Is escaping North Korea really worth it? | Foreign Correspondent
They’re the refugees from North Korea’s hermit kingdom who overcome huge odds to escape to a new life in South Korea. Most of them are women and the journey they undertake is a perilous one.
Many are influenced to leave after viewing smuggled South Korean TV dramas which showcase a life of freedom and opportunity. But the reality is often very different. Instead of finding happiness they are overcome with loneliness and isolation.
On arrival, often after harrowing experiences at the hands of human traffickers, they are placed in a training school and taught how to live in the modern world, South Korean style.
Once on the outside, their accent, clothing and behaviour often make them stand out, and they struggle to assimilate, some often barely surviving.
Those who do escape are known as defectors and they rarely speak out publicly.
This week on Foreign Correspondent reporter Naomi Selvaratnam meets some of the North Korean women who are trying to make new lives for themselves in South Korea and asks them: Has their escape been worth it?
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A couple of you have commented asking for Chunmi's channel, you can find her channel here: youtube.com/@chootime4320
Thanks! 🙏💕
Thank you! I was here to ask. :)
Op
Thank you
The fact is we Canadians must help all North Korean defectors in South Korea come to Canada even if we did a great North Korean defector charity helping all North Korean defectors come to Canada saving them from their horrible nation. That is why all Canadians must help all North Korean defectors in South Korea come to Canada as that option with such a charity we all must raise even if Australia and New Zealand helps them with the same North Korean such charities.
My heart is breaking for that women suffering from depression alone in her apartment. Those volunteers are literal angels. I’m so glad they exist to help in the small way they can.
Imagine if a U.S. farmer from 1900 traveled in time to the US in 2023! NK defectors face a similar culture shock when they arrive in SK.
@@astralclub5964 Ummm even the American farmer of 1900 was experiencing "boom"-times, economically, as reflected by the architecture of that time in every American town.
your heart is breaking but you won't do anything. this is why depressed people remain depressed. nobody is willing to provide actual help.
@@spagetti001 hey, I hope you wake up on a better side of the bed tomorrow.
@@damdamfino hard for you to cope with reality, huh?
The defectors of North Korea should be treated with much respect for having the tenacity to escape. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you all.
agreed
Yes 🙆🏻♀️🤍👍🏽
I used to manage a McDonalds here in the United States. For a few years, we had an elderly Asian lady who worked with us. She didn't like to talk much about her life, but one day she approached me and confided in me that she had defected with her parents from North Korea several decades ago. She told me that even back then, things were tough. She had family still there that she hadn't heard from for almost her entire adult life - she didn't even know if any of them were still alive. Sadly she's since passed away, but the things she told me broke my heart.
Trauma is something most people cannot imagine. Many N. Koreans come to S.Korea after having experienced agonizing violence and deprivation. Many N. Korean women and girls are forced into prostitution by the brokers who smuggle them out. You do not just shake that trauma off. You do not erase those psychological and emotional scars because you are physically safer. Many of these people live with PTSD, many have eating and sleeping disorders. Yet they are judged as lesser Koreans because of their ordeals, not stronger because they have survived them. A few years ago a N. Korean mother and her young son were found dead in their S. Korean apartment having starved to death. They were not found for weeks because no-one noticed they were missing. This is the loneliness that has driven some defectors to leave Korea altogether.
Absolutely heartbreaking 😢💔
Not much better in America. Terrible problem all around. N. Korean government needs to step up for it's people.
Lies, people experience trauma all over the planet. North Korea is not an exception like you are trying to make with your propaganda.
Everybody has tram, but we all don’t have the same trauma. No, we can’t imagine the specific trauma somebody who is from North K. Jas if we are not from there.
@@Joseph-zd7kglol what??? You really compared American issues to North K. Issues? That’s insane.
I feel so bad for the K-Drama woman, when she spoke of her family it was so clear that they are not safe and have likely either lost their lives or been imprisoned.
The pain behind her smile was so clear. It's heartbreaking.
All cause she fell in love with a soap?!! I know it's more involved but I don't think I could knowingly condemn my family to death !! But especially since if she was able to go abroad.. they must have been part of the party ( privileged class living in Pyongyang) only people trusted to work abroad. Pretty sure that family is dead😢
@@torchtube5621 IIRC her family was pretty wealthy by NK standards and she was a teenager when she defected. I think it's important to remember that these people are EXTREMELY sheltered from the outside world to the point that, especially for a young person, they have trouble distinguishing the realities of everyday life from a TV show.
South Korea is a wealthy country. It's great that the authorities look after the refugees but more can still be done. Best of if luck to all who escaped and those who support them.
It genuinely breaks my heart every time when I hear defectors speak about their experience and how it had affected them in their lives. I really hope their suffering ends one day and they get to enjoy the beauty of life.
Enjoying the beauty of life and happiness is hard because they're still affected by survivers guilt they're fully aware that their people are still suffering back home
Unless the entire East Asian region unifies as the United East Asian Union having Tokyo as the new national capital with South Korea's highest democracy.
It was all Imperialist Japan's fault. Had they didn't invade Korea, this wouldn't happened. US and Soviets divided Korea because of them.
Seeing North Koreans helping other North Koreans try to adjust and survive in the South , is a beautiful thing. Empathy is a beautiful healer of both the receiver and the giver.
Several of my Korean in-laws have married North Korean defectors. It's hard for them, but not one wants to go back. One had never used an indoor toilet. All of them say that actually arriving in South Korea was an utter shock to them. They were told people were starving, that American soldiers were beating people on the streets - so seeing what it's REALLY like stunned them. On boy was amazed that even the poorest South Koreans he saw all had watches and cell phones. I can relate - after we escaped from the USSR we lived in Jugoslavija, which was such a land of freedom and plenty (to us) that just going to a supermarket would set us to crying. For North Koreans in the South, they literally have to learn new words for ones they knew in North Korea (the South has a lot more words borrowed from English, and the way of saying even mundane things like "ice cream" are different). There are also some spelling differences, which many South Koreans take to mean the writer is just badly educated & judge them poorly. The South is doing a lot for the escapees... but of course more can and should be done. Note: one of my escapee in-laws came to the US after being accepted by an American university. She returned to South Korea after being told by other students that she was "just wrong about North Korea, it's all bad propaganda" and were downright cruel to her when she tried to tell them how it really is. I pray for the North - and hey... when I left the USSR in the 1980s, nobody could imagine that just a decade later people would be able to travel to/from the country, that stores would suddenly be fully stocked... Pray and it can happen in the Koreas, too.
they're still right about American soldiers
Not negating your experiences, or your friend’s, but I think most people outside North Korea know it’s a hell hole. Those your friend were speaking to must have been emotionally invested in believing NK wasn’t so bad. Perhaps they had close friends or relatives embroiled in the government or other important position, such as manufacturing of goods or tech vital to the nation?
Never heard about koreans who left USSR in 1980s. I`m honestly surprised.
@@cube5750if that’s your opinion about American soldiers go and live in North Korea and we see what you prefer 😊
@@juliamccarthy6695 lol people go live in America to escape the hell created by warmongering America and its soldiers in their countries
That young woman toward the end is so full of emotion. I am so glad she is in a place where she can freely express herself artistically. I am sure the world will be a better place for that and I hope she has a rewarding and wonderful life.
I know life deals us different cards, but I realized how lucky I have had it. I also realized being comfortable in a stable environment meant I didn't appreciate it that much. Chunmi's current predicament and her Mom's story hit me really hard. I'm a nobody with what I assume is a boring life, but man I would gladly give both of them half of my happy memories just for them to have something to smile about. Gut wrenched.
Also, Random Guy, you are not really a nobody. As you move through the community, your courtesy can make people feel that they matter whereas the rudeness of others may undermine their confidence. Your sense of responsibility helps the community to function smoothly. Your honesty is important and your presence at celebrations and public events makes people feel more together with others.
Ikr? It’s easy as an over-educated lower-income-middle class American to be complacent thinking yeah, I made it through the tough times, Mom made my ugly clothes, I wore one pair of shoes August through May, and I paid 75¢ for school lunches, boo hoo 1st world child. But when you hear someone pretty much exactly like you tell her story, but whereas 3rd-tier aholes were throwing food at you while a person your age was being shocked with automobile batteries between her toes and worse, because she talked to a possible dissident…
Absolutely me too
I work in South Korea and my colleague who is in her 50s told me a cool story of an older North Korean woman here she knows who works at a market. That woman defected here during the famine in the 90s with her husband. In North Korea they were rich and they brought tons of money with them only to realize they couldn’t use the currency, and at that time there was no way to exchange it. They burnt the money while crying. Eventually they made their way from zero to owning their own business at the market and are wealthy once more. My colleague says North Koreans are well know as being hard working despite what this documentary seems to portray.
Hi, I don't think the documentary meant to portray North Koreans as people who are not hard working. It mainly insists on their struggle to adjust in a new society and the guilt they feel for leaving their families and friends behind. To me, they seem rather hard working and resilient despite all they've been through 🙏
youneed to watch it again, it does not portray such thing. Some may end in the fringes of society for many reasons but not for not being hard workers, in fact even the volunteer lady is an example of hard work and most probably not even payed for volunteering.
That was very moving to see what that mother and daughter have been through. I hope they can steadily find peace and happiness.
This is exctly what happens to people who have spent life in prison and then get released. Theyre so institutionalised, overwhelmed, traumatised, lonely, poor, dysfunctional,, vulnerable, unaware, unprepared etc that some of them commit crimes again so they get sent back to prison. Except for NK defectors, its much worse and soul crushing for so many reasons.
Good point
Poignant story. I was touched by the great love and work of the volunteers. Angels to people struggling, and in the process they give themselves a reason to live.
I was also heart ♥ lifted to view the quality and integrity of the volunteers involved. Respect
4:34 I love the lady who made an amusing expression while saying: “In North Korea, you could only say you love Chairman Kim Jong-Un and his father.” Savage!
it's they have to do this even in the romantic films. i was shocked when i saw a clip of it. it was so surreal like something from the twilight zone.
Yes, you can see why she is a TV start in SKorea rather than a lesser job
Defectors have to sensationalise their stories if not they'll be sent back to North Korea by the the South Korean govt
Card carrying Republicans can only say they worship Donald Trump
“ after my only son/only family member died, I became so lonely I couldn’t handle it so I then searched for people who could use my help and I think thats what made me a good volunteer”…. The reaction and attitude is completely different from what I would hear from the avg westerner if they were in her shoes.
I do not know what you are talking about. People come from all walks of life. No matter where you live, which country you are from, whether you are rich or poor, people do face or struggle about something in their lives. There are a lot of westerner volunteers if you google it. If you don't know, ask or google. Don't make an ASSumption or false generalization. People could say the same thing about Asians.
That's a pretty horrible generalisation and one that really goes against the spirit of the comment you're lauding, almost as if you're exactly the kind of person you're complaining about.
As an American, I agree with you. The vast majority of Americans who complain about loneliness would never volunteer, either at a church or a nonprofit. Even family deaths aside, you see incels complaining about not having a partner but don't work on themselves spiritually. People are so selfish and narcisstic, they want a friend but don't want to be a friend.
I do not agree. Many many many people in the UK who are older turn to volunteering as a way to help them deal with being lonely. It is a normal human action, not one for the east or the west
@@MiguelDLewis i agree. Especially being a native of New York City. Everyone is self absorbed & when they feel down, they expect or want everyone to cater to their needs. However, they dont want to be that person for others.
People often ask me, "North or South?" When I say I was born in Korea. When I refuse to answer, they say, "But North is bad." I am not from North, but that statement really breaks my heart. North Korea has a bad leader but that does not mean North Koreans are bad people. They are same people dreaming of better lives; they are far from nuclear weapons. During COVID pandemic, I could not visit my mother living in Korea, then i could understand these people's sorrow - this let me doubt whether "it was really worthy to escape?" Probably yes for some but not for all
❤️ agree, people who ask that are ignorant tbh.. north or south, you’re still one people.
Heart-breaking and tragic. Such huge re-adjustments. May these lovely 'defectors' find success, acceptance and a good life from now on.
This was so sad, as someone else with no one else in the world I absolutely feel their pain and it was nice to know I am not the only one.
Praying you to find comfort and no longer feel alone :)
It's so sad they literally descend form the same families...they should treat them as brothers and sisters
I wish this girl all the best. She is so sweet, and she is suffering because of the traumas from the past. Pray for the North Koreans.
I have read many memoirs about those escape, it is a shock to the system. South Korea should be prepared for the eventual fall of the North and the reunification.
It’s sad & heartbreaking hearing how difficult adjusting to life is for many NK defectors, but if asking “was it worth it?” makes me wonder if they really grasp how life is really like for N. Koreans. If they did, they’d know it always A million times yes, it’s been worth it escaping NK. Life in NK isn’t living, it’s prolonging death.
Life in N K like a dumpster 🤣🤣🤣
It's worse than hell.
Neah, in North Korea the state gives you a job and a plce to stay, they have many advantages
@@thegreatreaper8840 you are delusional. a place to live with limited or no electricity? the "job" is limited based on your status in NK society. you can never do better.
@@dianayount2122 better than to live in a cardboard box
This program is heart wrenching. I feel so very sorry for these people. They risked their lives for freedom, but now they are so alone and lost. It lets one think how thankful you should be to be born and to live in a free society. 🇿🇦
I live in the US and I wish I could help that lady that is depressed and lives alone. I only speak and write English but there has to be a way I can help her ( help with a little funds, gifts, letters to be translated, etc.). Anyone know how I can go about this? Im a 61 yr old lady and am also lonely.
I’m sure you could donate to a defector charity? Be careful though. That’s very kind of you
미국인이 운영하는 탈북자 영어 교육 단체가 있다고 해요. 찾아 보시고 봉사자로 지원 하시면 될 것 같아요! 신의 가호를 빕니다.
There should be a pen pal service …
The sad irony is that they can never go back, never see the friends and familiarity they leave behind. It is not like a British migrate to Australia or vice versa. They have to get used to the life no matter what.
how beautiful are those volunteer's prerogative, so pure.
The FACT you have to escape and NOT leave and come as you please as a citizen speaks on the free movement of human beings since beginning of time- To restrict the movement of human beings is in itself is a crime against human beings in every sense-
Why don’t they link up defectors? Create their own support group? They will be the only ones who understand their collective experience.
You may end up creating fringe societies. The best solution is integration but instead of just putting defectors through a 3-month boot camp, they should educate South Koreans about their cousins from the North. After the training camp, a system that provides a more experienced defector buddy and/or a resident mentor would go a long way to ease the transition.
@@user-km6wm4et1xVolunteer host families (like the ones used with exchange students) would also help with a smoother transition.
"When you defect,you need brace yourself for death".This woman born to win,not lose
I loved the middle age lady. The one who lost her only son. Such a champion. Look for the helpers. I did not intent to watch this doco, but it was so engrossing. Thank you ABC, there is still some talent the LNP has not managed to destroy! There is a deep lesson here too, one nation, but two different ideologies. We in the generic 'west' need to pay heed so we do not believe the smell of our own farts. Always question why you believe what you think you believe. We are not immune from brainwashing.
as a south korean, every other family has a bit far relatives in north korea. unfortunatly the close relationships have been faded out in these days since korean war. even though we do our best to understand and offer them with lots of provisions, still they may think it is not enough. honestly, we always welcome our north relatives any time due to the steep collapse of our population in south korea.
Will they be supported by government to get education and life supports ?
@@angelica4770 yes. After an arrival investigation, which is a kind of official process, everyone can have free housing and some allowance. Also even all south korean universities have some special admission shares for them. Of course, we south koreans are very happy to support them as long as they are trying to settle down here. But at the same time they also have to know all these financial assistances are from our tax.
@@nanyoungkim444저는 한국 사람이에요. 미국에서 있어요. They are our people. We must take care of them.
as a soviet korean I can say all this situation is blowing my mind. 25 million koreans live in a big jail and are fed with crazy illusions how bad the outside world is and how happy they live in N.Korea. It`s like a gigantic humiliation over korean people.
I can somewhat relate to what these people have experienced. I have left ussr in the early nineties when the borders have only just opened. The economic situation back in Russia was pretty bad at the time but I've found myself isolated, discriminated and alienated by the unfamiliar surroundings and people in the West. I now live affluent and privileged life thanks to my Western husband who is the love of my life (I married him when he was a poor student) but I will never forget those years when it felt like I was crawling through broken glass
Sending virtual hugs.. I respect your courage and determination.
This was a heartfelt and transparent documentary. I pray when they escape from the REGIME…please receive them with kindness and dignity because it was probably a horrific experience. The individuals who made it out 😥 I also hope and pray a door is opened for you to accomplish your goals and dreams. 🙏🏽❤️🔥
Thankyou for showing us your difficult lives. I wish you much health and happiness. ♥️🙏 🌈
I found this episode to be informative and thought provoking. I have heard before of the culture shock which many North Koreans experience in South Korea. The division of Korea was and still is a by-product of super power rivalry and sphere of influence competition. The victims of that rivalry have been ordinary Koreans who have been treated like pawns on a chessboard. I hope this will be resolved in the years to come.
VERY well put together! The questions were great. The production, the story line….. Great job to all that contributed.
Heartbreaking 😭
Thank you for giving voice to those who were smothered for too long.. They only need Love and shelter
My heart is breaking for the women who left her son alone and eventually dead
As a daughter of a South Korean I realize how lucky I am to have been born on the south side of that boarder.
♥️♥️♥️♥️. God bless those brave souls & the voulnteers helping them. I was surprised South Korea doesn't have free health care. God Bless them again 🙏🏼
Me too... the care of these defectors is actually appalling
I fell sorry for the old lady who give all she can for his son to give him a good life
Great Video, but in all seriousness at 17:50, you cannot tell a depressed/ PTSD person to just go out. That’s not how depression works. South Koreans really need more education on metal health issues.
those who tell her are North Koreans defectors voluntering. They do what they can, and I think it is so heartwarming. I mean, they're not health profesionals, they just help people visiting them, checking on them, helping cleaning the house. And that's so nice. it's a way to create comunity, help themselves and help others to realese a bit of loneliness. Of course it will be great they could have mental health help.
The plight of the north Korean people hits me harder than any other Injustice going on today. I can't imagine another time or place where people have been oppressed for so long under such horrible conditions they forget how to live.
pick up a history book, there are plenty of instances in time.
@@nagoreacedo2196 sounds like something that someone can't give me a single example would say.
@@Blankoid82 slavery of Africans in the Americas, theocratical regime in Iran, the apartheid system in South Africa, the present apartheid system in Israel, present day Turkmenistan…. etc etc
@@nagoreacedo2196 the prolonged, man made separation of the Korean people is unlike anything throughout history. North Korea is a major gateway to the next war for a very unique reason. No other country has been separated for so long the people no longer see one another as the same nationality. They weren't bought or traded, the fact there was no real reasoning behind the 38th parallel. You can also add onto that the entire history of Islamic conflict if you're going to mention that at all.
@@Blankoid82 have you heard of slavery in the Americas and the forced separation of families and what they had to endured? That’s just 1 example of not so distant history. There are plenty of examples.
19:48 mins that practical human kindness visit, though only 30 minutes, it means the world to that individual. Thank you all. That is God's love in action, via yourselves. Respect is earned.
Thanks for doing this
Bi-lingual (if not tri-lingual), in uni, an artist, a cellist, a survivor. Mom, you did good ❤
Grass is always greener on the other side. I had a Cuban neighbour who moved to Florida some years ago. One day he came to me and said he was moving back to Cuba with his family saying it was hard making a living here and that his life in Cuba was actually not that bad.
Not even close to similar, ppl who flee North Korea and get cought and bought back are put in prison or work canps because it illegal to leave the country
North Korea is hell on earth.Period.
Sometimes I think about how special the North Korean defectors are. It's similar when I think about the Inuit people of the Arctic. There's no one in the world like them, but they also have suicides among their youth. I wish both groups knew how incredibly special and unique their small populations are among the 8 billion people of the Earth.
Well Said… From Alaska
Exactly. :) if you watch k-drama, “crash landing on you” is one of my top favs - must watch.
when the country you defected can't call a home, and can't accept you genuinely, that is tough. I'm still blessed born in the Philippines. less depression more happiness.
It's never too late for mother and daughter. You cannot recapture the years, cannot change the past, but can learn to communicate and understand each other and the love between you can grow. Please try.
Great Documentary 👍.
Escaping a totalitarian regime is always worthwhile, let alone North Korea.
this made me very emotional, i wish that this old depressed woman is MUCH happier now, getting the help she so deserves, friendships and laughter. Everybody deserves a chance at happiness. My heart is breaking!
Man, I feel it for these people!
God bless each and every one of these people 🙏
North Koreans have had the misfortune of being born there and their life predicaments are no fault of their own. I believe they should by accepted by South Koreans and helped to assimilate, not treated badly and as outcasts. It's the luck of the draw as to where we are born, some of us are so much more fortunate and it should be everyone's duty to help those less fortunate. How about some compassion!
Misfortune of being born somewhere, some family, some country …, it applies to a lot more places than just North Korea.
@@JuanGarcia-bz8zx I know it does for sure. I am fortunate and grateful to have been born in Canada. And feel for those in different circumstances.
I dont agree with the Kim regime at all, but being born under unfavorable circumstances isnt _all_ gloom and doom. It makes u mentally stronger, it makes communities more close knit, it makes u more resourceful and promotes creative thinking, and thinking outside the box. It also makes u more resilient. It can also be an advantage, like claiming benefits like scholarships, or gaining sympathy.
@@dbuc4671 agree but some situations can simply seem to be, or be hopeless. Not sure how many of us could actually have success escaping that regime and it appears very difficult for those that do. Compassion from your neighbour would go a long way.
@@karencrozier7253 but yes I definitely do agree its generally better to be born in a developed, free country. there are upsides, but its a net negative, yes.
The defectors all seem like wonderful, sweet and kind people. God bless them all. Much love. I'm also glad they find some small sense of safety and freedom in South Korea, thanks to the defector program and their willingness to try and resettle thousands of traumatized individuals. It may not be perfect, but there aren't very many countries in the world that would do this for citizens from an "enemy" state.
This is a WILD question!! I haven't ever heard a great story from a native of North Korea
Seeing the volunteers hold her hand brought me to tears. Gosh I wish she could join them in volunteering. Helping others helps us.
좋은 내용 잘 봤습니다. I enjoyed the good content.
Beautiful souls
Thank God for volunteers!
After reading some comments below I am under the impression that people think South Koreans discriminate against North Koreans. That can't be further from the truth. South Koreans are very compassionate and supportive of North Korean defectors. It's usually the case that North Koreans lack the skills to excel in a technologically advanced hyper competitive society. It's not discrimination. Anyway, it is so sad that N. Koreans have to defect to S. Korea just to escape the harsh realities of their country. It shouldn't be that way.
I don't think the discrimination resides in the fact that knowing how to use technology is essential to find a job in SK. And I don't blame the South Korean people for not understanding North Koreans (I mean, I come from a place that is impacted by migratory flows and I have realized that not everyone can be empathetic and understand other people's struggle). However, I think more needs to be done to ensure better integration of North Koreans in the SK society. I don't think a 3-month training is enough to make them understand their host society and 'fit in'. They are resilient and hard-working but they need some help to overcome their struggles and feel like they are part of their host society.
Dang I cried
Honestly there is no easy solution. Life is just so different. I really wish well for them.
I love the way the volunteers touch the isolated woman so much. She's in a terribly rough spot and the volunteer team is brilliant.
Was not prepared to actually start crying
The lady dying in her apartment all by herself, with just the group of volunteers coming to help her, got me crying. God bless those volunteers.
It's so sad that south Koreans treat north Koreans like outsiders. Surely they should realise that if someone is from North Korea they must of had a very rough road in life just to get to South Korea.
protect Chumni and volunteer grandma at all costs!
So adjusting to life affects several generations. I never saw it from that perspective. Great doc!
my godness....thank you so much for the documentary and the rare inside of these societies...
This is heartbreaking
Can we set up a pen pal service via the volunteers? I can’t write Korean but we have google translate now… couldn’t people email letters via them? Obv giving their addresses out wouldn’t be a good idea for their safety but the lonely lady could have some regular contact when she can’t get out
Parts of this are just heart breaking. Other parts create incredible optimism and hope. What a grim, desolate place.
10:19 - does everyone have to use the Seoul dialect? Given that celebrities from other cities like Gwangju, Busan, Daegu and Jeju are forced to learn and use the Seoul dialect, it seems to be the case as well for defectors from the North - a centralization by force, similar to what France and China have been doing for decades.
It also be blame for South Korean Ignorance against North Korean, while some North korean risk their life to see what south korea look like, South korean on the other hand doesn't even care about the North because all they know is they threaten the South with nuclear weapon, that type of threat is a deaf ear to the South korean as they only worry about their country economy, education and lifestyle. The 2 countries is more distance than you think, Economically, Culturally and Lifestyle, one is a "Tech Empire" who rule by the younger generation the other is "Stuck in Time" and rule by the older generation
it is usual for countires to have one standard way of language, same goes for RP in Britain and American Standard English. Accents are not always easy to understand, and especially if you work in media, it is a usual requirement across most countries.
It’s not that the newly arrived people from N Korea are forced to use Seoul dialect, they’re simply taught how so that people in S Korea can understand their speech more easily. The basic language is the same but a lot of words and phrases are significantly different, to the point where if they don’t know the main dialect it can be very frustrating for them trying to communicate. Seoul is by far the place with the most job opportunities and people from elsewhere in S Korea can easily understand the Seoul dialect, so it’s just a matter of practicality.
저도 경상도 출신이고 서울 사는데 사투리 쓰는거 지적한 사람이 종종 있어요. 하지만 사람의 성장 배경에 따라서는 충분히 무시할 만한 자존감을 가지는데 북한에서 오신 분들은 그게 힘들 것 같아요. 한국만 해도 전라도 분들은 그런 지적을 더 못 견디다고 하더라구요. 이게 다수가 되면 해결이 되는데 ㅠ
Ya, that's sad. I guess it protects them, but it should be embraced. It's the same in Japan more or less, you don't flaunt your accent or dialect. In Asia, most people admire the most sophisticated places/cities and stress conformity. I love accents, but in Canada we have very few (other than the French-accented English). When I hear them I love it! But they're disappearing. Soon we'll lament the loss of our differences....
0:29: 🇰🇷 The DMZ in Korea divides North and South Korea, with people risking their lives to escape from the North. 7:13: 📺 North Korean defectors in South Korea face challenges in integrating into society and living up to the glamorous image portrayed in South Korean soap operas. 13:08: 😔 North Korean defectors face challenges in adjusting to life in South Korea due to lack of support and limited opportunities. 21:07: 💔 Soojin and her daughter Chunmi escaped North Korea but were separated, leading to a strained relationship. Recap by Tammy AI
As a person of color- I have a hard time wrapping my head around the discrimination against someone who looks just like you. It reminds me of Ireland and the clashes simply due to religion. It's sad- we humans everywhere will go out of our way to find the differences before we look for the similarities.
Well said, true indeed.
Don't forget Germany.
In the UK the accent you speak with matters a lot, and the USA is becoming like this also. Right now the US has less social mobility than the UK does, our life expectancy is decreasing, and it's showing every indication of becoming a Dickensian, class-bound, society.
This is somewhat unrelated but I remember a comment some one saying before that within the art world, people did a test and noticed how everyone is always quickly noticing the differences/flaws instead of the opposite. Turns out within scientific theory it is normal and human nature for us as the brains themselves are programmed to see the flaws before the beauty of it.
Hmmm discrimination is everywhere, just in different forms. Let’s say in many Asian countries beauty privilege is normal. If you are not a beauty standard kid, u should not do something that implicitly reserved for the good looking people. You can try but there’s no guarantee that you won’t be the talk of the town for your boldness. People judge you by the way you dress as well. If you are lazy to dress up and go to the high end store, you could easily be looked down or ignored. Hm… in many Asian countries some products are very popular such as whitening cream. People do not want to have dark skin because that associates with negativity. It’s sad but discrimination from within can be intense but people get used to it and do not bring it up.
Thank you for sharing this story with us. I can only hope the future brings you peace and comfort. 🙏🏻🕊💙❤️🕉✝️
It's so heartbreaking to see defectors suffering like this. Even atheist like me pray to God to take care of them.
What kind of god allows an entire country of people to suffer like this?
@@leiladash that's why I'm atheist bro
Do you have details for that volunteer organistation? do they accept donations?
This video is as much a commentary on South Koreans attitudes as it is North Koreans struggles in their society, if the two Koreas ever peacefully reunited, what would happen then? I think they need to make a plan before it happens. Blessings
You have a model system for that: the two Germanies. Needless to say... it didn't go all that well and both sides are still struggling. It will take, at least, one more generation for full integration. But then... an open society can integrate anybody within one or two generations if you allow for the fact that there are always racists and tribal idiots around.
If you ever hear a survivor of NK say they miss it. It's definitely not bc life in the south is making them feel that way. It's definitely because they are guilty for leaving loved ones bc they could be killed.
You don't get to list their reasons for them. Sheesh. The only thing worse than dictating how people should feel is dictating the reasons for their feelings. The dictators need to sit down.
I'm in Anerica and alone, heck no one comes to visit me or check on me. Its like i live in a foreign country alone.
I feel so sad now. My heart was so broken by the elderly lady on her own. And then Chumis story hit me so hard. I hope she continues to thrive and one day her and mum can mend their relationship.
The people going to visit the defectors and helping them motivating them is so being human..May God bless such people and may there be peace in everyone's life...🙂
As a similar immigrant on Australia, I also sometimes have been experiencing
Let her channel go viral, let's help her!
change can come from within.
Receiving citizenship, a house, and money, along with free education, just for coming to Korea is considered more generous compared to benefits offered by any other country, in my opinion. Are there any countries that provide a brand new house, citizenship, and money immediately upon arrival without any additional conditions or requirements?
Ukraininas in Canada have it pretty good too, not as good as you mentioned but pretty close.
People deserve the right to be heard. There is so much to be learned from people that have to be free from this place. We all deserve the right to be treated as human beings not just surving to live in the utmost painful ways
i dont think south korean govt. could be blamed if support for defectors seems "insufficient" i mean, reducation, accommodation, allowance are good entry level support plus south korean have local mouths to feed and support. its the defectors choice of moving out of their country of origin. never expect paradise after getting out of hell. you still need to work extra hard to make their dreams come true.
They’re not expecting paradise, it’s a whole new world for them. North Korea are still living in the 40-50’s, they’re so behind with everything that their own people are out of touch with the basics like using any type of technological devices all down to mannerisms, social and cultural attitudes, having to re-learn every single thing as an adult, all the way to education - On top of that without family support of course it’d be difficult to adjust South Korean way of life. At the end of the day they are still one people.. regardless of the DMZ.
I adore that woman who became a volunteer leader. What a heart. And the one they visit also. 🖤🖤
What's the name of ChunMi's channel. She's so inspiring. That 2nd life to her ❤ i feel so relieved when her seaside attempt failed. But at the same time felt very sad with her story.
I always wondered if I was a N Korean defector when I was abandoned 8 days after my birth date. Regardless I think my birth mother loved me enough for hopes I live better. If I never was adopted I can't imagine how my life would have been but I'm thinking I wouldn't have been afforded the opportunities I was given by my adopted family.
I hope this message finds you. If you were adopted by Holt. Do a DNA test ASAP. I recently found out that I am 100 percent North Korean/ soviet. My mother defected and many babies were stolen by Protestant White Brokers. It’s a big secret within the adoption community that USA and SK tried to coverup but no longer can anymore. Good luck comrade❤❤❤❤
Ive been to s korea but never n korea It reminds of philippines Restrictions on travel Only allowed to work abroad with government permission Extremely low wages and high prices for many items Many people earn only enough to buy some rice Both peoples trying to escape for a better life
North Korea is so much worse than the Philippines. Filipinos don't get shot when they watch foreign media or use the internet. Filipinos are traveling the world without their families getting punished by the government. The Philippines have poverty and crime but not mass starvation nor mass malnutrition This is NOT a Good comparison.
People from the Philippines can't leave without permission?? 😮
@@ethnikistar difficult Many get offloaded Remember the case of woman at NAIA they asked for her high school yearbook??!! If you try to go to Malaysia and look for a job on your own without philippines permission ofw the philippines government will be angry Like they own you
@@ethnikistar ask me anything I like Greek people😇😀😊
@@baikushex0et682 I have friends from the Philippines too, great people, sad to hear about this, I didn't know!
Excellent reporting and doc TY 👍