The life of North Korean defector.
She is born North Korea in 1993. At an early stage, she lives in a rural area name Hyesang alongside her sister Eunmi. Her parents were both working for the officials of North Korea. While on job, the dad found a loophole to live a better life, but the job is illegal, and if get caught, he will be sent off to reeducation camp. Its a place no man would want to live, but the will and strive for a sophisticated life made him took the risk.
During the peak time of their life, she was able to watch certain Hollywood and China movies. The things and materials that is unlawful in North Korea changed her mindset and perception of other countries, opposed to what she was being taught.
Her dad was caught in a smuggling operation and was caught. The mom tried to bribe and rescue the officer in Pyongyang, capital of North Korea leaving both sister at home for weeks, even months. Both sisters struggled until the day the mom came back from the capital, unfortunately without the dad.
Yeonmi and Eunmi plan for their escape to China after their dad was released. Eunmi left without a notice, leaving Yeonmi and parents. While the dad is at home recovering from sickness, both of them tried to find out the whereabouts of Eunmi until they stumble upon a lady. Yeonmi decided to leave North Korea on that night with the mom, leaving the dad.
After risking their life to cross to China, they tried to uncover the tracks to her sister. A human trafficker threaten both of them, and in the end Yeonmi mom offered herself to be please by the man. Later, Yeonmi was raped, but was living selling off some smugglers as she learn Mandarin. The rapist/smuggler brought Yeonmi dad however he passed away later.
Next, she sneak into Mongolia. Both Yeonmi and mom wasn't let on by the border guards, so they threaten to suicide right infront of guards. They thrivingly entered Mongolia with terms and condition and was fly to Seoul. Both of them reunited with Eunmi in South Korea.
Yeonmi in One Young World Summit 2014, Ireland.