Resilience Across Borders: A North Korean Refugee’s Journey to Freedom

In Seoul, South Korea, a tale of resilience unfolds as Chae-ran, a 35-year-old woman from North Korea, bravely starts anew after years of hardship. CNN brings us her story, using a pseudonym to safeguard her family’s safety back home and protect her son left behind in China.

Chae-ran’s journey began with a daring escape from North Korea as a teenager, seeking a better life across the border in China. However, her hopes were dashed when she fell into the hands of traffickers, forced into a life of exploitation. Sold to a Chinese farmer, she found herself isolated, unable to communicate, and resigned to her fate.

For nearly two decades, Chae-ran lived under the radar, devoid of legal status or protection, fearing deportation back to North Korea. Despite the challenges, she found odd jobs to survive and connected with other North Korean refugees in similar predicaments.

The pandemic only exacerbated her plight, intensifying surveillance and making survival even more precarious. Facing the harsh realities of life under lockdown and with her son as her only anchor, Chae-ran finally made the decision to escape once again.

With the help of a network of refugees and support from church organizations, she embarked on a perilous journey through several countries, eventually finding refuge in South Korea. Grateful for the support she received, Chae-ran now begins the challenging process of rebuilding her life in a new land, armed with hope and determination.

Yet, her story also sheds light on the plight of countless others still trapped in exploitation and servitude, their paths to freedom narrowing amid the pandemic’s disruption. As Chae-ran forges ahead, her resilience serves as a beacon of hope amidst adversity, inspiring others to dare to dream of a better future.