Who is Yeonmi Park? Know more about activist and popular North Korean defector as she opens up about her journey to the US

Meet Yeonmi Park, a brave North Korean defector turned activist who is sharing her story of coming to the US. Yeonmi's journey is inspiring and shows the strength of the human spirit.

Published on Mar 06, 2024  |  04:38 PM IST |  50.3K
(Image Courtesy: Facebook)
Image Courtesy: Facebook/ Yeonmi Park
Key Highlight
  • Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector, embarked on a perilous journey to freedom at the age of 13
  • Their escape from North Korea was driven by desperate need for survival rather than freedom
  • Yeonmi resides in the United States, where she serves as powerful voice advocating for human rights

Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector turned activist and author, has captivated audiences around the world with her harrowing story of escape from the oppressive regime in North Korea. Park was born on October 4, 1993, in Hyesan, Ryanggang, North Korea, during a time of hardship and suffering caused by the North Korean famine, as per the Chronicle. 

Escape from North Korea 

Park, then 13, embarked on a perilous journey to freedom, fleeing to China with her mother in 2007. Escape was motivated not by a desire for liberty, but by a desperate need to survive. They evaded authorities and sought refuge in a Christian shelter after crossing the border into China with the assistance of brokers. 

However, their ordeal wasn't over. When Park and her mother arrived in China, they were sold into sex slavery and endured two years of unimaginable suffering before being rescued by Christian missionaries and taken to Mongolia.  

Crossing the perilous Gobi Desert in subzero temperatures, Park defied the odds and eventually found refuge in South Korea. 


Controversy and criticism 

Park's perseverance and will to advocate for human rights have elevated her to international prominence. Her memoir, In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom, which was published in 2015, shed light on the regime's atrocities and received widespread acclaim. 

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Despite her efforts to raise awareness, Park has faced criticism about the veracity of her claims. Journalists and scholars have questioned the veracity of her stories, pointing out inconsistencies and contradictions. Park attributed the discrepancies to translation issues and poor memory. 


A voice for change 

Despite the controversy, Park continues to promote her message of freedom and resilience. She uses speeches, podcasts, and her YouTube channel, Voice of North Korea by Yeonmi Park, to raise awareness of the oppressed's plight and inspire others to take action. 

Meanwhile, Yeonmi Park's journey from North Korea to America shows how strong people can be even when things are really tough. She keeps speaking up for freedom and fairness, and her story gives hope to anyone who wants things to get better. 

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Know more about Yeonmi Park:

Why did Yeonmi Park flee North Korea?
Yeonmi and her mother fled North Korea in 2007 due to the dire conditions and famine gripping the country.

Where does Yeonmi Park currently live?
Yeonmi currently resides in the United States, where she continues her activism and advocacy work.

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About The Author

Sakina is a seeker of truth and uncovers hidden perspectives, ensuring her readers are not just informed but

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