The Experiences of North Koreans Encountering Abundance Beyond Their Borders

The experiences of North Koreans who manage to exit their country and witness the apparent abundance in other nations can range from awe to sadness, from hope to disorientation. This article explores some of the common themes and emotions reflected in the journeys of these individuals.

Shock and Awe

Many defectors express astonishment at the level of wealth and consumer goods available in countries like South Korea or the United States. The stark contrast between the scarcity they experienced in North Korea and the abundance they see can be overwhelming. For instance, “I couldn’t believe the wide variety and quantity of food, and the plethora of new technologies that I had never seen before”, as one defector explained. This shock often highlights the stark disparities between North Korea’s closed economy and the capitalist systems of other nations.

Disorientation

The sudden exposure to a different culture, lifestyle, and way of thinking can lead to feelings of disorientation. Many defectors struggle to adjust to the fast pace and complexity of life outside of North Korea. It’s not just about coping with a new environment but also a new society that operates in a different rhythm and with different values. “It’s like living in another world. Everything is so fast and busy,” another defector commented. This disorientation can make daily tasks and decision-making challenging and overwhelming.

Hope and Opportunity

Witnessing abundance can also be a source of hope and motivation for some defectors. They may feel liberated and optimistic about the possibilities for a better life and the chance to pursue personal goals. “I saw so much potential here. I could finally have a future that I could truly call my own,” one defector said. The abundance in material possessions and opportunities in other countries can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and ambition.

Sadness and Loss

Defectors often reflect on the hardships faced by their family members and friends who remain in North Korea, evoking feelings of sadness or guilt. The disparity between the lives they left behind and the life they now enjoy can be deeply emotional. “I am so lucky, but I can’t forget about my family back home struggling in that place,” an interviewee noted. The abundance they see may deepen these feelings of loss and longing.

Cultural Adjustment

Adjusting to new social norms, values, and behaviors can be challenging. Some defectors may feel alienated or struggle with the differences in communication and social interactions. “It’s hard to adapt. People here ask so many personal questions, it’s not how we do things back home,” one defector commented. Navigating these new social landscapes and understanding the nuances of their new culture can be a significant challenge.

Perceptions of Western Workers

Based on my conversations with North Koreans, they view workers in the West as slaves of a capitalistic system that uses people then discards them like trash. They especially see the insatiable craving for material possessions as symptomatic of an inner emptiness and loneliness. A common sentiment is “They work endlessly to keep up with the rat race, but they never achieve what they want. It’s all for an illusion of a better life that never comes.” They often contrast this view with the work culture in North Korea, where the focus is on the collective rather than individual success, and the emphasis is on survival, sustained by a semi-feudal structure. The perception of exploitation and the emphasis on materialism are areas where North Koreans see stark differences in the Western work culture.