My Love Story by Jung Hee

The first time I met my husband was at a retreat for North Korean defectors in the United States. Though I only saw him briefly during the two days of the retreat, he began to continuously contact me through text and Skype after I went home. We initially connected well because we were both North Korean and maybe it was due to this that we began to depend on each other during difficult times.

Though we had only met in person a few times, when we talked I was able to open my heart to him. We had frequent conversations and began to learn more about one another. North Koreans can be a bit gruff and unromantic, but we’re very sincere. My husband would tell me after every text “I love you,” “sweet dreams,” “only think of me,” or “only dream of me.” I would pretend to begrudgingly give in, but returned his affections. When we Skyped, he would always tell me that he loved me and send heart emoticons via chat at the end of the call. I was very happy and suddenly found myself waiting for his messages every day.

My husband and I lived far apart at the time. It would take 24 hours to drive to see one another, therefore, we could only have contact through Skype or texting. The people around me didn’t know that I was contacting my husband at the time and would frequently arrange meetings with other men on my behalf. When I told this to my husband, he quickly booked a flight to see me because he was afraid he might lose me to someone else. The people around me met my husband and all agreed that we would be a good match. A wedding date was quickly set and we got married just a month after he arrived.

Usually, North Koreans aren’t able to say that they love one another because it’s a bit embarrassing. For people who have grown up in the United States and have grown up hearing those words, it might be easy to say, but for North Korean people it isn’t. However, my husband and I say “I love you” every morning and night, before we hang up the phone, and before and after work. I want to tell everyone that every person differs in the way they express their love, but being considerate and taking the first step to love will return that love two, no, tenfold.

God gave us a son as a wedding present. Today, my husband and I live very happily watching our son grow every day.

-Jung Hee

Learn more about Jung Hee’s life HERE.