North Korean defector journalist gives voice to those trapped

In an incredible journey from North Korea to South Korea, Zane Han now finds himself living in Seoul and working as a journalist, free to write about the North Korean government, which once controlled every aspect of his life. Surviving the 1990s famine and enduring the hardships of bribery for grades at an elite Pyongyang university, Han eventually escaped brutal conditions while working in Russia and sought freedom.

Now, as he reflects on the stark contrast between the rigid outdatedness of North Korea and the vibrant modernity of Seoul, Han describes his experience as entering a time machine. His escape, facilitated during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects a growing trend of North Korean defectors who were already living outside the country before fleeing Pyongyang’s control.

Settling in Seoul, Han now writes for NK Insider, aiming to elevate North Korean voices and expose human rights abuses. He uses his platform to shed light on the harsh realities of life in North Korea, advocating for those who cannot escape.

Despite the challenges and the need for caution, Han believes his work is crucial in revealing the truth about North Korea. “Nobody can imagine what the situation [in North Korea] is like,” he said. “[But] I was there – I know.”