This is what it's like to go undercover in North Korea | Suki Kim

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  • Опубликовано: 26 янв 2025

Комментарии • 4,1 тыс.

  • @coffeesticks_03
    @coffeesticks_03 8 лет назад +6484

    The end is so deep like...she rather have her dear students live in boring ignorance for the rest of their lives rather than put them at risk because she knows full well a handful of teenagers are not capable of overthrowing a dictatorship. she was just trying to protect them. very bittersweet

    • @itslife1399
      @itslife1399 5 лет назад +281

      If they tried something, not only will those teenagers be in danger, but their families and generations to come will be as well.

    • @squishy8758
      @squishy8758 5 лет назад +14

      (I am the like that pushed you from 999 to 1k)

    • @squishy8758
      @squishy8758 5 лет назад +94

      My eyes literally watered and I felt a mother's love and worry from her when she said she would rather they forget her so that they could live boring safe lives.

    • @zdeni2025
      @zdeni2025 5 лет назад +67

      In the past, students have been able to overthrow many systems and governments but clearly this one is on a whole new level.

    • @RealLimerickman
      @RealLimerickman 5 лет назад +32

      I wonder how many of these men (ex students) have been exposed (two years later) as traitors, since this "teacher" just exposed them publicly in this TedX Talk.

  • @laobok
    @laobok 8 лет назад +7392

    "If my attempts to reach you have inspired something new in you, I would rather you forget me." That was the line that did it for me.

    • @MyLilNicole
      @MyLilNicole 7 лет назад +362

      As an educator myself, I think I know what she meant back there and it broke my heart.

    • @niamhkmcg
      @niamhkmcg 7 лет назад +71

      Adeldee i immediately started crying

    • @din3832
      @din3832 7 лет назад +156

      That did it for me too, but in a different way, i think it was a coward quote from such a brave young woman, it means she believes its better that they live like slaves to this murderous regime rather than fight for freedom risking they're own life. You would be a fool to think that North Korea will ever be free without great losses.

    • @guystokesable
      @guystokesable 7 лет назад +185

      Diogo Castello it's easy to say that when you haven't got anything to lose. This is a very brave woman, I am just happy to know that there really are people one the outside looking in so to speak.

    • @nelsonnong6985
      @nelsonnong6985 7 лет назад +8

      AzulShiva R you crazy..?

  • @doug1863
    @doug1863 5 лет назад +2463

    When N Korea falls, it will be really interesting to learn their secrets

    • @rado3880
      @rado3880 5 лет назад +171

      That day will come.

    • @WellCookedPotatoes
      @WellCookedPotatoes 4 года назад +99

      RADO
      Hopefully soon

    • @flightthroughcouragenotwin7171
      @flightthroughcouragenotwin7171 4 года назад +78

      You should watch Yeonmi Park's youtube channel .She's a north korean who had escaped .She tells facts about North Korea unknown to us .

    • @eefaa8622
      @eefaa8622 4 года назад +32

      when NKorea falls there will most likely be a big clash between us and them, especially Nkorea and Skorea citizens. NKoreans think that Skorea is full of homeless ppl and different bad things, and Skoreans just have a stereotype of Nkoreans and can be quite rude to NKoreans, NKorean defectors are treated differently in society

    • @yanbu000
      @yanbu000 3 года назад +10

      When it falls life will be a nightmare for the citizens. They need to be integrated with S Korea to make the transition.

  • @abbygonzalez3964
    @abbygonzalez3964 4 года назад +3126

    I really hope that one of her students will see this in the future.

    • @annikahunter247
      @annikahunter247 3 года назад +85

      That’s only if they manage to get access to the internet or escape North Korea

    • @magician1515
      @magician1515 3 года назад +4

      Why do you have rei as your profile pic

    • @jeanneann3545
      @jeanneann3545 3 года назад +38

      @@annikahunter247 They get to study in uni, theyre probably the elite of the most elites. Theres a mention they will become the future leaders too, so if elites can get out and get access to internet sometime, I guess they will see this in the future.

    • @LarsLarsen77
      @LarsLarsen77 3 года назад +6

      @@annikahunter247 They get western TV and movies on flash drives. It's actually quite likely that they would see this.

    • @undertheinfluenceofswag7092
      @undertheinfluenceofswag7092 3 года назад +8

      @@jeanneann3545 Exactly because some of the elite get access to the internet, their viewership is highly controled. Watching this would come off as unloyalty, therefore sending anyone who'd watch it to a life in concentration camps, as that's their punishment

  • @liahenglish7314
    @liahenglish7314 6 лет назад +2022

    "If my attempts to reach you have inspired something new in you, I would rather you forget me." I cried when I heard that.

    • @tiffanygreen7115
      @tiffanygreen7115 4 года назад +12

      So did I. It's heartbreaking.

    • @jma0612
      @jma0612 4 года назад +9

      Jeffrey Dohnger why is this so funny

    • @whenu8688
      @whenu8688 4 года назад +6

      @Jeffrey Dohnger I was crying but now I am laughing and crying because of your comment and I no longer can diffrentiate my emotions

    • @keyrianreacts7355
      @keyrianreacts7355 4 года назад +12

      It’s like she wants to let them know the truth and do the right thing, but she also doesn’t wanted them to get hurt or risk themselves in the process because of her cuz she deeply cares about her dear gentlemen 😞

  • @deadchannellol7366
    @deadchannellol7366 5 лет назад +5328

    Wow.. she risked so much just to get into a country to see what it was like. And when she could have told her students who she grew to close with the truth, she didn't, just to protect them. This takes strength. Incredible.

    • @julianrich5467
      @julianrich5467 5 лет назад +8

      😔

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen 5 лет назад +120

      She said the classroom was bugged, every discussion was recorded, they were watched all the time, and every conversation was monitored. She didn’t tell them to protect herself. She would have been sent to a labor camp or executed.
      At the end of her talk, she even said that she would tell her students to let someone ELSE start a revolution, but she wants them to obey to stay safe. That’s the words of a coward. She knows the truth and knows a revolution is necessary, but doesn’t want to be involved.

    • @bones377
      @bones377 5 лет назад +225

      totallyfrozen
      I’d like to see if you would do that in the same situation lol gtfo.

    • @GlowingMpd
      @GlowingMpd 5 лет назад +2

      Pearl Lilly Agreed. TOO close!

    • @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473
      @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473 5 лет назад +11

      @@bones377
      I would. Those kids needed to hear the truth and realize they could make their own decisions. She kept up the lies. She's a coward on the front lines.

  • @miadaorerk1681
    @miadaorerk1681 8 лет назад +2848

    The ending of this was absolutely heartbreaking. She wants them to be safe, even if it means forsaking their truth.

    • @mindyblueeyes13
      @mindyblueeyes13 7 лет назад +84

      Maybe she understands (or is hoping) that innocence is bliss. And for a while, it is.
      It's not disgusting to want safety and peace of mind for others - it's love. Unfortunately, if their nation gets rocked, so will their ideals, beliefs, and hearts. It's sad that she couldn't tell them the truth- about her, their world, or the rest of the world,. But for now, wish them peace.

    • @shirleej1
      @shirleej1 6 лет назад

      MiaJoy Daorerk aas

    • @808INFantry11X
      @808INFantry11X 6 лет назад +10

      @@mindyblueeyes13 you got a fair point ma'am I really cant imagine the moral dilemma shes going through in regards to this.

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen 5 лет назад +2

      That’s not noble, that’s cowardice.

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen 5 лет назад +4

      Clorox Bleach
      That’s if they tried to do it alone. NO revolution has been successful by individuals or small numbers going it alone. Small numbers have stoked the fires of revolution and offered hope for change. Then masses organize and revolt. The North Korean people will need outside help. Oddly, the people who are best poised to successfully revolt are the “elite”. Those party loyalists living in Pyongyang. They have to decide the benefit of Korea is more important than their own personal comforts and safety.

  • @sarahlee9316
    @sarahlee9316 5 лет назад +5056

    Ironically, South Korea has the fastest Internet in the world. ㅠㅠ

    • @MrTheebs
      @MrTheebs 5 лет назад +317

      Yeah, all that bandwitdh thanks to the fact half the country isn't using it :D

    • @MWDIAZ97
      @MWDIAZ97 5 лет назад +15

      Lol

    • @michaelolcese2121
      @michaelolcese2121 5 лет назад +36

      😂 really? I honestly didn’t know 😂

    • @robinhood6399
      @robinhood6399 5 лет назад +35

      @@MrTheebs Having the Super Highway all to your self.

    • @gustavohpa10
      @gustavohpa10 4 года назад +27

      Thats capitalism, you need to thank this system

  • @SP-pn7xx
    @SP-pn7xx 6 лет назад +3103

    When I approached the airport gate at the end of my journey to the DPRK, my guide asked me "When you go to the South, will you tell them good things about North Korea?" I couldn't look him in the eye either :'(

    • @fathimasyakira531
      @fathimasyakira531 5 лет назад +59

      SP my heart :(💔😭

    • @dk6173
      @dk6173 5 лет назад +36

      Heartbreak.

    • @norkci8090
      @norkci8090 5 лет назад +8

      😞😭

    • @Melophile74
      @Melophile74 4 года назад +267

      I'd say of course, North Korea has citizens that are lovely brainwashed people that don't know better. They preach only what has been taught to them. No one hates you. Hate is ugly. We hope you think of us as people that love you even though you don't want our empathy.

    • @37373dbdbbdfb
      @37373dbdbbdfb 4 года назад +148

      @@Melophile74 And then you'd be detained and who knows what else. You can't be that honest, even if it's what you want.

  • @nixtheclause9984
    @nixtheclause9984 5 лет назад +3805

    I just want to hug those poor kids, and bring them out, into our world.

    • @kashfarook5714
      @kashfarook5714 5 лет назад +58

      Bringing them into our world seems like an impossible thing. I can't imagine how helpless they must feel at times......

    • @Vertutame
      @Vertutame 5 лет назад +27

      I don't know if they're capable of living in this world as their mind was limited since they were born.

    • @Anonymous-ow6bs
      @Anonymous-ow6bs 5 лет назад +15

      why does this kind of remind me of Descendants.....

    • @yeyri8304
      @yeyri8304 5 лет назад +6

      Random User Same..God will help them trust me

    • @robinhood6399
      @robinhood6399 5 лет назад +12

      @@yeyri8304 Hasn't done a thing so far.

  • @Lili-vs6di
    @Lili-vs6di 8 лет назад +3473

    FREE THOSE STUDENTS. HELP THEM REUNITE WITH THEIR TEACHER GOD PLEASE.

    • @percyross7612
      @percyross7612 8 лет назад +57

      God is not real. We must forge our own paths to help those poor souls.

    • @Lili-vs6di
      @Lili-vs6di 8 лет назад +34

      Percy Ross Ehm.. I don't actually believe in God pal

    • @klutz3955
      @klutz3955 8 лет назад +9

      honest question: why do you not believe In god? I want to know your views on this topic if you don't mind

    • @Lili-vs6di
      @Lili-vs6di 8 лет назад +72

      Oumshka first of all because there's no proof of an actual God existing, it's called belief for a reason.
      And second of all, because what I'm seeing is nothing but hate against homosexuals and what not from the christian and islamic community I don't feel like it's something to think of as "spreading love".
      I got nothing against believing in God, but faith has caused a lot of issues in modern day society and people try to force their faith onto others. Again; if you believe in God and it makes you happy, you do you. However, don't expect me to agree on everything the Bible says. Hate towards homosexuals is, to me, just being rude. Believers don't have the right to tell others what to do and who they are.

    • @Lili-vs6di
      @Lili-vs6di 8 лет назад +32

      Oumshka But honestly I got nothing against faith and if God helps people through trouble in life that's a good thing. To me, it just doesn't make sense that a book promises the future of a universe that is still growing till this day. I'd like to be open minded about how Earth was created and I do think science can clarify many of the mysteries of this world. To me, it doesn't make any sense that one man was able to create flesh, blood, trees and oxygen within seven days. I don't believe a simple man like Jesus could walk on water, I don't believe a pregnant woman can be a virgin and I don't believe that God decides fate.

  • @vladcowl4808
    @vladcowl4808 4 года назад +1339

    “...when you are not allowed to express anything in open, you become good at reading what is unspoken...”

  • @Cyfix15
    @Cyfix15 9 лет назад +4527

    N.K really is....a strange and terrible place.
    its almost like another planet

    • @mialazaro8719
      @mialazaro8719 9 лет назад +57

      +Brighteyes Inthewoods it's feels more like an old society but a hundred times worse. God bless those you, brainwashed slaves and I hope they'll be able to see the outside world and understand and feel freedom ._.

    • @tygervoods8358
      @tygervoods8358 8 лет назад +42

      +Brighteyes Inthewoods They are even restricted when it comes to phones. If they want a phone (which only the wealthy ones can afford), they can't go to stores and get iPhones or Samsungs. They can only get the phone that is made by the government and obviously controlled by them, and btw they don't have internet they've never heard of Safari.

    • @WlWonka
      @WlWonka 8 лет назад +4

      +Tyger Voods what's safari?

    • @LNasterio
      @LNasterio 8 лет назад

      +SoldierCyfix China is not another planet though???

    • @johnlok2650
      @johnlok2650 8 лет назад +3

      +Asterio You ever went to china before?You know china?

  • @aanya3248
    @aanya3248 4 года назад +812

    Look at her. She has so much awareness of the world. She is from South Korea. Now, look at her students. Clueless about everything outside their world. Look at how different they are. All because they were born in different places. All because of a partition, because of which side they stood on. Wow.

    • @oOo-dj7pt
      @oOo-dj7pt 3 года назад +4

      "...when you are not allowed to express anything out in the open, you become good at reading what is unspoken..."

    • @oOo-dj7pt
      @oOo-dj7pt 3 года назад

      They are not clueless.

    • @panoskakkavas4022
      @panoskakkavas4022 3 года назад +1

      One day the fall will come ... When it does and the lies are exposed , there will be no stopping the liberty train . No one can stop the sun rising , just as they can't stop the changes in the world .

  • @Concetta20
    @Concetta20 9 лет назад +2161

    "North Korea is a gulag posing as a nation." Memorable quote.

    • @effyzhang9856
      @effyzhang9856 9 лет назад +2

      +Anna Ferrara it sounds more like a propaganda.

    • @elenabob4953
      @elenabob4953 8 лет назад +24

      I've lived in Ceausescu era and I would not want to discover NK.

    • @thinhphan3816
      @thinhphan3816 7 лет назад +3

      What's a gulag lol!

    • @jeffreyl.i.4207
      @jeffreyl.i.4207 7 лет назад +4

      Stalins working camps... Google it.

    • @OttoVonGrillhelm
      @OttoVonGrillhelm 7 лет назад

      Propaganda? Soviet boy, there is too much evidence now to disprove their existence. You tried and failed.

  • @djs12007
    @djs12007 5 лет назад +643

    Sadly, it's an historical fact that "Some other young person" never comes around to start a revolution, it always has to be you, or someone you know that steps forward to take that risk.

    • @JanR1995
      @JanR1995 5 лет назад +3

      What a bullshit.

    • @gmun2248
      @gmun2248 4 года назад +8

      _"Do you hear the people sing...?"_

    • @strawberryprincess5597
      @strawberryprincess5597 4 года назад +13

      I feel like the reason they're not free even up to this day is because they didn't have the courage to overthrow such government. I'm not in the place to talk but I can say that because my country was once invaded and colonizes by Spanish people for years that some of their culture/beliefs stayed with us, especially the religion. With every great revolutionary leaders in each cities who made a move, we became free from their hands.

    • @ok-lm9ns
      @ok-lm9ns 4 года назад +46

      Strawberry Princess I’d suggest properly looking into the life of North Koreans. They CANT overthrow the government. Most are in extreme poverty who can barely even pay to feed their families. We live in the day of modern technology, so even those with the tiniest bit of ability would be found out. They’re also completely brainwashed. Many don’t even know why they would want to overthrow the government. Even North Koreans who accept there’s a problem with the quality of life in the DPRK blame America, not the government. Sure, they could find a way. But to say it’s simply because “they don’t have the courage” is ignorant.

    • @sergegordeev9426
      @sergegordeev9426 4 года назад +2

      Maybe the other countries should start it? Somehow without showing it's them to avoid nukes.

  • @MrZebraTree
    @MrZebraTree 9 лет назад +1744

    This emphasizes the importance of human connections that transcend ideology and states. People are more than the society they are from.

    • @ho2cultcha
      @ho2cultcha 9 лет назад +11

      ThisMightBeMe yes, i agree with you in some ways, but she does tell them NOT to lead the revolution and to choose comfort [to LIVE, rather than to DIE] over freedom [which in the end is simply a little more room to express yourself]. her hope is that they will grow up to make Pyonyeng a little more beautiful. the unexpressed connotation is that they will learn more about what is beautiful in other places in the world. THAT is freedom of knowledge and expressly forbidden right now. she is seeding curiosity, something that if left unbridled, will lead to more freedom.

    • @jasminee204
      @jasminee204 9 лет назад +2

      But then at the same time, it emphasises the opposite. It showed that she couldn't truly be honest and open with her students because of the regime.

    • @kurtilein3
      @kurtilein3 9 лет назад

      Jasmine there are reports that the new leader staged executions of one person with a flamethrower, and another one with an anti aircraft gun, with lots of people being forced to watch. in both cases, people rather close to him, one ex-girlfriend and one uncle i think. what can you do if that is what the leadership looks like, and lower levels would be just a bit less cruel, meaning they would send you to a labor camp for life or just have you shot on the spot.

    • @jasminee204
      @jasminee204 9 лет назад

      kurtilein3 I don't see how that's related to my comment. I wasn't saying they should do anything - I don't know if I could (or would even want to, considering the brainwashing) if I was in their situation.

    • @kurtilein3
      @kurtilein3 9 лет назад +1

      Jasmine
      It is just important to know that you can get executed really easily in north korea, and many families get sent to death camps because one family member screwed up. People need to know this, and need to take it into consideration.

  • @sharpayyevanss
    @sharpayyevanss 8 лет назад +462

    Computer majors who don't know that The Internet excists! Mindblowing!

    • @Schneeeulenwetter
      @Schneeeulenwetter 5 лет назад +1

      Shivani B not so sure about it, bc we had computers too before there was any internet (1940’s)

    • @deekshasasikumar7321
      @deekshasasikumar7321 3 года назад

      @@Schneeeulenwetter she is talking about computer majors after the 2000s. Because today’s computer major relies partly if not majorly on the internet’s presence. Even some parts of coding!

  • @maggielai3207
    @maggielai3207 8 лет назад +734

    This is the world George Orwell was warning us about in 1984.

    • @meganli2476
      @meganli2476 6 лет назад +25

      Maggie Lai tf how did I just realize 1984 is so accurate

    • @leilaniaperson1990
      @leilaniaperson1990 5 лет назад +24

      George Orwell was scary with the accuracy

    • @bigacornlavafla1310
      @bigacornlavafla1310 5 лет назад +4

      Maggie Lai can you elaberate on that? I have little knowledge on most the world's history sadly... (grew up in religious schools that never taught me about most countries history)

    • @pen1749
      @pen1749 5 лет назад +35

      Batata Mama its a book by george orwell called 1984 and it is about an dystopian world which looks basically like north korea. you really should read it its a very good book. sorry for my bad english, it is not my first language. :)

    • @bigacornlavafla1310
      @bigacornlavafla1310 5 лет назад +3

      @@pen1749 oooo thank you, ill check it out!

  • @Rising_Pho3nix_23
    @Rising_Pho3nix_23 4 года назад +1828

    Remember when Anonymous gave Egypt the internet so they could become free? Okay, how do we do this? Let's go

    • @madiroach4193
      @madiroach4193 4 года назад +28

      brandon day they did!?

    • @avac2385
      @avac2385 4 года назад +104

      I disagree, it would only hurt the poor citizens, they would be executed or something :C

    • @merosayed9828
      @merosayed9828 4 года назад +46

      And now egypt is the most strong country in middle east
      But it wasn't from internet it was from us as we saw alot of corruptions and unfairly life as i will remind you that Mubarak wasn't a dectator he was innocent the system itself was bad for 30 years and that was our choice

    • @LiLiKOiOiOi
      @LiLiKOiOiOi 4 года назад +5

      How tf do they i -

    • @harrypoosie3035
      @harrypoosie3035 4 года назад +24

      North Korea has an army of hackers who hack to acquire cash for Kim from banks all over the world - and I bet they’re damn good hackers, and that’s probably why it hasn’t happened already. To be honest institutes and people like the woman in this video may have intended well by providing such educations to those people but in reality have only done harm to the average North Korean and strengthened the regimes power by bringing them up to date, all because they felt bad.

  • @yoselinf1269
    @yoselinf1269 7 лет назад +780

    “If my attempts to reach you have inspired something new in you, I would rather you forget me.” That line gave me chills.
    It’s so sad. She wants North Korea to be free, but she doesn’t want her gentlemen to be the ones to set it free. She’s too afraid they’d die. She would rather they live under a tyranny than die in a failed insurrection.

    • @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473
      @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473 5 лет назад +4

      It's cowardice.

    • @dk6173
      @dk6173 5 лет назад +22

      But would you rather die free or live as a slave? There may not be a right answer to that but it would make people think.

    • @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473
      @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473 5 лет назад +9

      @@dk6173
      There's a quote by a Freemason that happens to embody my stance on this:
      "Give me liberty or give me death."

    • @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473
      @glintoflightonbrokenglass9473 5 лет назад +2

      @bmer mer
      You assume much in your statements.
      I was expressing *my take* on the matter of freedom and death or slavery and life. It holds true for many others, too. Just because the sentiment happens to be in a history book doesn't impact its validity in expressing how I feel when presented with such a choice.

    • @gmun2248
      @gmun2248 4 года назад +5

      @@glintoflightonbrokenglass9473
      It's true though, because you know the meaning of both things to view it as a choice. I think, instinctively, most of us would share your opinion - and social media is slowly spreading revolutions to autocratic countries, like China, Middle Eastern countries. I suspect within a couple of generations, those who have grown up with access to the world will be the ones to change their world.
      But her point about them not even knowing how to think enough to write an essay and produce an argument is tragic.
      'The future leaders of NK' & they will still follow the 'philosophy & teachings' of Kim il Sung (?the first one) which are taught the way a bible is to a cult.
      They couldn't form a revolution because they have no concept of freedom. Ironically, the most privileged class is the most brainwashed, usually the elites are most educated. I guess only Kim Jong Un's kids will go to boarding school in Switzerland, like he did. Knowledge is power.
      Like everywhere else, the people with the most to gain & least to lose will put their lives on the line one day. They will have the support of the world.
      RUclips threw this up because I've just watched a totally crazy, couldn't-make-it-up, but _fantastic_ (/entertaining & informative) VICE docu-series where they go to Siberia to find North Korean labour camps & try to talk to North Koreans. It's several years old, totally worth looking up - there's 7 or 8 parts.
      One thing I did *not* know was that Kim I was actually born in Russia & trained by stalinists after WWII and somehow took over NK as a godly figure.
      (I need to find some more details on that part.)
      Basically Russia trained a guy to be a god, brainwash a nation, and now they get free labour from slave camps in Siberia where they work as loggers. (And maybe build gas pipelines.)

  • @MyDragonflyDust
    @MyDragonflyDust 9 лет назад +469

    I sobbed when she said her students should forget her if she inspired something new in them for the sake their safety. That's just...awful that neither the teacher and student can enjoy LEARNING from each other without the real fear of death.
    ...Suki Kim needs to call a lawyer to talk about movie rights. Her story needs to be told around the world!

    • @justcallmeassinine
      @justcallmeassinine 9 лет назад

      HitomiNoRyu I am sure that Suki is working on a movie,a book,and God knows what else.But what kinds of connections and motivations do you need do you need get such a "job" ? That is strange,in itself.

    • @NorthKoreaVagabond
      @NorthKoreaVagabond 9 лет назад +1

      This video is complete and utter hogwash.
      She "pretended" to be a teacher, in her own words, with the express purpose of being able to trash the school later.
      Search RUclips for "My Experience at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, North Korea". It shows the real story, which is the complete opposite of what she said.
      By the way, not to be mean, but she talks like the wicked witch of the west. I kept on waiting for a house to land on her.

    • @justcallmeassinine
      @justcallmeassinine 9 лет назад +1

      North Korea Vagabond Agree she seems very much like a jerk who exploited her gig and the students in DPRK.Awful,awful rambling about facebook,twitter....and the music and her spandex jeans with those boots.She hoped the fat man would have chosen her for his queen but even he didn't like her.

    • @sydray9694
      @sydray9694 9 лет назад

      Yes, You are right. I noticed those points too. I guess she knows she is kind of attractive and she is banking on that... But someone should tell her that her butt is growing out of proportion specially for a Korean girl... Sorry, I don't mean to be mean :)

    • @justcallmeassinine
      @justcallmeassinine 9 лет назад +1

      Syd Ray You are very correct.She is indeed a "plus sized" mama for a Korean. Most are thin and petite.I think its fine to be mean to this arrogant self-promoter who decided to go slumming around for a few months to see what kind of "money-making projects" she could make out of that time. Obvious.

  • @Felice_Enellen
    @Felice_Enellen 5 лет назад +6744

    This is a good talk, but serious talks should _never_ have soundtracks.
    When someone puts music behind their words, it always smacks of trying to manipulate the listener's emotions sub-consciously, which is exactly the kind of 1984-esque trickery we hate about North Korea.

    • @LynnGunnels
      @LynnGunnels 5 лет назад +201

      Felice ok Yes, it initiates a pathos response, but i would argue that instead of the music detracting from her point, it actually puts emphasis on her point and furthers her argument and what she had to go through as an undercover teacher

    • @Felice_Enellen
      @Felice_Enellen 5 лет назад +111

      ​@@LynnGunnels Emphasizing your points and furthering your arguments with anything _other_ than your points and your arguments lies somewhere between not being entirely earnest and being outright manipulative, and detracts from the credibility of the story, rather than adding to it. When I question whether I am being emotionally manipulated, my first response is _always_ to immediately withdraw trust and belief in the person who may be doing the manipulation. This is a natural caution response and I'm quite sure most people would feel the same if they began to question someone's methods.
      I do believe her story, and I believe she means well, so I am not judging her too harshly, but I nevertheless consider this musical accompaniment to have been an unwise choice. For whatever my thoughts on the matter are worth, I would suggest she speak _a capella_ in the future.

    • @loutenant2817
      @loutenant2817 5 лет назад +76

      Felice She can tell the story however she wants. I often use cuss words to emphasize my points and I don't really care who takes me less seriously, I know all about manipulation and yeah, music does make it seem more emotional but I look at it as a part of art. And if that's how she wants to express it, then let it be. A little background noise or silence isn't going to change what's happening in that part of the world.

    • @metamorphicorder
      @metamorphicorder 5 лет назад +36

      I barely noticed the music.

    • @Unfamous_Buddha
      @Unfamous_Buddha 5 лет назад +17

      @Felice --
      That's what I thought. That the music made it like propaganda.
      I'm thinking our war-hawk policy-makers would do anything to make us see NK in the worst possible light.

  • @lenguy45
    @lenguy45 4 года назад +714

    Why is everyone complaining about the music?? Seriously, I was so focused in on what she was saying and the story that came with it, I hardly even noticed it. If you find it that distracting, put it on mute and read subtitles.

    • @tiffanygreen7115
      @tiffanygreen7115 4 года назад +19

      I didn't notice the music, either. I was too entranced by her story.

    • @jasonwillows5239
      @jasonwillows5239 4 года назад +31

      I noticed it only at points where it didn't match the emotion she was going for. She'd stating her anger for the regime, and the music was still light-hearted and whatnot. It just didn't fit.

    • @seeitall8921
      @seeitall8921 4 года назад

      I thought so too

    • @elt2773
      @elt2773 4 года назад +2

      No, her voice is important

    • @slomo_thesloth6940
      @slomo_thesloth6940 4 года назад +18

      I think for most people it's not that the music is distracting but rather that music creates a certain atmosphere which is not the prupose of a serious and legitimate presentation.

  • @tremorsasmr9591
    @tremorsasmr9591 7 лет назад +2698

    Started with kpop... now I'm depressed

    • @kiaranguyen2148
      @kiaranguyen2148 5 лет назад +83

      Its like a domino effect

    • @LouisaKloe
      @LouisaKloe 5 лет назад +41

      Omg same

    • @LouisaKloe
      @LouisaKloe 5 лет назад +15

      Catherine Laussen i don’t know what your intentions were but your comment may come off as impolite and rude :/

    • @LouisaKloe
      @LouisaKloe 5 лет назад +41

      Catherine Laussen people are dying of hunger in North Korea.. you can’t compete that with kpop bands getting banned. I hope you understand that I dont want to come off as rude to you

    • @realmsunreal
      @realmsunreal 5 лет назад +33

      *Now you're educated

  • @ShiverPike
    @ShiverPike 8 лет назад +1403

    What if my teachers are spies from North Korea...

  • @CherylLoke
    @CherylLoke 8 лет назад +1204

    The music at 5:11 was really distracting

    • @enobongjones
      @enobongjones 6 лет назад +37

      I think the people at TED found the talk a bit boring and were like, 'we need to spice this up with some instrumentation..'

    • @nicolefisher4779
      @nicolefisher4779 5 лет назад +9

      I liked it

    • @pleaseparkjimininmygarage-6212
      @pleaseparkjimininmygarage-6212 5 лет назад +17

      it was distracting to me too

    • @benitasajan6886
      @benitasajan6886 5 лет назад +14

      I'm pretty sure it was there to add to the tense atmosphere of the moment.

    • @ririzferrizqi9637
      @ririzferrizqi9637 5 лет назад +19

      @@benitasajan6886 well it failed

  • @Wilsonq_q
    @Wilsonq_q 4 года назад +89

    “If my attempts of reaching you have inspired something new in you, I would rather you forget me” - she truly loved them so much she wanted them to be safe and live a bright future. This is the humanity she would want for them in such a time of tragedy.

    • @peaceandpeace___
      @peaceandpeace___ 4 года назад +2

      I wouldn't call living in North Korea "safe." The only reason why the citizens are alive is because they follow the rules. I disagree with what she said. NK needs a revolution, and it starts with the youth! Yes, many will die, but if the changes doesn't start now, then when? Generation, after generation, after generation will be brainwashed

    • @roselife8797
      @roselife8797 4 года назад +2

      yellowstripedsweater no just stop please. They borders are guarded with over 2 million guards AND China will send you back to NK because they have close ties with each other causing you to be either publicly executed or put in a very harsh camp. So, no they shouldn’t because so many will die trying to beat the system. Very few made it out of NK and they took big risks. Some of their families even died just because they escaped. It’s prohibited!!! So no this should not happen unless you have a great plan that beats the system since they don’t even know what the internet is or the outside world. They head to China? They get sent right back to NK to suffer and their families would suffer right along with them even if they didn’t do anything.

  • @ernestoalbina4538
    @ernestoalbina4538 8 лет назад +114

    "When you're not allowed to express anything in the open, you become good at reading what is unspoken."
    Such humor...

  • @meiji4785
    @meiji4785 7 лет назад +2115

    I live in South Korea, and just the other day we went to the Demilitarized Zone(the border from South and North Korea). Our tour guide was telling us a bunch of informations and facts about N. and S. Korea. And she was also telling us her personal opinions. I could see the hurt and pain in her eyes whenever she talks about the N. Koreans, and the anger in her eyes when she talk about their leader. But she also told us how the young adults here in S korea dont really want unification anymore, because it would cause them both problems and money which sucks! When I used a telescope to look into North Korea, I couldn't see any person, but they built a fake village so the people in the border would think that they are well and good, but it's just so sad that they even think that we would belive that. I feel sorry for their people, who dont know that their are people out of their country that pity them, and they might never know how awful their land truly is. I hope someday these two countries will unite and give freedom to those who are stuck there. Hopefully the new S. Korean president will fulfill his promises of going to N korea and try to unite these two countries.

    • @julianrich5467
      @julianrich5467 5 лет назад +6

      ☹️

    • @krystalpayne333
      @krystalpayne333 5 лет назад +26

      Growing up, they teach americans our country history and then we can learn "world history". Im not even sure what we are taught here is true or something fabricated. I always wondered how other countries told the same story. Also, growing up, i was blind to the outside world. I never knew how completely different north and south korea were or there was even a war in my lifetime. :'( as an american, i care and am grateful for anyone brave enough to speak out loud to the world. We need to know. My husband tells me often, he cant help me if he doesnt know something is wrong.

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen 5 лет назад +25

      North Korea will not collapse from the inside. It will take outside assistance. Everybody is sitting around waiting for someone else to do to it so nobody is doing it.

    • @connorml
      @connorml 5 лет назад +1

      @Mr. danger He said "as an American"

    • @kyungsun2001
      @kyungsun2001 5 лет назад +23

      Im not sure if unification is a right thing to do. I think it is best for North Korea to have a different leader but will remain separated. That leader must be one of the rebells and put kim jong un down from his position. Anyways i hope kim jong un dies early with obesity so it wont be too hard to get his position lol.

  • @yeyali
    @yeyali 8 лет назад +163

    I feel so bad because here I am, with access to freedom, while there they are, unknowingly deprived of technological advances and freedom.

  • @lelezhang8378
    @lelezhang8378 5 лет назад +502

    Suki Kim: "I would rather you forget me"
    Me: *cries*

  • @Dralyn06
    @Dralyn06 8 лет назад +533

    Just imagine. None of them have pets like we do, no posters for their room, no concerts, their "idol" is their leader, they won't ever be able to go to the movies and see a movie about san andreas, or suicide squad. They'll never have freedom of speech or wear clothes they like, they'll never be able to watch their favorite show cos they won't ever have a favorite. No freedom. And even if they want freedom, they put their families in danger as well as themselves. They cannot have their own thoughts, they can't speak their mind, nor have any information about the outside world. When I found out the movie the interview was banned there, I thought they were just butthurt. But they didn't want to have their citizens find the truth and lead a rebelion.

    • @harinimarchadi1204
      @harinimarchadi1204 8 лет назад +15

      I know I realized that these kids....weren't kids. they wouldn't act like typical college kids.

    • @serenitycharisma7829
      @serenitycharisma7829 8 лет назад

      crazy

    • @emilyk7680
      @emilyk7680 8 лет назад +20

      Oh my god. I never thought about them not having pets. That's too sad for me

    • @LoveLee_Dreamer
      @LoveLee_Dreamer 8 лет назад +19

      They will. Tyranny never persists forever, it's not sustainable. There are people who believe in the people of North Korea and want to see them gain their freedom. Someday, maybe not within our lifetimes but some day, they will have all those things.

    • @BikiniBottomBiologyDept.
      @BikiniBottomBiologyDept. 8 лет назад +2

      Jami Christine how come nobody assasinated him yet

  • @SuperLaurajo
    @SuperLaurajo 8 лет назад +357

    That was lovely. She spoke so eloquently. I wish the North Korean people could be freed from that regime.

  • @sammuddel7751
    @sammuddel7751 8 лет назад +2469

    Lovely talk. such a sad situation. makes wana go over and save those people

    • @sammuddel7751
      @sammuddel7751 8 лет назад +1

      canny wait pal!

    • @sammuddel7751
      @sammuddel7751 8 лет назад +4

      Im struggling to agree with you given the fact my government do not represent me in any way shape or form!?

    • @randallschutte375
      @randallschutte375 7 лет назад

      At some point if they want to be rescued they will have to do it themselves they clearly are not willing to die for freedom !

    • @India.H
      @India.H 7 лет назад +11

      They ARE willing to die for freedom. The majority simply completely lack the resources. There is a story of a girl who escaped (I can't remember her name). Her parents were sent to a prison camp and it was simply her and her brother. They ran away. Her brother died whilst they were in the mountains, but she managed to escape.

    • @KAWGAMING
      @KAWGAMING 7 лет назад +9

      randall schutte if you escape North Korea, than 3-4 generations of your family are punished, in labor camps, public execution, etc., as well as you, if you are captured and sent back to North Korea.

  • @poulomi__hari
    @poulomi__hari 4 года назад +788

    If only Kim Jong Un's bodyguards turn up against him

    • @fiona9830
      @fiona9830 4 года назад +75

      SIS THAT WOULD BE AMAZING

    • @irissupercoolsy
      @irissupercoolsy 4 года назад +43

      they would be shot in 2 seconds 😩😩

    • @buttercup2991
      @buttercup2991 4 года назад +4

      Are you on quora?

    • @user-dz2hj6jo5h
      @user-dz2hj6jo5h 4 года назад +35

      they probably would but they’re scared. They see kim as a god

    • @sergegordeev9426
      @sergegordeev9426 4 года назад +32

      They need to cooperate, because if one does it he will be killed by others.
      And death of one leader brings another leader.

  • @coreanoconsimon9291
    @coreanoconsimon9291 8 лет назад +219

    I'm southkorean..but honestly I even don't want to introduce myself as one from south..
    because in the noth..they are also same koreans that are my people,my brothers.and your brothers that deserve to be free .
    I just hope to say "I'm from Korea" not from south nor from north, and for this we have to struggle to achive their freedom from the vicious government.

    • @suksinlavigne7716
      @suksinlavigne7716 5 лет назад +4

      Crying to read this... I hope the Koreans will get their freedom soon. Be strong Koreans, God with you!!💪💪💪💪

    • @portella6493
      @portella6493 5 лет назад

      I guess you are the first Korean person I saw who does not remind me of anything related to Kpop.

    • @eliteboxer724
      @eliteboxer724 5 лет назад +1

      One day..

    • @zandrosampang1357
      @zandrosampang1357 5 лет назад

      Just a suggestion to South Korea. Is it possible in the area of DMZ of South Korean side that you place several giant monitors or projector screens that facing North Korea and play several videos that was not seen by the North and you can use LRAD as your speakers.

    • @rebekahlikesmusic2723
      @rebekahlikesmusic2723 3 года назад

      💚💚💚

  • @bellareader6772
    @bellareader6772 8 лет назад +124

    To have such a big connection with those kids and have to leave knowing they can never see the outside world is so scary. She's really strong and brave and I don't know how anyone can do that, but she can. This is something everyone needs to hear.

  • @leyoleyoyochi
    @leyoleyoyochi 8 лет назад +240

    these young men would grow up to become north korea's future leaders, that's a good thing. north korea needs to get rid of that immense fear they have towards their great leader. a bottom-up revolution is needed.

    • @vladimirvladinov9270
      @vladimirvladinov9270 8 лет назад +24

      PARK JI MIN True, but a gun pointed to one's head at all times and a slight mention of the outside world can get you killed made fear incubate so much that it would make it impossible without outside help.

    • @SageKayDee
      @SageKayDee 8 лет назад +26

      You're having too much faith in them. They are training to be clones of their fathers and other government officials.

    • @rfvtgbzhn
      @rfvtgbzhn 7 лет назад +8

      This is true as long as the system is stable, but I am not sure if it really is in the long term. there still seem to be factions in the party and occasionally someone gets killed. I think after the death of Kim Jong-il there was a power struggle between possible successors. This time it was only inside the inner circles of the party, but it might not always like this.. Maybe there will be a chance of revolution after Kim Jong-un's death. The crucial point of a revolution is to wait for the right time. It is better to wait a few decades than to have a failed revolution which might make the situation even worse and the next revolution even more difficult.

    • @jessicasharkey5575
      @jessicasharkey5575 5 лет назад +3

      The problem is that a lot of them don’t even fear him... they respect him and look up to him like a God as that’s all they’ve been taught their entire lives

    • @aleahc1379
      @aleahc1379 5 лет назад

      That sounds wonderful but there "dear leader" has a wife and possibly even children

  • @hobojo1083
    @hobojo1083 5 лет назад +312

    The one TED talk where delivery and content were equally unmatched. Wow. Hands down the most articulate and meaningful TED talk I have seen to date. Thank you Suki for your bravery and for sharing your story.

  • @edwardjoel1970
    @edwardjoel1970 9 лет назад +494

    SHE WROTE A BOOK AND IT'S AMAZING

    • @gloomykay5750
      @gloomykay5750 8 лет назад +6

      what's the title of the book?

    • @edwardjoel1970
      @edwardjoel1970 8 лет назад +131

      Gloomy Kay Without You, There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea's Elite

    • @Bysallybae
      @Bysallybae 7 лет назад +2

      I read it too, made me emotional. It's very enlightening and heavy on the mind.

    • @lowwfeh
      @lowwfeh 6 лет назад +7

      I read it. It shoudl become a movie, it is amazing.

  • @hellokitty123972
    @hellokitty123972 9 лет назад +552

    That was a beautiful and powerful speech she gave. It was so emotional that i almost cry

    • @lvfangmin
      @lvfangmin 9 лет назад +5

      +Carissa Guo i agree with you.i have cried so many times when i watch this speech.

    • @hellokitty123972
      @hellokitty123972 9 лет назад +10

      I wish that she could see them again or a way their someone can get them to see everyone once again. Maybe some of her students saw this video or idk just something.

    • @carrot92
      @carrot92 8 лет назад +3

      +Carissa Guo the students will likely never see this video or see her again. They are denied the world after all.

  • @kaziamoua5257
    @kaziamoua5257 8 лет назад +316

    Really really touching...that story was like a movie.

  • @acartist2608
    @acartist2608 4 года назад +107

    I read her book! “Without you, there is no us”, It was so good, I completely recommend it.

    • @sahore1988
      @sahore1988 4 года назад +7

      I've read too. The book is a real eye-opener about the NK's propaganda. Sigh!

    • @rebekahlikesmusic2723
      @rebekahlikesmusic2723 Год назад +2

      Thanks for the recommendation

    • @tehekkanesaci
      @tehekkanesaci Год назад +2

      I'd like to read it...

    • @maryseman7019
      @maryseman7019 6 месяцев назад

      I'll keep rereading it. What a crazy world!

  • @lizmarieosorio9319
    @lizmarieosorio9319 9 лет назад +2688

    Why are we letting this go on?

    • @ludvigrasmusen2722
      @ludvigrasmusen2722 9 лет назад +151

      +Lizmarie Osorio they have A-bombs.

    • @lizmarieosorio9319
      @lizmarieosorio9319 9 лет назад +344

      Still... I kind of wish the whole world would stand up against this dictator. It's so heart-sickening to see that they are getting away with stripping away the freedoms of others.

    • @fttp53
      @fttp53 9 лет назад +392

      +Lizmarie Osorio They have no oil.

    • @Hikigane21
      @Hikigane21 9 лет назад +157

      +Lizmarie Osorio While it would be easy to spend troops, it would most likely do more harm then good. Plus it is not our place to do something like that. It will be on the people of North Korea to do something about their current problems. Once the people of North Korea gets tired of their own government and makes a move; the the rest of world will most likely support them. That might lead to a civil war in the end.

    • @fabianaraya636
      @fabianaraya636 9 лет назад +239

      +Lizmarie Osorio They have bonds with China and China has bonds with Russia. If for example the US attack North Korea, we're gonna have a real fucking big problem.

  • @mukagila2940
    @mukagila2940 8 лет назад +206

    when i feel bitterness in my life, I look one of north korea testimony. At that moments I feel grateful that no matter how hard life is beating me, it's still better than living as north korean

  • @dinahgraham4964
    @dinahgraham4964 8 лет назад +84

    I cried...what is wrong with our world that the rights of all men to be free in all aspects of their lives is so hard. she couldn't even encourage them to make change because she knew she would be sentencing them to their deaths. freedom isn't free.

    • @percyross7612
      @percyross7612 8 лет назад +14

      The world has always been like this. It's just that we've made large bounds in the last century that realities of nations like NK are hard for us to comprehend. But trust me, history has always been this cruel and unforgiving. We can only try to help the world progress into the modern age of freedom and equality.

    • @headoverheels88
      @headoverheels88 8 лет назад +4

      That's what hit me hardest too. When she said "let other young people lead the revolution. Stay safe.", it broke my heart.

    • @foniklein4913
      @foniklein4913 7 лет назад +1

      but i kinda feel like she did tell them to stand up, as if it was written between the lines

  • @arohiverma7312
    @arohiverma7312 5 лет назад +184

    "ideologies built on lies"
    That hit my heart

  • @mediocreindigo
    @mediocreindigo 7 лет назад +161

    This woman is a hero. Hearing her speak about these people really touched my heart. I hope that someday, North Korea can finally change for the better.

  • @shannon6517
    @shannon6517 7 лет назад +523

    This talk was amazing, but the music is SO DISTRACTING.

  • @nourazekry4605
    @nourazekry4605 8 лет назад +106

    This Ted Talk truly opened my eyes about what North Korea is actually like. I had no idea circumstances were this severe or this horrible. The government is basically in control of everything and it makes me sad because I feel like it's basically a hopeless case. I don't believe anything about the current situation will change, not in the near future at least, as there is no means of communication, and the slightest "crimes" are punishable by death. There is virtually nothing the people can do to stop this vicious regime. This video sparked different emotions within me, two of which were mainly sadness and pure awe, which inspired me to do some more research. I checked out a book from the library to learn more about this place, the only necrocracy in the world, which is a government that operates under the rules of a dead leader. This video made me almost thankful for the circumstances under which I live and the relative freedom I am given. These people are not allowed to have their own opinions. They aren't allowed freedom in any aspect of their lives; not their entertainment, not their learning, not even their personal appearance. It was especially touching when she said ""If my attempts to reach you have inspired something new in you, I would rather you forget me." This part is where I started crying. She loves them so much that she would rather they stay protected in this little bubble the government has created for them, rather than actually do something about it, as that would only get them executed.

    • @bendat8846
      @bendat8846 8 лет назад

      Noura Zekry if she's so scared for them then why give this speech in the first place? if this speech inspires you then just ignore it?

  • @julietteknighton8880
    @julietteknighton8880 4 года назад +234

    This made me cry my eyes out. This situation is unbearable I just feel so helpless and immensely sorry for all the North Korean victims...

  • @insomnyeon
    @insomnyeon 8 лет назад +65

    I'm a South Korean, to my soul. And seeing how we have such an amazing life we take for granted, the whole world takes for granted, and then comparing it to the North Koreans is just... Horrendous. One day, I will somehow make a change.

  • @aakashmohanan9
    @aakashmohanan9 5 лет назад +466

    Who are these 1.1k people who have disliked this beautiful video.. I really wish that the professor may meet her gentlemen..

    • @JanR1995
      @JanR1995 5 лет назад +18

      I disliked it because of the terrible music in the background.

    • @GlowingMpd
      @GlowingMpd 5 лет назад +15

      Aakash Mohanan The completely unnecessary and irritatingly distracting (bad) music over her very serious words did it for me👎😡

    • @GlowingMpd
      @GlowingMpd 5 лет назад +1

      Valentin Svensberg AGREED!

    • @tompattinson528
      @tompattinson528 4 года назад +1

      Lol that must A how many people that could not handle the music. Or B how many north spys there are out in the real world or C a mix

    • @Mircea016
      @Mircea016 4 года назад +17

      @@JanR1995 just pathetic.... to say you dislike such a beautiful message just because of the music, the words are more important than the music and that is what you have to like or dislike, the music just added some more drama to it, try in the future to let the hate for nonsense just vanish in the face of the truth

  • @srijena7161
    @srijena7161 4 года назад +92

    i love how she always said "Great Leader" with so much sarcasm!!

  • @AtlasBlizzard
    @AtlasBlizzard Год назад +17

    I've heard a lot of TED Talks, and this is one of the few that actually made me cry. What a heartbreaking story. The love she had for her students is something else.

  • @lumiutopia
    @lumiutopia 8 лет назад +142

    this made me tear up :") she is such a great talker

  • @xxDxxism
    @xxDxxism 8 лет назад +2213

    if only the background musicians would just not play music 😑

    • @idkandidc3999
      @idkandidc3999 8 лет назад +13

      So true...

    • @bloodredclouds1
      @bloodredclouds1 8 лет назад +163

      It a speech about a place that doesn't allow creativity, freedom or their own music.. . . how ironic to criticize this for the artistic portion of this haha

    • @mollynguyenrodda7228
      @mollynguyenrodda7228 8 лет назад +24

      you can turn off the speaker and read the sub. :)

    • @nickwall4217
      @nickwall4217 8 лет назад +6

      That isn't music

    • @TheNameIsMaaary
      @TheNameIsMaaary 8 лет назад +13

      Kynan Tay i know right it was so disturbing

  • @miab2176
    @miab2176 8 лет назад +1087

    WHAT WAS UP WITH THE MUSIC?!?!

    • @iSugarHeart
      @iSugarHeart 8 лет назад +69

      Feel trip.

    • @youdontneedtoreadthis
      @youdontneedtoreadthis 8 лет назад +101

      i found it really cheesy

    • @cartoonboysluver23
      @cartoonboysluver23 8 лет назад +42

      +Like Sunday like rain ; boi it's not that deep they just wanted dramatic effect. Someone playing the E-String on a viola isn't gonna brainwash you

    • @Toisestars619
      @Toisestars619 8 лет назад +12

      It's a bit far fetched to label it brainwashing though. With that logic, all music is brainwashing.
      They all have messages and meanings right? Well they must certainly be 'Brainwashing' the general public to their way of thinking.

    • @SkyeD.Hikaru
      @SkyeD.Hikaru 8 лет назад +118

      the music is supposed to convey the emotion and tone of the piece. This ted talk was an emotional story. It's called ambiance. You say brainwash? Imagine every movie/television show without a soundtrack. Everything would be incredibly boring. As an example, I probably wouldn't have cried during Clannad without the emotional music xD but that just heightened my experience of the show all the more.

  • @rutujachavan2383
    @rutujachavan2383 5 лет назад +52

    " It was because I was wishing them to be gentle in life , he said " .... GOD BLESS HIM !

  • @blackberrybunny
    @blackberrybunny 9 лет назад +32

    I read Ms. Suki Kim's book, and it was incredible. Touching, shocking, revealing. Thank you Ms. Kim.

  • @mikasaackerman5711
    @mikasaackerman5711 8 лет назад +613

    Every picture I see of North Korea has a cloudy sky. When is it ever sunny?!?

    • @fatimatariq4350
      @fatimatariq4350 8 лет назад +481

      It's never sunny. The sun has been banned. Nothing can be brighter than their great dictator Kim Jong un
      Jk NK is a terrible terrible place

    • @MelodiesOfTheHearts
      @MelodiesOfTheHearts 8 лет назад +237

      It is most likely pollution from China.

    • @rainmanslim4611
      @rainmanslim4611 8 лет назад

      pollution f

    • @rainmanslim4611
      @rainmanslim4611 8 лет назад +30

      pollution from China and the smoke from the N Korean factories and power plants blacken much of the sky in N Korea, while of course there are sunny days, the air in many places is as polluted as industrial areas in China.

    • @peachkeen7469
      @peachkeen7469 8 лет назад

      No

  • @iamtenzin4409
    @iamtenzin4409 8 лет назад +375

    Her words were more than powerful enough without the need for music. Sometimes less is definitely more. Still, while I watch the Koreas I can't see the dance ending anytime soon. As long as their is a Kim in power there will be division and provocation. But as the nations grow further and further apart, I can only see this ending in blood.

    • @sandramorgan5074
      @sandramorgan5074 8 лет назад +31

      hopefully they'll reunite soon master tenzin.

    • @daple1997
      @daple1997 7 лет назад

      Sandra Morgan the ussr changed after the death of stalin into something a bit more "humane" whilst remaining a totalitarian regime. In the case of north korea its political elites are treated well unlike in stalins ussr where they were purged for anykind of opposition. Change can only happen from the top in a regime like north korea and theses types of regimes are never as stable as they look. I feel Kim just needs to step on a few toes and hes gone.

    • @rainbowwwkim
      @rainbowwwkim 6 лет назад +1

      RIP people named Kim..

  • @erinboc8512
    @erinboc8512 4 года назад +46

    I was sad this entire speech but when she started reading her letter starting with “My dear gentlemen..” the tears came

  • @nikochaij463
    @nikochaij463 8 лет назад +148

    The North Koreans who speak on "TED" are really inspiring. I just want to give them a hug.😊😭❤

  • @bennyksmusicalworld
    @bennyksmusicalworld 9 лет назад +872

    Great talk... Except the music

    • @bennyksmusicalworld
      @bennyksmusicalworld 9 лет назад +24

      I mean, where's the curtain? I do like classical music, but I don't want to see a piano and violins in a TED talk!

    • @panterxbeats
      @panterxbeats 9 лет назад +16

      I'd hardly call this 'classical music'... just fluff.

    • @leethal59
      @leethal59 9 лет назад +4

      +Ben Kim sounds like some church sermon.

    • @sugarcoder
      @sugarcoder 9 лет назад +5

      +Ben Kim Music came out of nowhere and distracted me too. Strange how they showed a picture of them flipping pages of music. T__T

    • @joni.l
      @joni.l 8 лет назад

      +Kim John Un They're entitled to their own opinion :)

  • @JesseCuoi
    @JesseCuoi 8 лет назад +240

    There is someone in North Korea giving the same kind of speech about America.

    • @dementor2003
      @dementor2003 5 лет назад +17

      Isnt the USA similarly brainwashed? Maybe different mode but same output 😂

    • @mlgprussian7115
      @mlgprussian7115 5 лет назад +7

      dementor2003 dam so you rather nk than us

    • @dementor2003
      @dementor2003 5 лет назад +3

      @@mlgprussian7115 "NO" I would rather be "not brainwash" eitherways 😂

    • @johnmartensen4278
      @johnmartensen4278 5 лет назад +38

      @@dementor2003 lol did you even listen to her? Did you hear what kind of regulation they live under? Are they allowed to study other leaders or governments or lifestyles? Are they allowed to talk with their teachers? Are they allowed to show feelings, listen to music, or go out with friends to see a movie? Can they have a personal hero or role model, other than their leader? These people have the freaking joy of life squeezed out of them! All for a dumbass Kim
      Tl;Dr Americans are so much better off, you can't hardly compare US to NK. Nah

    • @MyKneeHurts
      @MyKneeHurts 5 лет назад +20

      @@dementor2003 really, u really think that? after all this freedom u have u say "iSnT tHe uSa siMiLaRlY bRaInWaShEd?" like cmon bruh stop this ignorance

  • @elsakristina2689
    @elsakristina2689 5 лет назад +81

    I really hope these kids will see freedom within their lifetimes.

  • @wigsnatcher2134
    @wigsnatcher2134 6 лет назад +94

    "And I hope instead that you, my lovely young gentlemen, will one day make it beautiful."
    Truly powerful words... Yet it's so bittersweet.

  • @LouisaKloe
    @LouisaKloe 5 лет назад +43

    7:09 This made me tear up a bit, not gonna lie. She’s a great teacher and I’m sure they’ll never forget her. I’m beyond lucky to live in Europe.

  • @prisonervi
    @prisonervi 8 лет назад +7

    Beautifully eloquent presentation. Very moving the way she talks about her students, and how she still cares for them so much. Truly the most inspirational and caring teacher who was in no small way able to touch the lives of these young men and bring a glimmer of hope to them in such a dark world.

  • @Awesumpye25
    @Awesumpye25 4 года назад +40

    My husband joined the army and my one fear is that he will end up stationed near the DMZ like my dad was

    • @rajt9996
      @rajt9996 4 года назад +4

      Hope your husband is safe

  • @jamie4390
    @jamie4390 9 лет назад +279

    I think she just told them to do the exact opposite of what she said, reading in between the lines.

    • @tsummerlee
      @tsummerlee 9 лет назад +4

      Jamie
      I thought the very same thing.

    • @k3nny111
      @k3nny111 9 лет назад +3

      Jamie Well, one could wish thats the case, but I'm not so sure..

    • @whynottalklikeapirat
      @whynottalklikeapirat 9 лет назад +15

      Jamie But then she really thinks their city is beautiful!

    • @k3nny111
      @k3nny111 9 лет назад +22

      whynottalklikeapirat Well, when she started with her letter, her overall tone changed drastically. It is reasonable to assume that she played a game with them once where they should describe things in their negative, a common creativity technique. Maybe that was something that was supposed to be turned upside down by the people who were supposed to receive her message.
      But, tho, that hope crumbles considering that she actually critized North Korea much too clearly to hope for this video to make its way into NK in any way, shape or form, in which she couldn't have told them to rebel in plain english.
      So in the end, she just got emotional with her "gentlemen" and doesn't want them to come to harm. Typical mother-feeling bullshit. They *have* to risk their lives, for future generations. They can't afford to be weak.

    • @gilanin
      @gilanin 9 лет назад +38

      Jamie I thought she said what she said because she didn't want any harm to fall upon the people she spent time with, therefore the "let others...".

  • @ericpa06
    @ericpa06 9 лет назад +129

    Great video, but the music in the background is kinda annoying

  • @GENKI_INU
    @GENKI_INU 9 лет назад +27

    Tragic. I can't imagine what it feels like to be in her shoes reading those personal letters of students being able to express free, self thought for the very first time. They are young bright people, but unfortunately limited in every aspect of their lives by cruel dictatorship. I feel hopeless and very sorry because they are just innocent, wanting the best for their families, girlfriends and their home country understandably, but don't know the truth. And even if they did, they can't do anything about it.
    The connection she built with these students is truly beautiful and the fact that they accept her and respect her as one of their own says many things on how she impacted them by giving them an actual perspective in life outside of worshiping their great maniacal leader.

  • @queensofiavillamil7628
    @queensofiavillamil7628 5 лет назад +57

    “I would rather you forget me” i felt that

  • @i-heart-google7132
    @i-heart-google7132 8 лет назад +92

    The music is fucking distracting.

    • @procrasTINAtionpanda
      @procrasTINAtionpanda 8 лет назад +17

      I-hate-Google I think it helps with the mood of the story though bc the tone of her voice doesn't match the story. She sounds sassy the whole time to me, but that's cause her English pronunciation

  • @ChristaKwon
    @ChristaKwon 8 лет назад +21

    This is the most saddest thing I have ever watched... I can just imagine the boys being closed and then opened a little... The letter that she wishes she could read to them, really really touched my heart... And saying that if she told them about the "real world" she might ruin them... People are talking about the music and her voice - but I think it went well together (like when you got to church and at the end, the pastor talks and they have a light piano in the background). I think the scores matched 80%. As far as her accent, what do you really expect, and why should it matter?

  • @GONZOMAF
    @GONZOMAF 8 лет назад +254

    When she said "let some other teenagers lead a revolution" it reminded me so much of my mother. I am pretty smart, I get good grades(which makes her very happy) I can go to just about any college. But I want to go a military academy so I can one day become a soldier. This angered her and scared her on so many levels. My father fought in the Middle East and my grandfather in Vietnam, she saw how it changed them and she's afraid it will do the same for me. I see the direction my country's in and I don't like it. A great man once said "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" if we want to see change then we must become change, I cannot do anything for my nation behind a cubicle doing lil' Wayne's taxes I need a position where my voice will be heard and maybe I can one day become an elected official. I explained this to her and she told me to "let someone else do it, they owe you nothing. They will despise you because you have tan skin and a Hispanic last name. You don't need to do this" but I do. Be the change you want to see in the world.

    • @cbyxmode
      @cbyxmode 8 лет назад +13

      even u do become 1 of high ranking official.. theres nothing u can do to change anything.. u mostly being absorb by them or being expose to more of the uglyness truth of the untold massacre behind the scene

    • @GONZOMAF
      @GONZOMAF 8 лет назад +13

      Sky Walker this may be true but if we never try there is never any hope for change

    • @cbyxmode
      @cbyxmode 8 лет назад +1

      i didnt say tht nobody must try.. w8 im saying is juz a sign of the reality of the world.. every 99 out of 100 ppl who try fall in so many ways... n thts y u must hv a solid n firm foundation within urself to stick to ur purpose.. without being pull right n left n bring tempt or mislead by either ur own subordinate or the order from above n below.. but to do tht seems somewhat nearly impossible.... hmmm

    • @GONZOMAF
      @GONZOMAF 8 лет назад +6

      You are right my resolve has to be strong and I know the odds are against me in almost every conceivable way. Idk if you live in the u.s but it seems like people argue and complain but they never want to do something and when they do they end up rioting. I want to take the first step into helping to mend what has been damaged. And your right I can't do this all on my own but I can put all my effort into helping the collective good

    • @cbyxmode
      @cbyxmode 8 лет назад

      let me show an example of a certain situation from truth of the past... when a certain squad was send to scout an enemy in a certain city they discover their position n relay the information to the base.. n from the base there are ppl who control the remote of a drone with missile hit button.. all of these ppl hv been given order to eliminate the enemy at all cost.. now the ppl on the ground n at the base knew tht those enemy is inside a whole lot family civilian n children.. so when they hit the button n killed evrything there.. the question arrise who is the killer here.. the one who gv the order or the one who push the button??? n why they still hit tht button??

  • @tmorente
    @tmorente 4 года назад +10

    I liked the piano background and I found her message educating. Her letter to her class was touching.

  • @dreamcatcher1486
    @dreamcatcher1486 8 лет назад +38

    This made me cry...

  • @maheeshah7066
    @maheeshah7066 4 года назад +14

    Every time she told 'my gentlemen ' (in the video) my eyes teared up.

  • @philipbuckley759
    @philipbuckley759 8 лет назад +82

    what is the deal with the background music...

  • @itsmesharmaine4746
    @itsmesharmaine4746 5 лет назад +24

    Whenever i hear something about the people in North Korea, my heart is always bleeding, i really feel sorry for these people who really never know what life is. Prayers for you guys. Love you all!

  • @Nathan-zy2lf
    @Nathan-zy2lf 7 лет назад +304

    If north Korea had access to the internet i think that things would be very different. (come on Anonymous)!!!

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen 5 лет назад +10

      Nathan
      Maybe North Koreans need to learn about VPNs so they can access the internet without traces. Maybe I’m wrong? 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen 5 лет назад +3

      DragonLady XD
      They have desktop computers. Did you forgot those exist?

    • @Vertutame
      @Vertutame 5 лет назад +20

      Don't think with your perspective, imagine everything you're born with and everything around you are lies.
      I fear that they might do group suicide. 95 percent of them, sadly.
      your day, your calendar, your land, your poster, your music, your colors are all lies, yourself might just be a lie.
      it's not going to be the same when Neo woke up from matrix cause he has common sense.
      In North korea, their common sense is also a lie.

    • @doort5775
      @doort5775 5 лет назад +3

      @@totallyfrozen they don't even have food, shut your fucking mouth

    • @jackrogers1115
      @jackrogers1115 5 лет назад +7

      @@totallyfrozen bro they dont have internet to start with... using a von requires an internet connection.

  • @vivektam
    @vivektam 8 лет назад +62

    freedom is so underrated every elsewhere and even misused in several places.

  • @revinaque1342
    @revinaque1342 8 лет назад +43

    I wonder if any of her students were able to escape... I hope she reunites with them someday. :)

  • @gabebabe1
    @gabebabe1 5 лет назад +596

    The background music is very annoying and distracting.
    Also - life is risk, not safety

    • @gaminglegend
      @gaminglegend 5 лет назад +4

      Yeah I agree, it's hard to hear her at some points

    • @thomaslong6655
      @thomaslong6655 4 года назад +6

      I don’t even know why they are putting a background music there. When someone is delivering a speech you should be quiet and listen. Let alone this is a rather solemn story.

    • @yordvandamme
      @yordvandamme 4 года назад +2

      I would risk everything in a regime like that. Not for myself, but for the people in general. If these students would become the high ranking officials, they would have the best chance of overthrowing it. Living life like a lie is simply not living.

    • @jessekandres9047
      @jessekandres9047 4 года назад +2

      @@yordvandamme they don't know it's a lie though, that's the thing. Besides, how do you even plan anything like that when every word you speak is heard and you think your subject of overthrowing is a supreme deity that can even read your mind... this is not Les Misérables it's the 21st-century, wiretaps exist in NK
      It really doesn't sound like anything anyone internally can really do honestly. Imagine getting ratted by one person, just one! all because what you were doing scared Mr.Park. it's like an uphill battle upside down with gravity reversed man..... I don't think any of us can say "I would XYZ in a regime" it's just not something we can pretend to understnd

    • @yordvandamme
      @yordvandamme 4 года назад

      @@jessekandres9047 I meant if I were the teacher I'd tell the kids

  • @ClownFaceSG
    @ClownFaceSG 9 лет назад +60

    I read her book! It was a good read and it gave you an insight about how life was in North Korea. Kinda sad when you read about the life of the students.

  • @sureshpantha2397
    @sureshpantha2397 7 лет назад +359

    Is it me or this is exactly like "1984".

    • @Joy-ny3rc
      @Joy-ny3rc 5 лет назад +19

      it's 10000000 worse

    • @dmax1186
      @dmax1186 5 лет назад +3

      Suresh Pantha You know, kids don’t read that in school anymore

    • @aaronvincent194
      @aaronvincent194 5 лет назад +1

      If you try to order '1984'(like, duh!) You get a lurid cookbook from the year 1984.

    • @enjajajannah
      @enjajajannah 5 лет назад +8

      dmax 1 We sure do :). For me, it was a 10th grade reading assignment.

    • @myn33jh
      @myn33jh 5 лет назад +3

      @@Joy-ny3rc I had to read that book last year as a freshman. Quite a good book

  • @Dimasstywan
    @Dimasstywan 8 лет назад +583

    if only there are countries that care enough to help north korea and realized we are all human and the same without these borders, but it's impossible we are not that different from the north korea after all, there are still borders among us somehow a lot of it, dont u realize

    • @stone4070
      @stone4070 8 лет назад +82

      There are countries that care, but if a country tried to "sort out" North Korea, that country's leader would risk the lives of all their people. There are many people who want to help but they can't in fear of starting a huge war.

    • @Arcticos0
      @Arcticos0 8 лет назад +9

      +akadimas so you favor cultural genocide?

    • @vivekkedia5627
      @vivekkedia5627 8 лет назад +25

      Ignorant idiot. North Korea has one of the most powerful militaries in the planet, any country that tries to interfere with them will lead to more death that'll make freeing the few million in NK worthless.

    • @Dimasstywan
      @Dimasstywan 8 лет назад +5

      I prefer powerful society in a healthy way rather than strongest nuclear bomb whatsoever

    • @3000Unicorn
      @3000Unicorn 8 лет назад +20

      Attacking North Korea would start a world war since North Korea is allied with China and Russia, and with all the nuclear weapons that we have today, it would cause unimaginable damage to the population and the Earth which we can't sacrifice for just freeing a few million North Koreans.

  • @gmun2248
    @gmun2248 4 года назад +55

    This was possibly one of the most honest, raw accounts I've heard of someone who has spent time in NK and really understands their regime.
    Obviously she has a lot more knowledge and background training than is covered in this talk.
    I'd really recommend a docu-series I've just watched on VICE. It's about North Korean Labour camps in Siberia. It's several years old, & it's *crazy,* but it's also very informative.
    Kim jong Sun was born in Russia & trained by stalinists. It seems Russia created a dictator, taught him he was a god, sent him to create a completely brainwashed population, and now gets free labour - decades later.
    And people think they couldn't meddle in elections...

    • @etien_ne
      @etien_ne 4 года назад

      Hey could u please share the link

    • @gmun2248
      @gmun2248 4 года назад

      @@etien_ne
      I watched it months ago - it's on Vice's RUclips channel. Probably searching 'Vice + North Korea + Russia' will pull it up. It's about 9 parts, I think

    • @etien_ne
      @etien_ne 4 года назад +1

      g mun22 k thnx buddy

  • @a-deejay9971
    @a-deejay9971 8 лет назад +7

    The ability to do a speech like this has to be difficult. Trying to tell a story that will move others while having the strength to not cry after being there and experiencing all....that takes something. Well done :)

  • @Tiotsa
    @Tiotsa 8 лет назад +20

    Imagine being born there, spending all your life there and never knowing the outside world...

    • @summydots
      @summydots 5 лет назад

      That's what she's talking about

  • @marizmakii1353
    @marizmakii1353 8 лет назад +365

    What's up with the music?!

    • @belen7584
      @belen7584 8 лет назад +11

      it was trying to make it sad probably

    • @fife8332
      @fife8332 8 лет назад +87

      It was a performance, like the background music to a documentary but live. I thought it was cool

    • @kireinaamiranurulizzah7083
      @kireinaamiranurulizzah7083 8 лет назад +17

      it make me cry in the end

    • @alexfriedman2047
      @alexfriedman2047 6 лет назад

      It's Zelda occorena of time part 2 choir band.

  • @attaullahkhan4143
    @attaullahkhan4143 3 года назад +11

    Through out the video I forgot that who I am and felt myself one of the students, and I was crying....

  • @owlani3950
    @owlani3950 8 лет назад +314

    Those people are completley brainwashed!😕

    • @percyross7612
      @percyross7612 8 лет назад +88

      Everyone in the world is brainwashed to some extent, just in different ways. Brainwashing isn't necessarily bad but the situation in NK is most definitely terrible.

    • @세븐틴-m7b
      @세븐틴-m7b 8 лет назад +21

      Lani Vlogs it's not their fault

    • @jayrodm643
      @jayrodm643 7 лет назад +3

      Percy Ross that's what they want you to think

    • @molokomohau4974
      @molokomohau4974 7 лет назад +1

      Yeah true like they don't know not even a single thing about the outside world

    • @BioshockChar
      @BioshockChar 6 лет назад +2

      They have to do as they are told and not rock the boat. I watched one of these Talks, a North Korean defector who watched her best friends mother get executed for watching an American movie..

  • @ryanlundgren9151
    @ryanlundgren9151 8 лет назад +25

    That is beautiful, I'm on the verge of tears ❤️

  • @adamslemp9880
    @adamslemp9880 8 лет назад +216

    She has good insights and conveys a remarkable experience, but the truth has to be brought into North Korea even at cost of suffering. It's better to suffer for what's right than live long under an oppressive evil. The sway of public opinion with social media won't truly fix things either; only individual acts of conscience enlivened by truth can do that. "What should it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?"

    • @ericmin7645
      @ericmin7645 8 лет назад +1

      Mark 8:36

    • @adamslemp9880
      @adamslemp9880 8 лет назад +1

      Eric Min Marked. I may be missing what you're aiming at, but "gentleness" could be defined many ways, and most of those are not universally virtuous. In a country that enslaves and murders its people and threatens the world, "gently" doing nothing is taking the side of evil.

    • @ericmin7645
      @ericmin7645 8 лет назад +1

      i was just refering to the last sentence you wrote... "for what does it profit a man to gain the world but yet forfeit his soul" is quotation that comes from the bible Mark 8:36

    • @adamslemp9880
      @adamslemp9880 8 лет назад +1

      Eric Min Ohhhh. RUclips automatically made "8:36" a hyperlink to a point in the video, which was when she was just beginning to talk about what "gentlemen" meant. I mistook Mark as "pay attention to". But yes, that was precisely the quote I had in mind. Glad to see we're on the same page (now that that got cleared up). :D Thanks for the citation.

    • @ericmin7645
      @ericmin7645 8 лет назад

      no problem.. its a very good quote and i feel that a lot of us do get lost in our priorities as to what is important sometimes

  • @memisingha3420
    @memisingha3420 5 лет назад +18

    The sole reason those NK inhabitants couldn't or don't fight is because they never knew what actual freedom is, maybe they think their version of limited freedom is what it's called to be freedom.😔
    And that letter by her to her students just broke my heart and found a new meaning to the simple word "Gentleman".💙