A Reunified
Korean Peninsula

Reunification is often talked about in terms of policy and economics. The five women profiled for this piece can shed light on the kind of profound social impacts reunification would have on their lives.

Five North Korean defectors’

thoughts on reunification

A lot of people from North Korea have negative responses to reunification. I hope both sides can start from the beginning or zero…not focusing on the past or saying who was worse. Also I hope we can at least travel freely across borders. That would be great.

Lee Yeju

I want reunification, but I have a lot of questions. I wonder how much Kim Jong-un has changed. I don’t think he will ever stop developing nuclear weapons. If we get reunified, I hope the North Korean government doesn’t see us as betrayers. North Korea is the country where I was born, and I had a dream there. I grew up there, and my identity was there. We North Korean defectors are the ones who want to help rebuild North Korea. And I hope they don’t make the foolish decision to see us as betrayers.

Moon Hye In

I don’t have a big hope for reunification, because Kim’s regime doesn’t allow people to see the outside world or let people freely travel across the border to South Korea. They block all outside information into their land. Personally, I want reunification, but I think it is going to be very difficult. Of course, I miss my friends, my parents and my family. Korea is one country, but there is no option now to be one.

Choi Eunbee

I think reunification is an uncomfortable word for younger generations. I hope one day we can travel down here and up there, but we have to build relationships first. Then, reunification will come naturally.

Jessie Kim

I am hopeful for reunification. After we get united, I believe Korea will be a great country. We will benefit a lot from each other economically and politically. South Korea can be helpful for North Korea’s development. Things are very different in North Korea. It is fresh and clean, and South Korea can benefit from the North. If we have good hearts, we can share and we can take care of one another. No one wants a war. North Korea misses us. They believe we are one nation.

Park Jiwon