Why North Korean defectors learn English (4)

Casey Lartigue Jr., left, teaches a North Korean defector at the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center in Seoul. / Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.

By Casey Lartigue Jr.

Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, compiled these statements from interviews with refugees studying in TNKR.

Sora, female, escaped to South Korea in 2018

There have been so many “moments” when I realized that I needed English. When I was living in China, I saw South Korean videos and dramas for the first time. And so many times, they would say words I didn't understand even though they were speaking Korean.

I had been thinking about escaping, but I took a long time to do so because of my dog. I knew that it would be impossible to escape together, but I couldn't leave him there. One day he was missing and I couldn't find him. I had to be careful looking for him because I still had an illegal status in China.

When I made it to Thailand, a police officer told a joke, but I couldn't understand. He said my face was like the moon, but I thought of the Korean meaning of “door.” I hated that I was the only one who couldn't understand.

When I came to South Korea, I was lucky to get a job quickly because of my Chinese ability. But now I need English so I can be eligible for other opportunities.

Mikyung, female, escaped to South Korea in 2009

I'm reminded of English every time a foreigner asks me in English about directions. I don't feel good that I can't answer. I began focusing on English after I rescued my family from North Korea. I knew that English was important, but with my unstable situation, I couldn't focus properly and study intensively.

Now they are with me, I've settled down, I love being in South Korea with my family. I studied English at an alternative school and I recently started college. I am reminded every day, in every class, about the need for English.

I am more motivated now to study hard, my friends joke about my obsession to learn English, saying I need to take it easy. And my friends who knew me from years ago say that I am a different person.

Eunji, female, escaped to South Korea in 2012

The moment that I felt desperate to learn English was when my son asked me to help with his homework. I rarely studied when I was in North Korea because my family was struggling so much.

I decided to see the world, but I ended up working on a farm and a restaurant in Australia where I did not have to use English. When I went shopping, I always went with someone who could speak English.

I can now see that I have been avoiding English even though I have been in English-speaking situations. I did enjoy being abroad, it gave me a chance to be an individual rather than having to always answer questions about North Korea, and now people want to know what I think about Trump and Kim Jong-Un.

I'm looking forward to just being a person. Hopefully, if I really do learn English, I will be able to do that.

Ji-ah, female, escaped to South Korea in 2008

Last year I was invited to an international forum as a speaker. I practiced a lot, but on stage I forgot everything. I began crying. I asked the translator to help me with the introduction.

I studied English when I was in North Korea, but I can see that the level wasn't high. I feel like a learner in a new society, and English will help me to learn even more.