Escaping North Korea: Defiance and Hope
By Mike Kim, Co-Founder of Crossing Borders
The Definitive Account of the modern Underground Railroad
First published in 2008, Escaping North Korea remains a seminal work for understanding the risks, the politics, and the people behind the North Korean refugee crisis. Written by Crossing Borders co-founder Mike Kim, this book provides an eye-level view of the modern-day underground railroad and how it has saved countless lives of North Korean defectors.
Detailed Synopsis
On his twenty-fourth birthday, Mike Kim gave up a budding career to move near the China-North Korea border. He spent the next several years learning about the refugee crisis in China and providing assistance and relief to refugees he encountered.
Escaping North Korea is his firsthand account of those years. It details the harrowing stories of individuals who risked execution to cross the Tumen River, the horrific reality of human trafficking facing refugee women, and the unseen heroism of those who aid them. Mike provides a sober look at the world’s most repressive country and the resilient spirit of those who refuse to be broken by it.
Legacy & Impact
Since its release, Escaping North Korea has become a vital resource for:
Academic Study: Used in universities and human rights courses to teach the realities of the North Korean crisis.
Church Missions: Helping congregations understand the spiritual and physical needs of the North Korean people.
Policy Awareness: Providing lawmakers and NGOs with ground-level insights into border conditions.
Key Themes
The Logistics of Escape: A rare look at the routes and methods used by refugees.
Human Rights Advocacy: Highlighting the systemic abuses of the North Korean regime.
A Call to Action: How the international community and individuals can make a difference.
About the Author: Mike Kim
As a co-founder, Mike Kim helped launch the ministry of Crossing Borders with Dan Chung. His work on the China-North Korea border was foundational in establishing the organization’s mission and work over the past two decades. Mike’s storytelling has been featured in major media outlets and continues to inspire those drawn to this work of making the North Korean refugee crisis known.
Purchase Information
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
