The family I lost in North Korea. And the family I gained | Joseph Kim

A Journey from North Korea to Hope

Early Life and Struggles in North Korea

• The speaker recounts being born and raised in North Korea, where poverty was a constant struggle despite feeling loved as the youngest son.

• The onset of the great famine in 1994 led to severe hunger; the speaker recalls wanting to steal food from a child due to desperation.

• On his ninth birthday, he experienced profound sadness when his parents could not provide food, foreshadowing future family tragedies.

• After losing both parents—his father to starvation and his mother who left for China—the speaker became an orphan and homeless at a young age.

• He describes his daily life focused on survival, often scavenging for food while holding onto small hopes that kept him alive.

The Decision to Escape

• After three years of waiting for his sister's return, he decided to escape to China, recognizing that staying meant certain death from starvation.

• Aware of the dangers involved with crossing the border—such as being shot by guards or sent back—he chose to cross during daylight hours for safety reasons.

Life in China

• Upon reaching China at 16 years old, he found life more difficult than expected due to constant fear of deportation back to North Korea.

• He eventually found refuge in an underground shelter for North Koreans where he had regular meals for the first time in years.

Transitioning to America

• An activist helped him escape China and relocate to the United States as a refugee; he faced challenges adapting without knowing English or having formal education.

• A pivotal moment occurred during dinner with his foster family when an act of kindness reminded him of his father's love despite their dire circumstances.

Finding Purpose Through Education

• This experience motivated him to honor his father's sacrifice by committing himself to education; he achieved academic success for the first time in high school.

• He emphasizes that hope is personal and must be cultivated individually; it was this hope that guided him through adversity from North Korea to America.

Joseph Kim's Message of Hope and Resilience

The Importance of Community Support

• Joseph emphasizes that while hope is vital, it is insufficient on its own; support from others is crucial for survival, especially for North Koreans facing hardships.

• He conveys a message of mutual assistance, urging individuals to not only have hope for themselves but also to help one another in difficult times.

• Joseph reflects on his journey, acknowledging the many people who contributed to his success and survival.

Small Acts Can Lead to Big Changes

• He illustrates how even minor acts of kindness can significantly impact someone's life, comparing a piece of bread that satisfies hunger to the hope that sustains life.

• Joseph believes that love and caring actions can save lives, potentially transforming the futures of many individuals like himself.

A Personal Message to His Sister

• Adrian Hong facilitates a heartfelt moment where Joseph addresses his sister directly after nearly ten years apart.

• In an emotional message, Joseph expresses his longing for her return and reassures her of his unwavering hope to reunite one day.

Commitment to Family

• Joseph shares his determination to live happily and study diligently until he sees his sister again, promising not to cry during this hopeful message.

• He also extends a message to his mother, acknowledging their limited time together but affirming her love and prayers for him.