Episode
#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
2:32:07
Published: Mon Apr 17 2023
Description
Yeonmi Park is an activist and author who fled to the United States after being a victim of sex trafficking. Park recounts her oppressive childhood in North Korea, starved and without electricity. She remembers how the lights of neighboring countries gave her hope for a better life. She spares no detail when explaining what a society under a ruthless dictator, mass killings, and delusional propaganda looks like. Yeonmi takes us through her harrowing journey being smuggled out of North Korea only to meet a new terrifying reality - the Chinese sex trade. Park speaks frankly about the realities of survival in captivity and the pain she carries with her still today. We wrap up with her rescue by missionaries and her first brush with freedom in Times Square. Yeonmi illuminates some hard truths and warns of the signs of communism seeping into the United States. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://hvmn.com - USE CODE "SHAWN" https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://mudwtr.com/shawn - USE CODE "SHAWN" https://mypatriotsupply.com https://blackbuffalo.com - USE CODE "SRS" Yeonmi Park Links: While Time Remains Book - https://amzn.to/3UxPUat Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yeonmi_park/ Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chapters
The podcast host interviews someone who grew up in a wealthy family in North Korea and discusses the oppressive regime.
00:00 - 05:36 (05:36)
Summary
The podcast host interviews someone who grew up in a wealthy family in North Korea and discusses the oppressive regime. The guest describes being part of the upper middle class and how that position differed from others in North Korea.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
In North Korea, one's social and economic status and that of their ancestors can determine their fate forever.
05:36 - 08:30 (02:54)
Summary
In North Korea, one's social and economic status and that of their ancestors can determine their fate forever. The regime under Kim Il-sung classified citizens based on their status and determined the status of their children, leading to a perpetuation of poverty and inequality.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The North Korean election only has one person on the ballot, and people in political prison camps face impossible fate as their guilt passes on to their progeny.
08:30 - 12:53 (04:23)
Summary
The North Korean election only has one person on the ballot, and people in political prison camps face impossible fate as their guilt passes on to their progeny.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker describes violent traditions in certain sports where players become "little pieces of meat" or family members are put in the front row to be attacked with rocks.
12:53 - 19:05 (06:12)
Summary
The speaker describes violent traditions in certain sports where players become "little pieces of meat" or family members are put in the front row to be attacked with rocks.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker reflects on the stories of revolutionary heroes and how they were taught to be revolutionary from a young age, including searching for poop as a job.
19:05 - 25:13 (06:07)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the stories of revolutionary heroes and how they were taught to be revolutionary from a young age, including searching for poop as a job. They also discuss childhood indoctrination and how children are taught to be revolutionary rather than just being children.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
Learn about the traditional seasonal foods consumed in certain parts of the world during different times of the year, while also discovering the benefits of Gerber Life's all-in-one family finance solutions.
25:13 - 31:32 (06:19)
Summary
Learn about the traditional seasonal foods consumed in certain parts of the world during different times of the year, while also discovering the benefits of Gerber Life's all-in-one family finance solutions. Note, an ad for Gerber Life is included in the transcript.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker compares living in North Korea to living in a Truman Show and mentions the lack of freedom and knowledge of the outside world.
31:32 - 37:47 (06:14)
Summary
The speaker compares living in North Korea to living in a Truman Show and mentions the lack of freedom and knowledge of the outside world.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker talks about the beautiful propaganda culture of Kim Il-sung in North Korea, where even though he was a bad dictator, he was portrayed as a loving leader who cared for his people.
37:47 - 46:19 (08:32)
Summary
The speaker talks about the beautiful propaganda culture of Kim Il-sung in North Korea, where even though he was a bad dictator, he was portrayed as a loving leader who cared for his people. The vivid propaganda worked on people's logic and emotions, even when it contradicted the reality of piles of human bodies stacking up in hospitals.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The transcript includes an advertisement for Black Buffalo, which offers nicotine/tobacco products for consumption by adults 21+ and a mention of ketone supplements that help boost workouts by using fatty acids for fuel.
46:20 - 49:33 (03:13)
Summary
The transcript includes an advertisement for Black Buffalo, which offers nicotine/tobacco products for consumption by adults 21+ and a mention of ketone supplements that help boost workouts by using fatty acids for fuel.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
State-enforced denunciation in North Korea can break the bond of trust between family members, leading to a general sense of distrust in society.
49:33 - 54:50 (05:16)
Summary
State-enforced denunciation in North Korea can break the bond of trust between family members, leading to a general sense of distrust in society. People are forced to constantly watch their behavior and denounce others to avoid being accused themselves.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
A firsthand account details the brutal punishment methods employed in North Korean schools, including collective guilt and physical beatings.
54:50 - 58:54 (04:04)
Summary
A firsthand account details the brutal punishment methods employed in North Korean schools, including collective guilt and physical beatings.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
A North Korean defector shares her experience of escaping the country to find food for her starving family.
58:54 - 1:04:26 (05:32)
Summary
A North Korean defector shares her experience of escaping the country to find food for her starving family.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The increased technology of facial recognition cameras, landmines and electrified fences has made escaping North Korea nearly impossible.
1:04:26 - 1:09:19 (04:52)
Summary
The increased technology of facial recognition cameras, landmines and electrified fences has made escaping North Korea nearly impossible. Those who try to escape face risking their lives in political prison camps.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
This excerpt discusses how human trafficking is not a new phenomenon and how it has evolved over time to become a major problem around the world, turning traffickers into powerful figures.
1:09:19 - 1:14:05 (04:46)
Summary
This excerpt discusses how human trafficking is not a new phenomenon and how it has evolved over time to become a major problem around the world, turning traffickers into powerful figures. The speaker shares a personal story of how his mother was sold to an unstable man in a farming town.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
A North Korean defector shares her story of being trafficked in China and the desperate choices she faced to keep her family safe.
1:14:05 - 1:17:11 (03:06)
Summary
A North Korean defector shares her story of being trafficked in China and the desperate choices she faced to keep her family safe. She was asked to become a mistress in exchange for her mother’s freedom and to seek help in finding her sister and father.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker talks about riding in a car with no suspension and then praises the ingredients in Mudwater for helping people feel better.
1:17:12 - 1:23:28 (06:16)
Summary
The speaker talks about riding in a car with no suspension and then praises the ingredients in Mudwater for helping people feel better.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker recounts a story of eating food quickly in preparation for a perceived week-long absence, reflecting on how gratitude for the small things in life can lead to greater happiness.
1:23:28 - 1:27:14 (03:46)
Summary
The speaker recounts a story of eating food quickly in preparation for a perceived week-long absence, reflecting on how gratitude for the small things in life can lead to greater happiness.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker describes being a witness to the sexual abuse and exploitation of girls by a man in North Korea.
1:27:14 - 1:31:21 (04:07)
Summary
The speaker describes being a witness to the sexual abuse and exploitation of girls by a man in North Korea.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker shares their experience of dealing with water shortages and learning to conserve water before the cut-offs.
1:31:21 - 1:35:14 (03:53)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience of dealing with water shortages and learning to conserve water before the cut-offs. They also share their fear of being assaulted in their community.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker shares their experience of taking care of their father who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed away soon after.
1:35:14 - 1:38:25 (03:11)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience of taking care of their father who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed away soon after. They discuss the difficulty of fighting for someone's life when you know they are going to die soon.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
Livestreaming culture in South Korea has a dark side, where young women are expected to perform sexual acts for paying viewers.
1:38:26 - 1:43:56 (05:30)
Summary
Livestreaming culture in South Korea has a dark side, where young women are expected to perform sexual acts for paying viewers. Many men pay to chat with these women and ask them to show their bodies, and women are often lured into this world with the promise of financial security.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
A North Korean refugee shares her perspective on the role of missionaries in her country, describing how they believed in something they didn't see and came to rescue people in the name of God.
1:43:56 - 1:48:17 (04:21)
Summary
A North Korean refugee shares her perspective on the role of missionaries in her country, describing how they believed in something they didn't see and came to rescue people in the name of God.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker reflects on the overwhelming compassion felt during her trip to South Korea, which surpassed any emotions she had experienced before.
1:48:17 - 1:55:18 (07:01)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the overwhelming compassion felt during her trip to South Korea, which surpassed any emotions she had experienced before. She also discusses the challenges that North Korean defectors face when they come to America.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
A woman shares her story of overcoming challenges and finding strength, while emphasizing the importance of perspective and recognizing opportunities.
1:55:19 - 2:02:09 (06:49)
Summary
A woman shares her story of overcoming challenges and finding strength, while emphasizing the importance of perspective and recognizing opportunities.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker recalls visiting Tyler, Texas, as part of a mission group and wearing a Korean traditional pink dress to give a speech.
2:02:09 - 2:05:44 (03:35)
Summary
The speaker recalls visiting Tyler, Texas, as part of a mission group and wearing a Korean traditional pink dress to give a speech. This experience eventually led to a book offer from Penguin Random House.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker reflects on the potential of humanity and what individuals are capable of achieving when given freedom, using the example of the great buildings in New York built by individuals looking to leave a lasting mark.
2:05:44 - 2:09:32 (03:48)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the potential of humanity and what individuals are capable of achieving when given freedom, using the example of the great buildings in New York built by individuals looking to leave a lasting mark.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker emphasizes the importance of dating around, in order to self-actualize and understand what one likes.
2:09:32 - 2:15:09 (05:37)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of dating around, in order to self-actualize and understand what one likes. They reflect on their own attraction to certain people and the value of experimenting with different options.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker argues that in South Korea, hard work is valued and rewarded, but in America, the focus on diversity and equity undermines hard work and destroys civilization.
2:15:09 - 2:19:16 (04:06)
Summary
The speaker argues that in South Korea, hard work is valued and rewarded, but in America, the focus on diversity and equity undermines hard work and destroys civilization.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker questions the benefits of capitalism by highlighting the disparities in society and the excesses it produces, exemplified by a student at Columbia wearing expensive yoga pants while detoxing on green juice.
2:19:16 - 2:26:16 (07:00)
Summary
The speaker questions the benefits of capitalism by highlighting the disparities in society and the excesses it produces, exemplified by a student at Columbia wearing expensive yoga pants while detoxing on green juice.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
In this podcast, the speaker argues against prioritizing equity over human rights and shares his concerns that this approach could lead society down a dangerous path towards authoritarianism.
2:26:16 - 2:29:58 (03:42)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker argues against prioritizing equity over human rights and shares his concerns that this approach could lead society down a dangerous path towards authoritarianism.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker discusses the importance of being proactive and speaking out against controlling measures in society in order to avoid becoming subject to them, citing examples from North Korea.
2:29:58 - 2:33:48 (03:50)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of being proactive and speaking out against controlling measures in society in order to avoid becoming subject to them, citing examples from North Korea.
Episode#54 Yeonmi Park - Escaping the Horrors of North Korea & the Kim Dynasty
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker discusses an unconfirmed allegation with their sources and expresses that if it is true, it would be a deal-breaker.
2:33:48 - 2:34:58 (01:10)
Summary
The speaker discusses an unconfirmed allegation with their sources and expresses that if it is true, it would be a deal-breaker.