Hanaya

Hello everyone! 🌿

It’s been a while since I last posted, and I’m so happy to connect with you all again.

For those who are new here, I am a North Korean defector rebuilding my life in a new society. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has taught me something valuable.

And I have a story to tell. I risked everything to find freedom, following my heart to the man I love.
But here’s the irony—after escaping to a free world, I now find myself living as a military wife in the most heavily guarded place in South Korea: the frontlines of the DMZ, right next to North Korea. 🫡

Having lived in two completely different worlds, I want to share my experiences—
What life was like in North Korea, how I adapted to South Korea, and what it means to live as a military wife in a place where freedom feels both so close and yet so far away.

And now, I have a question for you!
What do you want to know about North Korean defectors?
What are you curious about—our journey, our struggles, or what life is like after we escape? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

This channel is not just about me, but about sharing stories and learning from each other.
A new journey is about to begin, and I hope you’ll be part of it. 💬😊

See you in my next video. Thank you for being here! 💖

6 months ago | [YT] | 61



@terraincognita2221

Will follow your channel. I can relate many if your feelings. Almost 4 decades ago I left my country, East Germany, for freedom. I remember the water faucets in restrooms being a surprise for us just like it happened to you 😂

2 months ago | 2

@l.a.hops7729

I watched your supermarket video this evening. Normally I probably wouldn’t have watched it. After a few months with my mind being twisted by social media when regular media failed I’ve expanded beyond my usual Swiss and French interests of daily life. Today,well yesterday has been the happiest since November 2024…go figure, even though France lost to Germany, the main stage of Tomorrowland burnt down Wednesday and then Caitlyn well …. But France lost only by a penalty kick ( and Germany is my 2nd well 3rd fave) Metallica helped out Tomorrowland with either rigging or speakers and the main stage went on even though there is 14 other stages but I got to view Charlotte de Witte open and close the main stage,and the all star game was actually really cool especially toward the end. Watch your supermarket story and a couple more of your videos made today just that much better. I’m watching the rest hopefullly this morning. PS I’ve always been a comment reader until after November 24. I only spare time for positive comments. Took me a few months to figure that out but life has been better . Um sorry this is so long but I had to get this feeling of hope out of me since I saw your videos which came on the heels of a lot of weird little things happening

2 months ago | 2

@maryjohnson3685

I am following your journey. I have so many questions. Hard to know where to start. To be able to hear from you, what life is really like not what the north korean government tells the world is amazing. Biggest question i have is did your mom and sisters join you in south korea? Where did you meet your husband? Do lots of people attempt to defect? What countries do they try to go to besides South Korea? I wish you all the best in your new life.

2 months ago | 1

@NON_VISI

Hello. Im an American living in California. My parents are Korean. I am fascinated by your story. Thank you for sharing. I will be looking forward to all of your content. 😊. I will be praying for you

3 months ago | 3  

@gonzolupe

I have a few questions: In North Korea how does one pick a mate? Pick a job? Pick your course of studies? Do you have the ability to come together in Church? What happens if you're born with a serious disease? Thank you

2 months ago | 1