Kim Gum-hyok, a 31-year-old North Korean defector, is now a policy adviser at South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Arriving in South Korea in 2012, Kim represents a new wave of defectors integrating into South Korean society. Previously a broadcaster and YouTuber, Kim now serves as a government official, aspiring to further his studies abroad.
In a recent interview, Kim expressed his generation’s desire to assimilate into mainstream South Korean culture, aiming for positions in top corporations, Ivy League universities, or professions like medicine and law. His personal ambition includes pursuing political science studies at renowned U.S. institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Despite his current success, Kim’s journey was not without challenges. After his arrival in South Korea, he underwent training at Hanawon to adapt to his new environment, realizing the privileges he had compared to other residents. Hailing from North Korea’s prestigious Kim Il-Sung University, where he studied English literature with aspirations of diplomacy, Kim noted the stark contrast in campus life between the two Koreas.
Kim’s decision to defect stemmed from disillusionment with the North Korean regime, sparked by discussions with South Korean students at Beijing University. Graduating from Korea University in Seoul, he ventured into YouTube, managing channels like “Kim Gum-hyok’s Turbulent Diary” and “Seoul Pyongyang Couple,” aiming to portray authentic North Korean narratives and share his experiences in South Korea.
In his vlogs, Kim documents his married life and impending fatherhood, emphasizing his desire to showcase his well-being in South Korea rather than incite North Korean defections. While advocating for Korean unification, Kim acknowledged the complexities involved, suggesting a gradual approach towards reconciliation between the two Koreas.
Reflecting on human rights abuses under the Kim Jong-un regime, Kim highlighted the severity of conditions in North Korea compared to other global crises. Despite the guilt of leaving his parents behind in North Korea, Kim remains driven to support veterans’ families and soldiers as a policy adviser at the ministry.
Kim’s unwavering ambition is evident as he contemplates the possibility of one day becoming the president of South Korea. His story embodies the resilience and determination of North Korean defectors striving for a better future while bridging the gap between divided nations.
Kim Hee-su, an intern at The Korea Times, provides insights into the remarkable journey and aspirations of Kim Gum-hyok, shedding light on the experiences and dreams of a defector navigating a path towards academic excellence and societal integration.
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