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The Courage To Die: A North Korean Woman’s Escape and Rebirth in Freedom
The Courage to Die is the powerful true story of Eunhee Park, the child of divorced parents and a mother lost to mental illness, who endured years of hunger and indoctrination in a North Korean orphanage where survival meant silence.
Raised by her disabled grandfather and strong-willed grandmother, Eunhee faced abandonment, loss, and the rigid control of a totalitarian regime. To escape the regime, she crossed China in a perilous journey that exposed her to sexual abuse, hunger, exhaustion, and the constant threat of death.
Through every ordeal, she clung to the strength and curiosity instilled by her grandparents and transformed unimaginable suffering into courage, compassion, and a determination to tell the truth. Both harrowing and inspiring, her memoir reveals the cost of survival under tyranny and the unbreakable will of a woman who refused to surrender her humanity.
“From darkness to dignity — the courage to die, and be reborn in freedom.”
Raised by her disabled grandfather and strong-willed grandmother, Eunhee faced abandonment, loss, and the rigid control of a totalitarian regime. To escape the regime, she crossed China in a perilous journey that exposed her to sexual abuse, hunger, exhaustion, and the constant threat of death.
Through every ordeal, she clung to the strength and curiosity instilled by her grandparents and transformed unimaginable suffering into courage, compassion, and a determination to tell the truth. Both harrowing and inspiring, her memoir reveals the cost of survival under tyranny and the unbreakable will of a woman who refused to surrender her humanity.
“From darkness to dignity — the courage to die, and be reborn in freedom.”
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 25, 2025
A deeply moving first hand account of the battles and traumas that Eunhee has had to go through and survive just to have a small part of what most of the world has, freedom of choice.
I knew before reading this book that North Korean culture was extremely backwards thinking and dangerous, but I'd never read a first hand account from someone who escaped.
I couldn't read the book all in one sitting, in fact it took me around 4 days in total to read something that my kindle estimated I'd be able to read in 3 hours. Not because the book had anything that was deeply traumatising or anything, although there's definitely some trigger warnings needed for certain parts - but rather because its so thought provoking, I thought about the fact that I take electricity for granted, even now whilst writing this review I'm thinking about how privileged I am to have even the smallest of comforts and that I have never had to worry about my life being taken simply for questioning my way of life.
I live in Scotland and I hope that this book reaches far and wide and that it makes others think about how privileged they are to have the things that they do because there's one word I'd use to describe this book "Thought-provoking".
I knew before reading this book that North Korean culture was extremely backwards thinking and dangerous, but I'd never read a first hand account from someone who escaped.
I couldn't read the book all in one sitting, in fact it took me around 4 days in total to read something that my kindle estimated I'd be able to read in 3 hours. Not because the book had anything that was deeply traumatising or anything, although there's definitely some trigger warnings needed for certain parts - but rather because its so thought provoking, I thought about the fact that I take electricity for granted, even now whilst writing this review I'm thinking about how privileged I am to have even the smallest of comforts and that I have never had to worry about my life being taken simply for questioning my way of life.
I live in Scotland and I hope that this book reaches far and wide and that it makes others think about how privileged they are to have the things that they do because there's one word I'd use to describe this book "Thought-provoking".
January 9, 2026
Park's story flows, is gripping, and is very difficult to stop once you've started. I love hearing her poetic and clear descriptions of her life under the regime. I have read several other stories from North Korean defectors, but what I especially appreciate about her story is how she weaves lessons and learnings about living under the regime into her life after her escape. This clear contextualization in the world we are all so familiar with helps her experiences to become even more deeply relatable.
A Gem!
A Gem!
January 13, 2026
Everyone needs to read this book. Such a rare and important story!
As an American, I understand how unbelievably rare and deeply important this book is. Stories like this almost never make it out of North Korea, especially in recent years, which is why this is so incredibly special. This isn’t just a memoir. It shines a painful but necessary light on what North Koreans have lived through and are still living through today. I've read almost all the North Korean defector stories that are out there, but this one is truly special. I especially like how she talked about after finding freedom and how challenging that can be in a free society.
Eunhee, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for writing this. The courage it takes to relive your pain, your escape, and everything you endured so the world can know the true reality of what many North Koreans go through is beyond words. Your story matters so much- for the North Korean people, our history, future, and for humanity. Your words will live on long after us, and they deserve to!
You are incredibly brave and strong. Your grandparents will watch over you and be so proud. I wish I could hug you and thank you for carrying this story and turning your suffering into light for others!
Everyone needs to read this book. With the DPRK tightening security and advancing technology, recent stories like this are becoming more and more rare, yet so necessary. I hope to see the North Korean people free in my lifetime, and until that day comes, books like this matter more than most realize. Thank you for sharing your story!!
As an American, I understand how unbelievably rare and deeply important this book is. Stories like this almost never make it out of North Korea, especially in recent years, which is why this is so incredibly special. This isn’t just a memoir. It shines a painful but necessary light on what North Koreans have lived through and are still living through today. I've read almost all the North Korean defector stories that are out there, but this one is truly special. I especially like how she talked about after finding freedom and how challenging that can be in a free society.
Eunhee, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for writing this. The courage it takes to relive your pain, your escape, and everything you endured so the world can know the true reality of what many North Koreans go through is beyond words. Your story matters so much- for the North Korean people, our history, future, and for humanity. Your words will live on long after us, and they deserve to!
You are incredibly brave and strong. Your grandparents will watch over you and be so proud. I wish I could hug you and thank you for carrying this story and turning your suffering into light for others!
Everyone needs to read this book. With the DPRK tightening security and advancing technology, recent stories like this are becoming more and more rare, yet so necessary. I hope to see the North Korean people free in my lifetime, and until that day comes, books like this matter more than most realize. Thank you for sharing your story!!
December 26, 2025
Great book, a very detailed look into the oppressive North Korean government. It's sad that so many people in modern times are isolated from many basic human rights. I have a deep respect for the rights and opportunities we have in the United States.
Very brave young lady.
Very brave young lady.
December 6, 2025
This was super interesting, there are some issues with writing and repeating, however given her story it is an extremely interesting read.
January 12, 2026
The Courage to Die is written by a fierce, articulate young woman who took the ultimate risk and escaped North Korea. I’ve read many books about escaping North Korea and this is one of the best. She describes growing up in North Korea, how and why she decided to leave North Korea and what she left behind. She describes her escape and her integration into South Korean Society and what she’s doing now to help others. This is a great book by a truly good person.
February 11, 2026
really good!
I thought this book was really good-written from a female perspective as being a defector. I can compare it to many other biographies that are similar. I’m sure that plenty had been left out but it’s hard to say. Either way, it was a good, quick read.
I thought this book was really good-written from a female perspective as being a defector. I can compare it to many other biographies that are similar. I’m sure that plenty had been left out but it’s hard to say. Either way, it was a good, quick read.
December 11, 2025
Eunhee Park is obviously a very brave and intelligent woman based on the stories she tells in this engrossing book. Her life growing up in North Korea is harsh and sometimes grueling to read about, but read we must! Though it was not an easy journey for her, we are so fortunate that she was able to escape to democratic South Korea where she was free to tell her story. If you have already read other defector narratives before, rest assured that this one is different from the others and provides many details that I was unaware of before. Powerful, gripping, and very sad at times, but ultimately hopeful, inspiring, and uplifting!
December 7, 2025
An eye opening book offering a fresh insight
The books offers a fresh perspective from a different lens due to the struggles & life of the author being different (not lesser though) than what one reads in similar books on this topic. A good read.
However, at times while reading the book some emotions that the author tried to convey believe were lost in translation into English. Was unable to feel the same emotions that author wanted to communicate through some chapters.
The books offers a fresh perspective from a different lens due to the struggles & life of the author being different (not lesser though) than what one reads in similar books on this topic. A good read.
However, at times while reading the book some emotions that the author tried to convey believe were lost in translation into English. Was unable to feel the same emotions that author wanted to communicate through some chapters.
January 18, 2026
Beautifully written heartfelt story and a window into a world usually hidden from those on the outside
May 2, 2026
Even though this is the story of a girl growing up in North Korea and escaping to freedom, it is also a story that will resonate with you, no matter where you are in life.
In her book, Eunhee talks about her parents' divorce, growing up in an orphanage, and afterward, being passed around from one family to another. You'll read about how her inability to make choices for herself caused her to finally make the risky decision to cross the North Korean border through a broker in search of freedom. You will also read of all the horrible consequences that came with that choice, but how freedom is ultimately worth it in the end.
And the story doesn't end there. Eunhee tells about trying to adjust to a completely different world. She write about how, even though North and South Korea speak the same language, the vocabulary is so different as it made the world of freedom very difficult to exist in. You will read of her determination to press on anyway. Again, a valuable lesson for us today. And she went on to also live in Australia and California before coming back to South Korea.
I highlighted some really great gems as I read them:
"I quickly realized freedom was not a destination. It wasn't a place I reached, but a discipline..."
"...freedom isn't just about enjoying the choices you have. It's about bearing the weight and responsibility for every choice. A normal life wasn't something given; it was a goal I had to strive for."
"...growth required risk...A new version of myself awaited."
"Their [North Korean Refugees] successful resettlement stories are the most powerful proof that democracy guarantees freedom, opportunity, human rights, and prosperity."
I highlighted more than these, but this will give you just a glimpse into the lessons embedded in this book. I highly recommend reading.
In her book, Eunhee talks about her parents' divorce, growing up in an orphanage, and afterward, being passed around from one family to another. You'll read about how her inability to make choices for herself caused her to finally make the risky decision to cross the North Korean border through a broker in search of freedom. You will also read of all the horrible consequences that came with that choice, but how freedom is ultimately worth it in the end.
And the story doesn't end there. Eunhee tells about trying to adjust to a completely different world. She write about how, even though North and South Korea speak the same language, the vocabulary is so different as it made the world of freedom very difficult to exist in. You will read of her determination to press on anyway. Again, a valuable lesson for us today. And she went on to also live in Australia and California before coming back to South Korea.
I highlighted some really great gems as I read them:
"I quickly realized freedom was not a destination. It wasn't a place I reached, but a discipline..."
"...freedom isn't just about enjoying the choices you have. It's about bearing the weight and responsibility for every choice. A normal life wasn't something given; it was a goal I had to strive for."
"...growth required risk...A new version of myself awaited."
"Their [North Korean Refugees] successful resettlement stories are the most powerful proof that democracy guarantees freedom, opportunity, human rights, and prosperity."
I highlighted more than these, but this will give you just a glimpse into the lessons embedded in this book. I highly recommend reading.
May 6, 2026
I have read a lot of books about the NK defectors. This author did not experience as much deprivation because her step mom had a govt job and she also had an uncle that was able to obtain provisions. She realized she was not free and in a terrible place and decided she wanted a new life in S. Korea. However, her escape across the river and through China was horrible. It's amazing she survived that trip.
I admired her tough character and desire to do new things. The theme certainly was freedom. I still marvel that the regime in NK is still viable but apparently it is. She wrote something about how after she had read some of the Bible, she noticed that the insane Kim family actually used Bible stories and themes to make themselves out to be gods. I had read in another book that the Kim family of 100 plus years ago were Christians and there was a really strong seminary in Pyongyang.
I admired her tough character and desire to do new things. The theme certainly was freedom. I still marvel that the regime in NK is still viable but apparently it is. She wrote something about how after she had read some of the Bible, she noticed that the insane Kim family actually used Bible stories and themes to make themselves out to be gods. I had read in another book that the Kim family of 100 plus years ago were Christians and there was a really strong seminary in Pyongyang.
December 31, 2025
This book is not about spectacle or self-promotion. It is about quiet truth.
Eunhee Park writes with a rare sincerity — gentle, reflective, and deeply human.
Her words don’t try to convince or perform; they simply invite the reader to slow down and feel.
What stayed with me most was the sense of light she speaks about — not as something loud or sudden, but as something patient, often carried through people and connection.
This is a story that offers warmth without denying hardship, and hope without naïveté.
A meaningful read for anyone who has ever felt lost, searching, or quietly resilient.
Dear Eunhee,
You deserve the world.
Eunhee Park writes with a rare sincerity — gentle, reflective, and deeply human.
Her words don’t try to convince or perform; they simply invite the reader to slow down and feel.
What stayed with me most was the sense of light she speaks about — not as something loud or sudden, but as something patient, often carried through people and connection.
This is a story that offers warmth without denying hardship, and hope without naïveté.
A meaningful read for anyone who has ever felt lost, searching, or quietly resilient.
Dear Eunhee,
You deserve the world.
March 31, 2026
Eunhee offers us an intimate, innocent and emotional perspective on her entire journey towards freedom, while also taking us by the hand to learn a bit about her country of origin, to the point where you can understand her decisions and those of her whole family. It is a harrowing story, but a beautiful one. And I greatly appreciate the endless courage of this woman, who has not only lived through this journey but has opened her heart to share it with the whole world and remind us that it is worth fighting for freedom, and that we never stop learning the responsibility it entails.
April 3, 2026
Eunhee's story is incredible and she manages to skillfully describe each stage so you can feel her pain, her confusion and even her happiness at small joys life brings her. it is an eye opening book that really describes the hardship of everyday life in North Korea,the extemes people must go to escape and the difficulties a new life of freedom brings. recommend to everyone to read this book
December 29, 2025
Such an amazing inspirational read, the author does an amazing job at telling her story. You can feel the emotions of the author through her storytelling. 10/10 would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
January 9, 2026
The courage of this lady to escape from NK and make a new life is truly inspiring. True bravery.
We can all only hope that change will come for more of her fellow countrymen in the future and maybe one day she can return and be part of the change.
We can all only hope that change will come for more of her fellow countrymen in the future and maybe one day she can return and be part of the change.
March 4, 2026
Inspirational!
As an American, I am shocked to read what life is like in No Korea. The amazing courage of this woman and her drive to be free touched my heart. Freedom is a gift we in the west take for granted. This should be required reading in high school.
As an American, I am shocked to read what life is like in No Korea. The amazing courage of this woman and her drive to be free touched my heart. Freedom is a gift we in the west take for granted. This should be required reading in high school.
April 7, 2026
Very gripping story, and I thought it was well written. I would recommend reading it over listening to the audiobook (I did the latter, and think I would have preferred reading it instead).
May 9, 2026
a sobering an eye opening read
This is the first autobiography I have read from a North Korean defector, and I realised how woefully ignorant I am. Thank you, Eunhee, for sharing your story.
This is the first autobiography I have read from a North Korean defector, and I realised how woefully ignorant I am. Thank you, Eunhee, for sharing your story.
May 12, 2026
Incredible. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews