North Korean Refugee Stories: Meet Dae Jung
As one of our older clients coming through the underground to freedom, it is incredibly inspiring to see the optimism and hope that Dae Jung has for the future. He left China just two months after he turned 72 in order to reunite with one of his children in South Korea and to live in a country where he was free. “I thought I would have to die in China as less than a dog, but now [in South Korea], I can die under my own name.” He was worried about the danger he would face leaving China but decided that the risk would be well worth it.
Free at least, Dae Jung is awaiting resettlement in South Korea where he has big dreams to help others for the rest of his life. At his age, many might be content to retire and take it easy, but he is not content with doing so. He is determined to work hard and be independent.
He has a few thoughts on the situation in North Korea. ʺThe country must work for the people and not in the interest of the few. North Korea was not founded to be the way it is today but has turned out this way because of will of selfish individuals.ʺ Dae Jung does not put the sole blame on KJU for all of NK’s problems but says that there are enough selfish individuals to keep the broken system going.
