A Hard Freedom: The Dreams and Trauma of North Korean Refugees
By Dan Chung, Executive Director of Crossing Borders
The Untold Story of the "Second Escape"
Most stories about North Korea end when the refugee crosses the border. But for Dan Chung and the team at Crossing Borders, the border crossing is only the beginning. In his debut book, A Hard Freedom (Bloomsbury, April 2026), Dan explores the invisible scars left by decades of state-mandated dehumanization and the profound difficulty of rediscovering one's soul after a lifetime of trauma.
Detailed Synopsis
For over 20 years, Dan Chung has lived and worked alongside North Korean refugees, witnessing firsthand the psychological and spiritual devastation caused by one of the world’s most repressive regimes. In A Hard Freedom, Dan moves beyond the logistics of rescue to address the deeper crisis of the heart.
He documents the "hidden trauma" that refugees carry into safe houses—the paralyzing fear, the loss of trust, and the struggle to understand their own worth. Through poignant storytelling and clinical observation, Dan argues that while physical relief is essential, true restoration requires a spiritual foundation. He presents the healing love of Jesus not as a religious abstraction, but as a practical, transformative force that meets refugees in their darkest moments of despair.
What Readers Will Discover
A New Perspective on Trauma: Insight into how North Korean refugees experience and process psychological pain, moving from survival to thriving.
The Role of Faith in Recovery: Why secular humanitarian aid often falls short of addressing deep-seated spiritual wounds and the unique role of the Gospel in restoration.
Boots-on-the-Ground Stories: Real accounts of resilience, dreams, and redemption from two decades of clandestine ministry.
Hope for the Brokenhearted: A roadmap for how the global church and individuals can support the long-term emotional and spiritual healing of the North Korean people.
About the Author
Dan Chung
Dan Chung is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Crossing Borders, a ministry and non-profit dedicated to providing physical and spiritual relief to North Korean refugees since 2003. Working alongside co-founder Mike Kim (author of Escaping North Korea), Dan has transitioned from the logistics of rescue to the long-term ministry of restoration. He is a leading voice on the intersection of human rights, trauma-informed care, and the healing power of the Gospel.
Pre-Order & Media Information
Publication Date: April 30, 2026
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Inquiries: For media interviews, podcast bookings, or advance reader copies (ARCs), please contact hello@crossingbordersnk.org
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