a British woman I am very glad you made your home there. ❤🇬🇧

[@MellieMellie97146]

I'm so glad she got to be reunited with her son and she now has a healthy life in the UK. Such harrowing stories... 😕

[@evansobohofori495]

Wow...this story is great. And the woman is brave enough to criss😢borders with swollen leg.

[@tRipPinRolLz]

Omg stop. I started crying when she said she fell in love with him 😭❤️‍🩹

[@sam.ferguson1388]

Very inspiring story of a very strong woman. I’m at a loss for words 💔

[@gsplantilla]

This story needs to be in a movie

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

❤Amazing story amazing woman

[@ThatOneGeekyFamilytoo]

I want this as a based on a true story movie. Such an amazing woman and account.

[@pamelalapierre6678]

In my opinion , this video should be REQUIRED VIEWING for ALL AMERICANS especially those under 35 . As an older American , I feel like we , as a society have become EXTREMELY SELFISH & GREEDY . So instead of complaining about your 10 year old vehicle or how you need a new designer _______ ( fill in the blank ) please think about the fact that this woman wasn't even given decent shoes to wear while working outdoors in the cold . Worse yet she also worked in the same conditions without ANY SHOES !!! This is what true life struggles look like --- NOT the miniscule issues that we carry on about . Owning a MOUNTAIN of objects is NOT going to bring happiness . I have learned over the decades of my life to find GRATITUDE whenever possible , even when facing a difficult situation . I say to myself -- somebody somewhere has it worse than I . It keeps my perspective on a reasonable level AND I stop wallowing in self pity !! I just wish that more people would think and act with similar attitudes .😁

[@DD-hy1nl]

Well said, I agree!

[@rosemadder5547]

I totally agree. I'm middle aged, 37, grew up poor and was abused from the time I can remember. By everyone in the home. I had to struggle to just get a career and a vehicle. I go to work and people complain about having to be there, and then there's me, who escaped addiction, escaped an abusive man, and then had to dig myself out to get through schooling as a single mom, and I thank my lucky stars I get to be at that job. I feel blessed every single day that I made it through and get to do what I do (EMT). I still live paycheck to paycheck, but my son and I have what we need and we aren't abused. And I'm always surrounded by people complaining, that grew up in supportive homes with parents that paid their way through school and cheered them on the whole time. Not even working with sick and dieing people every single day gets through to these young people. It blows my mind.

[@leebliss3622]

I think it’s ridiculous that people like you genuinely believe younger people aren’t aware of this issue and only care about getting new cars and designer items. I actually feel sorry for you and your generation, it’s not the younger generations that aren’t informed it’s yours. We are constantly soaking up information, online, like right now. And when we do, you and anyone else your age makes fun of us for doing it, you all say things like “social media is ruining young people” and “go and play outside instead” then have the nerve to be on the same exact apps as us, saying this should be required viewing especially for those “under 35” like hello? we’re already here watching things like this, having to deal with your nasty asses and nasty attitudes towards us when we do, maybe it’s you that’s worried about a 10 yr old car and designer handbags but the only things that young people I know are worried about or people in their 30’s are worried about are trying to survive the cost of living and being a living embodiment of what it means to create a kinder safer world for everyone in it, don’t run around making weird statements about entire generations you are so obviously completely out of touch with.

[@Irish__Clan]

Yes, thinking about how crappy North Korea and their government is makes me thankful for the more important things in life.

[@betsybabf748]

As parents, it is our job to not only teach our children of the struggles of others in the world, but to teach our children gratitude for the fact they were lucky enough to be born in the US.

[@sbst7577]

It’s like a movie 😮, how hard and inspiring her life is

[@deanne7125]

Very glad to hear that she has a better life in the UK I hope she can find her brother one day

[@quai7865]

I’m Mongolian, what a story to tell❤ didn’t expect to hear about my country though-;)

[@aisheedasukilshaw4170]

I got goosebumps.. Lots of love to you and your family.

[@Daglato]

Such a heartwarming story. Hollywood needs to make more movies about courageous desperate refuges to help America find her soul again.

[@ashleywhitethisisabsolutel1004]

You’re a wonderful really brave woman and I wish you every happiness and joy welcome to my country of the United Kingdom. You are very welcome here and I hope you have a wonderful life. Lots of hugs Ashley xxxxxx

[@Aetnaboy73]

Wow. You can't be to much braver than this lady. Hope she is doing well.

[@Tallblondesmile]

what a courageous and smart lady

[@beacee]

So sad. But such bravery!

[@Kebston]

Wow. She speaks 3 languages. Just because a person is oppressed doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent. She’s deserves respect.

[@dodo-tw8ny]

Great story. We need to pray for north Korea.

[@jupru220]

Amen! Listening to her story made me fall on my knees and pray for all people around the world who are cruelly oppressed. Her story also made me grateful for what I have. I'm glad she got her son back.

[@kundansingh3358]

You had saved three person life .. & your husband saved life... That's called KARMA You r brave !

[@dianexiuleiwat5715]

thank you for sharing your story of bravery, heartache, freedom. thank you

[@pinkzweibel985]

Shes a year older than me . What an amazing lady ❤

[@daisypawa506]

Wishing you only the best❤ Thankyou for sharing your story of survival ❤

[@mayurake]

Remarkable story . Love from India 🇮🇳

[@mdoctor69]

OMG... everyone needs to hear this remarkable story.

[@adrianmorris5546]

You are very brave to stand up and tell the honest truth

[@annahmurunga8053]

Lovely story in the end. The Lord bless her and her family.

[@diva80]

😢😢😢😢 I’m glad you all made it out,much power and love to them.

[@DebbieNYC]

I am so happy that you and your family are safe. It is amazing what a desperate person can do when they have too. Congratulations for being a strong woman that not even the dictators can keep you from gaining your freedom.

[@anissaholmes4495]

Wow! You are such a brave and strong lady! I’m glad you have a happy life after going through so much pain. 💕

[@cosmiceye9357]

A very brave woman. Respect

[@robebmathew1055]

What a story....brave..

[@roseannem.tockstein8140]

This should be required viewing for all teenagers. No, I must correct that, it should be required viewing for all Americans. It is hard to believe this kind of life exists in the twenty-first century.

[@betsybabf748]

As parents we just need to do our jobs and educate our children. All my children understand the struggles others endure across the world. It does not need to be mandated by the government. Parents just need to do their jobs as parents.