North Korean Defector On Surviving Beatings, Famine and Public Executions | Minutes With

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Published 2024-07-21
In this episode of Minutes With, we spoke to the remarkable Timothy Cho, a North Korean defector, about his two-time escape from the country run by dictator Kim Jong Un. Timothy explains what it is like to grow up in a 'prison country', where wearing jeans or watching TV could have you killed in a gruesome public execution. Timothy's parents abandon him as a child, leaving him living on the streets and battling starvation during the famine. Incredibly, he manages to escape but is captured by the Chinese Army and brutally tortured for his defection. His incredible journey to freedom ends with the actions of a 13-year-old student who saved his life and granted him the chance to live in democracy.

00:00 - 00:36 - Intro
00:36 - 02:00 - I Miss North Korea
02:00 - 03:30 - Life In A 'Prison Country'
03:30 - 05:24 - I Was Brainwashed
05:24 - 06:47 - Public Executions
06:51 - 09:07 - Abandoned
09:07 - 10:57 - Starvation On The Streets
10:57 - 12:40 - Why I Escaped
12:40 - 15:44 - Fleeing To China
15:44 - 18:00 - Shot At By The Army
18:00 - 21:15 - Tortured For Information
21:15 - 25:00 - Second Escape
25:00 - 29:14 - Captured; I Thought It Was The End
29:14 - 31:22 - Prison Visitor
31:22 - 34:21 - A New Life

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All Comments (21)
  • @LADbible
    Thank you to Timothy Cho for taking part in this episode. Timothy is Co-Secretariat to the UK All Party Parliamentary Group in North Korea (APPG NK) and you can follow him on Instagram @Timothycho2022.
  • That 13 year old girl saved his life. Her parents should be so proud of her.
  • @holly3643
    I know this man and have had the absolute honour of hearing him speak in person about his experiences, the conversation I had with him is one I will never forget. An incredible person, truly!
  • @Atimoskisk
    Absolutely heartbreaking hearing his story. I cried along with him. Thank you LADbible for sharing stories from people who lived through these situations. Can I recommend getting first hand accounts from residential school survivors? I'm Canadian and the history of my people (First Nations) is only now being taught in schools. I think the older generations along with the world needs to hear our stories.
  • @steveharrison76
    The brave kid became a brave man. Strong guy - I’m glad he’s free and safe here.
  • @markeli8226
    I love his smile, it’s so sincere. But I see that he’s smiling through so much pain
  • @krishnavasu3499
    Jeez, the deepest 34 minutes I have ever experienced on YouTube. So heartbreaking, i couldn't help but cry with him. It's horrible how even in the 21st century, things like this exist, especially on a nationwide scale
  • @infamouspain
    Hard to believe this still is reality in 2024, if not worse.
  • Impactful testimony. Thank you for sharing this gentleman's story of survival and strength, really moved me.
  • @Jaya-zn7vr
    Timothy, you evoke such emotional truth. Not because of what you've been through but because of your inner essence. You made me cry and smile. Please keep sharing your story 🧡
  • @chanalexa6923
    Protect the little girl from the international school at ALL cost!!! I’m indeed in tears a 14 yo girl is so mature to know who to ask help for!!
  • @bsnufkin929
    What do you say to a person who experienced so much pain and trauma? I have no words. Timothy, I wish you to never cry again. May the rest of your life bring you only positivity.
  • @johny11150
    Bro had me choking up. Ladbible, you guys keep doing this, this is so important to document.
  • @bintyminty
    Such a brave man! Thank you Timothy for sharing your story and I’m sorry you had to go through that 🫶🏽
  • @albev75
    Sad but so inspiring , how bad a situation must be for parents to leave your child behind . Kudos Timothy Kudos 👏 indeed . Thank you for sharing. Slainte Mhath 💙 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
  • @fimashavin
    Really hurting moments 😢, At least he's free now and hear his voice saying what went behind in his life. Be blessed Cho
  • @melissah1467
    Having a man pass away while leaning on you back to back, that’s crazy
  • “Live well your free life” man is my age and makes me grateful for the my free life
  • @kitty5022
    What a delightful man <3 and so strong
  • @Smithsjr
    Seeing such videos, I am happy, that I was not born in North-Korea. Timothy you are an absolute legend, to live through such hardships and you tell us your story! 👏