In Order to Live
A North Korean girl’s harrowing journey from oppression to freedom.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Unimaginable hardships in North Korea
- The illegal cross into China
- Life as a refugee in China
- The dangerous journey to South Korea
- Understanding freedom and human rights
- Becoming a human rights activist
- Strive for change and betterment
key point 1 of 7
Unimaginable hardships in North Korea
Living in North Korea is a series of unimaginable hardships, a life dominated by the brutal regime and its stringent regulations. The populace lives in an atmosphere of intense fear and paranoia, constantly under surveillance by the regime’s agents. This atmosphere is further exacerbated by the regime’s constant propaganda, encouraging citizens to inform on each other, even their own family members. The resulting environment is one of deep mistrust and isolation, where one’s nearest neighbors or closest family members could be informants, and where even a single word of criticism against the regime can result in severe punishment or even death. ..Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
The illegal cross into China
In the narrative, the protagonist Yeonmi and her mother make a treacherous journey from North Korea into China, under the cloak of darkness. They are driven by desperation and a looming sense of danger that remains constant. The journey is fraught with obstacles, both physical and emotional. They are forced to traverse treacherous terrains under freezing temperatures, evade the ever-watchful eyes of border guards, and outsmart human traffickers. The fear of being caught and sent back to North Korea is omnipresent, and every step they take towards China is a step taken with trepidation…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Life as a refugee in China
Life as a refugee in China, as narrated in ‘In Order to Live’, is filled with constant fear, daily struggles, and the looming anxiety of getting caught. The narrator and her mother escape from North Korea and illegally cross the border into China. They are not recognized as refugees but as illegal immigrants. As a result, they live in constant fear of being caught and repatriated back to North Korea, where severe punishment or even death awaits them. They move from place to place, living in the shadow, trying to blend in and avoid any attention. They have to be constantly alert of their surroundings and the people they interact with…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
The dangerous journey to South Korea
The treacherous journey to South Korea was laden with numerous challenges and uncertainties. The trip was fraught with peril, from the constant fear of being caught and sent back to North Korea, to the physical and mental hardships endured throughout the journey. Each step was a test of endurance, resilience, and hope. The trip was not a direct one; it involved crossing the Tumen River into China, living in hiding, and then making the dangerous journey to South Korea…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Understanding freedom and human rights
In her striking account, Park Yeonmi emphasizes the lack of freedom and human rights in North Korea, a country that is not only geographically isolated but also ideologically sequestered from the rest of the world. From her childhood, she was taught to revere the Kim regime, without understanding the true nature of a democratic society that values individual freedom. North Koreans were expected to stay loyal and devoted to the state, even at the cost of their own well-being. The oppressive realities of the regime were so deeply ingrained that to question them was inconceivable…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Becoming a human rights activist
The transition into becoming a human rights activist is an arduous journey fraught with challenges and hurdles, yet it is a path marked by a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. This was the case for the protagonist who escaped from a life of repression and hardship to embrace the fight for justice and human dignity. This odyssey unfolded over time, beginning with personal experiences of injustice and violations of human rights. It was these experiences that sowed the seeds of activism and strengthened the resolve to fight for the rights of the oppressed…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Strive for change and betterment
Striving for change and betterment is depicted as a central theme throughout the narrative. The protagonist’s journey from a life of hardship and oppression in North Korea to a life of freedom and opportunity in South Korea and later in the United States epitomizes this tenet. She refuses to accept the status quo and embarks on a perilous journey to escape her circumstances, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination to change her life. Despite the numerous hurdles and obstacles in her path, her unwavering resolve to strive for a better life never falters…Read&Listen More