North Korean Refugee Stories: Meet Mi Hyun
Mi Hyun recalls having a difficult life ever since she was young. Her parents separated when she was only seven, and she was not allowed to live with her sister, whom she could only see occasionally in secret with her father’s help. This lack of freedom grew as Mi Hyun got older and realized how she was not truly free in North Korea. She couldn’t watch TV freely, couldn’t make phone calls to other countries, and was not allowed to speak out against the unfairness she saw all around her.
What if she wanted to wear shorts? She couldn’t. What about earrings? In her area, women weren’t allowed to until just a few years ago. Things like this and the encouragement of her family led to her eventual escape from North Korea. She only stayed in China for a short while, but everywhere she looked, she saw freedom– freedom of movement and freedom to dress as one wished.
Mi Hyun was able to make it safely out of China and will soon be safe and free in South Korea, where she plans to study. She knew that in North Korea, even if you were smart and studied hard, it wouldn’t be of much use, but she’s heard that it’s not the case in South Korea. She’s confident that she can better her life through education.
Thank you to Hugo and Julia Marx for supplying the funds for Mi Hyun’s rescue. Your efforts have changed her life and have provided the opportunity for her to enjoy this new LIBERTY.
