Hyeonseo Lee tells the story of her escape from North Korea

Every now and then we hear a poignant story about someone’s escape from Communism. We often forget what that type of economic and government system brings to a society. There was a time when the word itself brought apprehension and fear. This is a story of a young women, Hyeonseo Lee, who escaped into and out of Communism China and North Korea. She was able to finally escape to freedom. In the hearts of many who do succeed, there is the seed of guilt, and a desire to help those they left behind.

Hyeonseo Lee's Personal story
FILMED FEB 2013 • POSTED MAR 2013 • TED2013

Hyeonseo Lee speaks out for those who can’t in her native country of North Korea. She tells of how pride and programming work well in indoctrinating a society.  In fighting for freedom, she almost lost her life, but never lost perspective or hope. Today, for example, Communist China’s economic health is feared more than its economic demise. We were taught Communism doesn't work. It doesn't for those still living in China’s peasantry. Those who once believed a great communist leadership would lead them out of misery. Instead, the same hardships they faced in the past still exist.

The story of Communist North Korea is a sad one. We can remember the joy the world felt when Germany was reunited, and in a way the world feels the same about North and South Korea. They were once one nation and one people. Divided by other countries, against their will, and assimilated into different cultures; North Korea’s intense discipline opposing the South’s thirst for freedom.

 As seen on Examiner.com