Hugs and tears for North Koreans

Han Song-mi, a North Korean refugee author fellow with Freedom Speakers International, speaks to students during a special event hosted by the University of Warsaw, May 19. Courtesy of Freedom Speakers International

When I was growing up in North Korea, I knew the names of fewer than ten countries in the world. One of the many I had never heard of was Poland.

Even after escaping North Korea in 2011 and arriving in South Korea a few months later, Poland was just another country I occasionally heard about while watching the World Cup.

That changed when, from May 13 to 23, 2025, I traveled to Poland with Freedom Speakers International (FSI) to participate in the Warsaw International Book Fair, speak at the University of Warsaw, and visit Auschwitz. While preparing for my first-ever trip to Eastern Europe, I was surprised to learn that Poland had once been a communist country and that it has a long and painful history of occupation, war, and oppression — especially during the Holocaust.

After more than a week back in South Korea, the emotions of the trip have settled enough for me to reflect on what it all meant.

This was my first time participating in a book fair. It wasn’t something I ever imagined doing — especially not in a foreign country. From May 15 to 18, I participated in the Warsaw International Book Fair with FSI, speaking at our booth and delivering a scheduled speech during the forum May 17.

Before and after my talk, I spoke with book fair attendees. Some cried and hugged me as they listened to my story. Their responses moved me deeply and brought a sense of healing.

Han Song-mi, a North Korean refugee author fellow with Freedom Speakers International, received many warm hugs from attendees at the Freedom Speakers International booth during the Warsaw International Book Fair, May 18. Courtesy of Freedom Speakers International

On May 19, we spoke at two events at the University of Warsaw. Over 120 people attended the afternoon session. There weren’t enough seats, so people sat on the floor and stood along the walls. I was surprised by the size of the audience — and even more by how many questions they had.

One woman from China asked if any countries help North Korean refugees escape. It was the first time I’d been asked that question. It made me realize that no country has officially taken responsibility. Some individuals and NGOs try to help, but there is no national policy or coordinated effort.

Speaking at the book fair and Warsaw University reminded me of the time we were finishing the manuscript for "Greenlight to Freedom" in 2021. Mr. Casey told me several times, “You’re going to be giving speeches domestically and around the world.” He encouraged me to think beyond the page — to prepare not only to write my story, but also to speak it.

On May 21, we visited the Auschwitz Memorial. We had the chance to meet a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor, who shared some of his experiences. He told us it took him more than 20 years before he felt ready to speak publicly about what happened to him and his family. He encouraged us to be patient with ourselves. Every survivor, he said, has their own timeline.

Casey Lartigue (left) and Han Song-mi (right) present a signed copy of 'Greenlight to Freedom,' Han’s memoir co-authored with Lartigue, to 93-year-old Auschwitz survivor and author Bogdan Bartnikowski during a meeting at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland, May 21. Courtesy of Freedom Speakers International

At the memorial, we learned about the systems of control that governed the lives — and deaths — of Jewish people in Nazi-occupied Europe. They were forced into ghettos, later deported to labor and extermination camps. Many were murdered in gas chambers, while others died through forced labor, mass shootings, starvation, or disease — killed simply for being Jewish.

As I listened and walked through the site, I thought about how in North Korea, people are not sent to prison — we are born in it. There, we live under tight control from birth, classified by social status, and told where we can live and what we can become.

I am not saying that North Korea and Auschwitz are the same — each has its own history and context. Both are examples of how entire populations can be denied freedom and have their lives destroyed for disobeying.

On May 22, we visited the Auschwitz Foundation in Warsaw, where we learned about its ongoing work in remembrance and education. It reminded me how powerful it is when survivors and witnesses work together to make sure the truth is not forgotten.

Speaking in English gave me a sense of empowerment. Even though I still make mistakes, I feel more comfortable expressing myself. I’ve noticed that English-speaking audiences respond with sincerity and warmth, which helps me feel more understood.

If I were still in North Korea, I would never have known anything about Poland. I wouldn’t have been able to travel or speak freely. Today, I live with a sense of freedom I once couldn’t imagine. Even the word “today” feels like a gift.

I want to thank fellow North Korean refugee authors Jang Sha-ron and Eom Yeong-nam — we traveled together, shared experiences, and supported each other throughout the journey.

I’m forever grateful to FSI’s co-founders, Casey Lartigue and Lee Eun-koo for guiding me and empowering North Korean refugees to speak for themselves.

Standing from left to right: Lee Eun-koo, Jang Sha-ron, Han Song-mi, an attendee, Casey Lartigue, and Eom Yeong-nam at the Freedom Speakers International booth during the Warsaw International Book Fair, May 16. The attendee, standing fourth from the left, purchased autographed copies of each of the FSI books on display. Courtesy of Freedom Speakers International

Years ago, Poland was a name I didn’t recognize. Now, it is a place where I met strangers who reminded me that my story matters.

Living in freedom, I have now traveled to Canada, Switzerland and the USA several times, India twice, and now Poland. That means I have now traveled to almost as many countries as I was aware of when I was in North Korea. I hope one day, others from North Korea can make their own unexpected journeys. If they ever make it to Poland, they may be greeted with many hugs.

Han Song-mi is a North Korean Refugee Author Fellow with Freedom Speakers International and the co-author of her memoir, “Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother and Herself,” co-written with FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue Jr.