I know North Korea is the most ridiculous country in the world, but for me, my mum, my brother, and my families and old memories are so important. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
Even though some heartless North Korean, Korean-Chinese, and Chinese citizens have exploited vulnerable defectors for money, I witnessed many acts of kindness by the Chinese. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
For years, my Chinese family supported me, but they wanted me to have an arranged marriage, so I ran away and worked as a waitress. It was a tiny salary, but I was so happy; it was the first time I’d accomplished something. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
I can’t be sure of exactly when and how North Korea will change. But I do believe it will happen, hopefully in my mother’s lifetime. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
Freedom means everything to me. It is the most essential right that every person deserves. Most people take it for granted, but not North Koreans. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
North Korean defectors who speak out against the regime always feel nervous. We never know what the North Korean government is planning. It’s really difficult for us to show our faces and speak out, but we feel obligated to do something to inform people about the ongoing tragedy inside North Korea. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
This is a divisive issue, but I really hope for unification. Even though we have been divided for a long time, we are all Koreans, so we should live together in a united Korea. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
When many Chinese escaped to North Korea during the Cultural Revolution, we embraced them. People in China have forgotten about this. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
North Koreans are forced to work at state jobs in a moribund economy. Countless parents watch their children go to bed hungry. Many North Korean families feel they have no option but to try to escape. Lee Hyeon-seo Read Quote
