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Markiplier From North Korea Book
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A North Korean refugee’s daughter chronicles her family’s epic journey from war-torn Korea to the American suburbs, culminating in the birth and upbringing of YouTube sensation Markiplier—told with resilience, heartbreak, humor, and unflinching candor
A North Korean refugee’s daughter chronicles her family’s epic journey from war-torn Korea to the American suburbs, culminating in the birth and upbringing of YouTube sensation Markiplier—told with resilience, heartbreak, humor, and unflinching candor
- GenresNonfiction
96 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 2, 2026
As someone who has been watching Mark's videos since 2013, I highly anticipated this book. I thought that Mark's name in the title was just click bait and that it would be more about Momiplier's life but that wasn't necessarily the case. This is the story of how one man escaping North Korea has had a lasting impact on - dare I say - the world. It inevitably lands on and spends a lot of time on Mark's life.
And while I appreciate that that's the intended purpose, I actually wish we were able to spend more time on Sunok's life. I know Mark's life (in a casual sense, I'm not obsessive), I've kept up with the major parts of it since 2013. I think most people reading this story are going to know a lot of Mark's life. Sunok has so many compelling parts of her life I wish she had touched on more. Her career as a nurse, her faith, her years with Larry. I understand that those can be very private but she did write a biographical story with the purpose of sharing her life. I have been reading memoirs for a while now, and they are the stories that I analyze the most, as terrible as that sounds. This is the first time I've ever read one and gone "I wish I had more." Most books these days get inflated with too much, in my opinion. But Sunok's story could double or triple in size easily. I hope one day to see a version 2.0 come out, and maybe even traditionally published. (Though I will admit good on Momiplier for indie publishing this and getting to keep most if not all the profits.)
A note on the writing style: if you're expecting something super eloquent, it's not. It's quite "frank" (pun 100% intended). And I actually love that about this book. There's no reimagined dialogue, just facts about events and the feelings Sunok had. I would describe it the same way Mark described Dungeon Crawler Carl's writing style. It's not a literary classic, and that's a good thing. Like I said before, my only real complaint is that I want more. And it doesn't need to be like privacy violating amounts of detail. Like a story about the culture shock of America, or the first birth she got to witness as a nurse, or just anything. Sunok Frank, your life is just as amazing as your sons'.
And while I appreciate that that's the intended purpose, I actually wish we were able to spend more time on Sunok's life. I know Mark's life (in a casual sense, I'm not obsessive), I've kept up with the major parts of it since 2013. I think most people reading this story are going to know a lot of Mark's life. Sunok has so many compelling parts of her life I wish she had touched on more. Her career as a nurse, her faith, her years with Larry. I understand that those can be very private but she did write a biographical story with the purpose of sharing her life. I have been reading memoirs for a while now, and they are the stories that I analyze the most, as terrible as that sounds. This is the first time I've ever read one and gone "I wish I had more." Most books these days get inflated with too much, in my opinion. But Sunok's story could double or triple in size easily. I hope one day to see a version 2.0 come out, and maybe even traditionally published. (Though I will admit good on Momiplier for indie publishing this and getting to keep most if not all the profits.)
A note on the writing style: if you're expecting something super eloquent, it's not. It's quite "frank" (pun 100% intended). And I actually love that about this book. There's no reimagined dialogue, just facts about events and the feelings Sunok had. I would describe it the same way Mark described Dungeon Crawler Carl's writing style. It's not a literary classic, and that's a good thing. Like I said before, my only real complaint is that I want more. And it doesn't need to be like privacy violating amounts of detail. Like a story about the culture shock of America, or the first birth she got to witness as a nurse, or just anything. Sunok Frank, your life is just as amazing as your sons'.
April 7, 2026
Not the greatest of writing, but I really enjoyed about how honest this story was. Felt extremely personal but also felt like it had more of a purpose than just being a price. Especially from someone who doesn’t typically write books, very enjoyable & short read.
March 29, 2026
Ok first off I am a huge fan of Mark but this book really isn’t just about him. It was wonderful to learn more about his grandparents, mom, father, brother and stepparents.
This book reads like someone telling you their life story, I fully believe that it was written by is his mother Sunok Frank and not a ghost writer. You can feel her emotions as she is telling you about the struggles and the joys of living in South Korea and how hard it was for her family when they had to flee North Korea. The fear of coming to America but making it work and the excitement of her accomplishing being a nurse.
There is some triggering moments in the book but she never goes into details. She states them as facts and moves on which I think is how she herself dealt with those situations.
I’m so happy my boyfriend bought me this book, it was a wonderful read.
This book reads like someone telling you their life story, I fully believe that it was written by is his mother Sunok Frank and not a ghost writer. You can feel her emotions as she is telling you about the struggles and the joys of living in South Korea and how hard it was for her family when they had to flee North Korea. The fear of coming to America but making it work and the excitement of her accomplishing being a nurse.
There is some triggering moments in the book but she never goes into details. She states them as facts and moves on which I think is how she herself dealt with those situations.
I’m so happy my boyfriend bought me this book, it was a wonderful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2026
Real tear jerker at some points, Thanks for a wonderful book Momiplier ♥️
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April 13, 2026I'm not going to rate this because it's a memoir and it just doesn't feel right.
It's clearly written by someone who isn't an author but I found it endearing and honest. Sunok shares her life without fear. It's an intriguing account, looking at where her father began and seeing her son in his success today.
I can't imagine this book will find many readers outside of Markiplier fans and those associated with fans. This was a passion project, a work of love. I think Mark is an incredibly kind son to support his mom in this effort.
It's clearly written by someone who isn't an author but I found it endearing and honest. Sunok shares her life without fear. It's an intriguing account, looking at where her father began and seeing her son in his success today.
I can't imagine this book will find many readers outside of Markiplier fans and those associated with fans. This was a passion project, a work of love. I think Mark is an incredibly kind son to support his mom in this effort.
August 29, 2026
My husband is a fan of Mark, Bob, and Wade on YouTube and their podcast Distractible, and he also enjoys gaming but mostly watches others game these days. While I am a bookworm and know nothing about gaming except what I have learned from my husband. Periodically, I share in my husband’s enjoyment of Mark, Bob, and Wade or just one of them solo. The combination of my bookworming and my periodic Mark, Bob, and/or Wade content watching is how I ended up reading this book thanks to my husband.
I will admit, that Wade is my favorite, but it was enjoyable to read Mark’s family history. I enjoy learning about people, places, things, and ideas so I pepper my husband with questions about what he watches out of pure curiosity and eagerness to learn; see bookworm. The book is not a long biography (or autobiography depending on who the main character is in the story to you), but a short yet detailed synopsis of where Mark came from, and I think that exactly fits the bill for most Markiplier fans.
This is only a three star due to writing style and reading more like a book report than a telling of one’s life.
Great job, Sunok!
I will admit, that Wade is my favorite, but it was enjoyable to read Mark’s family history. I enjoy learning about people, places, things, and ideas so I pepper my husband with questions about what he watches out of pure curiosity and eagerness to learn; see bookworm. The book is not a long biography (or autobiography depending on who the main character is in the story to you), but a short yet detailed synopsis of where Mark came from, and I think that exactly fits the bill for most Markiplier fans.
This is only a three star due to writing style and reading more like a book report than a telling of one’s life.
Great job, Sunok!
April 9, 2026
If I were to use ONE WORD to describe this book, it would be this...
Short and sweet. Momiplier (Sunok Frank) wrote something that was near and dear to her heart. For years, I feel now, she has said she was writing this book, and I finally have it in my hands. She shares some very personal things that I know must have been hard for her to share, I applaud her for her bravery, and her humor during it.
The book was shorter than expected, but it was kept professional.
Short and sweet. Momiplier (Sunok Frank) wrote something that was near and dear to her heart. For years, I feel now, she has said she was writing this book, and I finally have it in my hands. She shares some very personal things that I know must have been hard for her to share, I applaud her for her bravery, and her humor during it.
The book was shorter than expected, but it was kept professional.
March 27, 2026
I’ll preface my review by saying I have never watch Marks videos, my fiancé has been a fan for over a decade and I only read this book because of her. That being said I would rate it a 3.5 overall. I’m aware Sunok is not a native english speaker nor professional writer and while I think that adds a layer of honesty to the story I found her delivery of details sporadic and explanations incomplete making parts of the book unfulfilling. I did greatly enjoy her telling of her familys’ lives and commend her courage in sharing her own traumas and triumphs, but found myself preferring the chapters before marks birth over those spent praising him. While I would have loved to read a whole book about Sunoks life this one ended up feeling more like two separate stories in one book and neither of them complete. I very much agreed with marks message in the afterword about circumstances and the passing down of knowledge through words and stories. I will say the quality of this book is spectacular and while I had my reservations about it, I did end up enjoying it and being able to connect with my fiancé over a fandom she’s been a part of for so long through the stories.
June 12, 2026
sunok frank you are a wonderful human being and i love you deeply
May 4, 2026
As a Korean American myself, I know it must not have been easy to write this. My grandmother is an incredibly intelligent woman, but struggles to write that out in English. I know the other reviews say this is not super well-written, but for a second language, I’d say it is perfectly written. Family history is important, and I wish I knew more of mine. I am so glad that Sunok was able to share her history and part of Mark’s history. It’s an honor to have this book and to have had the opportunity to read the beautiful words of a mother who loves her children and wishes to share her life with them. For that, this book will always be five stars to me. I have followed Mark a long time on his YouTube channel, since I was just a little kid. Know, Sunok, that every choice you made has had a tremendously positive impact on all of Mark’s followers just in knowing of him. Thank you for the beautiful book and for sharing part of your life. 💛
May 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book! The writing was very simple, similar to how I would probably write a book, but it seemed very charming. My only complaints could also be sort of compliments.
I understand that this book would sell better with the Markiplier branding, but I would have loved more focus on his mother’s life. Sometimes the book felt like it was pushing the mention of Mark to keep the reader engaged, but I think the story would be engaging enough. Unfortunately, I think the book was a bit too expensive for what it was, but I don’t mind since the money was going to the author. The book is less than 100 pages, but I definitely felt like it could have been much more. There were plenty of chapters that were only a couple of pages that would have benefited from more detail. In the end, I thought it was great, but I would have loved more!
I understand that this book would sell better with the Markiplier branding, but I would have loved more focus on his mother’s life. Sometimes the book felt like it was pushing the mention of Mark to keep the reader engaged, but I think the story would be engaging enough. Unfortunately, I think the book was a bit too expensive for what it was, but I don’t mind since the money was going to the author. The book is less than 100 pages, but I definitely felt like it could have been much more. There were plenty of chapters that were only a couple of pages that would have benefited from more detail. In the end, I thought it was great, but I would have loved more!
Currently Reading
September 16, 2026This is well-written so far, but the misgiving I have is there are NO credits beyond Sunok Frank and some acknowledgements in the back. I note this in specific because it's illustrated—not just photos, but *illustrations*—and there are NO credits for who drew them. Not knowing or remembering who the photographer was is one thing, but these were definitely drawn by SOMEBODY, recently.
Unless they weren't.
I admit I'm only passingly following Markiplier, and his movie was good for what it was (if mindnumbingly slow for a solid half-hour at LEAST in a specific part), so I'm not fully aware if he drew the artwork and simply failed to take credit. Just that this is the huge elephant in the room as I'm reading.
Unless they weren't.
I admit I'm only passingly following Markiplier, and his movie was good for what it was (if mindnumbingly slow for a solid half-hour at LEAST in a specific part), so I'm not fully aware if he drew the artwork and simply failed to take credit. Just that this is the huge elephant in the room as I'm reading.
September 29, 2026
As a descendant of my North Korean grandfather, I really appreciated reading this book a little extra. This book contained a lot of details on the family history and life of Sunok, who sounds like an amazing woman that overcame many hardships. I am so impressed by her determination. It made me think a lot of my own family and how much they sacrificed for me to be here today.
My dad immigrated from South Korea when he was 5 and has never returned since. His parents became very successful entrepreneurs in New York while raising their 2 children and are still married to this day. They instilled their incredible work ethic and strong value system in both of their kids and are truly an inspiration.
I finished this book in one sitting, and my one complaint is that I wish it was longer. I am very glad I read this and it has definitely encouraged me to delve deeper into my family history, on both sides! Thank you to my friend Scott, who graciously lent me his signed copy!
My dad immigrated from South Korea when he was 5 and has never returned since. His parents became very successful entrepreneurs in New York while raising their 2 children and are still married to this day. They instilled their incredible work ethic and strong value system in both of their kids and are truly an inspiration.
I finished this book in one sitting, and my one complaint is that I wish it was longer. I am very glad I read this and it has definitely encouraged me to delve deeper into my family history, on both sides! Thank you to my friend Scott, who graciously lent me his signed copy!
June 14, 2026
📖
I’ve been watching Mark since 2013. When I heard about this book, I was very interested in reading it. It took me some time to get to it, but I’m so glad I finally read it. This book is tragic, yet heart warming. Reading this book and seeing how persistence and never giving up really paid off was beautiful. The amount of hope and love that radiates from this book is something special. Very simple, very quick, yet so much story is packed into these 97? pages. I’m so thankful I was able to read such a story that gave me the hope to never give up. To keep pushing forward and be kind to one another. Thank you, Momiplier, for taking the time to write this book. It was also nice to have some fun tidbits about Mark too.
I’ve been watching Mark since 2013. When I heard about this book, I was very interested in reading it. It took me some time to get to it, but I’m so glad I finally read it. This book is tragic, yet heart warming. Reading this book and seeing how persistence and never giving up really paid off was beautiful. The amount of hope and love that radiates from this book is something special. Very simple, very quick, yet so much story is packed into these 97? pages. I’m so thankful I was able to read such a story that gave me the hope to never give up. To keep pushing forward and be kind to one another. Thank you, Momiplier, for taking the time to write this book. It was also nice to have some fun tidbits about Mark too.
July 28, 2026
Thank you Mark and Sunok (Momiplier)
After getting Momiplier’s book in the mail and binge reading it after work back in March, I just wanted to give thanks to Mark and his mom.
Thank you both so very much for sharing this story… your story… with all of us! And a special thank you to Sunok for being so vulnerable with your life story. I am so sorry you went through some of the things you went through as a young child… I can’t even imagine how you must’ve felt… But I hope you know that I, and I’m sure others as well, are so proud of you for making it through those tough times and for believing in a better future ❤️
We love you both so much! Thank you again for this lovely story.
After getting Momiplier’s book in the mail and binge reading it after work back in March, I just wanted to give thanks to Mark and his mom.
Thank you both so very much for sharing this story… your story… with all of us! And a special thank you to Sunok for being so vulnerable with your life story. I am so sorry you went through some of the things you went through as a young child… I can’t even imagine how you must’ve felt… But I hope you know that I, and I’m sure others as well, are so proud of you for making it through those tough times and for believing in a better future ❤️
We love you both so much! Thank you again for this lovely story.
April 1, 2026
I’ve been a Markiplier fan since around the beginning. It was pleasant to get to know an insight story about his mother and grandparents along with the family. It is a short story and more so a nutshell or summary of certain events to follow along the timeline of the grandparents to where we are now with Momiplier and her sons. Though I would love a more in depth story, this was still a good read. Sometimes a short and sweet story can be refreshing than reading a long book every time. I thank Sunok for sharing her story.
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April 14, 2026it doesn’t feel right to rate a memoir like this, especially with its short page count and english not being sunok’s first language. in any case, she told her story with grace and heart. there was so much sacrifice and hardship within her life i never would’ve known otherwise that made her the sweet, hilarious and strong momiplier that everyone knows her as. it’s a wonderful example of insight into the things good mothers do behind closed doors to make their children’s lives better. can’t wait to read mark’s one day!!
May 23, 2026
4 stars. I truly love hearing Sunok Frank's stories of her father, of Cliff, of Larry, of Thomas and Mark...And most of all I loved reading her successes and the ways in which she fought to be successful in spite of language barriers and cultural differences. I'm glad she got to write this book. The importance of establishing a family timeline for your children and your children's children cannot be understated. I cherish these types of memories, because even though I wasn't there, I know how it felt for the author to be there and to live their experience.
August 13, 2026
This is a really brief read. Cranked it in under an hour.
I did not care for the unneeded AI images alongside the real photographs. The real photographs were awesome, why use AI images alongside them?
The prose is definitely that of a non-English speaker but it's really fluid and direct. I appreciated how open and candid Frank is throughout the book about her personal shortcomings and experiences.
I'm not sure that it's a particularly insightful book with grandiose moral lessons, but I appreciate a mother walking us through the life of her son through her family's history.
I did not care for the unneeded AI images alongside the real photographs. The real photographs were awesome, why use AI images alongside them?
The prose is definitely that of a non-English speaker but it's really fluid and direct. I appreciated how open and candid Frank is throughout the book about her personal shortcomings and experiences.
I'm not sure that it's a particularly insightful book with grandiose moral lessons, but I appreciate a mother walking us through the life of her son through her family's history.
April 5, 2026
I was disappointed when I saw the length of the book (97 Pages); Especially, when knowing it was covering three generations of people but this really wasn't an issue.
I enjoyed learning about Markiplier's family history and the unique struggles each of them faced. Learning about both Markiplier's grandpa life in North and South Korea and his mother's experience moving to the United States was really interesting.
I enjoyed learning about Markiplier's family history and the unique struggles each of them faced. Learning about both Markiplier's grandpa life in North and South Korea and his mother's experience moving to the United States was really interesting.
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April 16, 2026Very interesting journey and lots of good stories to be told here. Really proud of Sunok for writing this! Obviously I love her content and Mark’s, but this was a wonderful little read and provided a lot of interesting (and often saddening) context that I’ve never seen before. Honestly wish there was more depth to some of these, but it was a nice and intriguing read
March 25, 2026
This book is quite good :)
Not very much time was given to any one story, but that made it a pretty quick and easy read. It's very homely and filled with a lot of love, even despite bad circumstances depicted in it. A testament to the strength of a family and, more importantly, its author.
Not very much time was given to any one story, but that made it a pretty quick and easy read. It's very homely and filled with a lot of love, even despite bad circumstances depicted in it. A testament to the strength of a family and, more importantly, its author.
April 1, 2026
(3.75) i am biased from watching Markiplier for so long so i did love the book and hearing the family memoir :) it was a little short and abrupt in places, awkward phrasing and editing errors in other places, but i highly admire what his mom went through, she’s a soldier!
April 23, 2026
So well written! Somehow this short book encapsulates decades of time and information. Sunok Frank has always brought me joy online, but to read an unfiltered history of her life and Mark's beginning just made me appreciate them both even more.
March 21, 2026
read this all in one sitting. unfortunately i missed out on the documentary but i am glad i got to buy this book. sunok's storytelling is very engaging!! i love how proud she is of mark🥹
March 25, 2026
the price point for this book is diabolical but also i really enjoyed it so yay momiplier!!
March 29, 2026
Short and sweet story, well written :)
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April 16, 2026short and sweet story. named after markiplier, though it’s not really about him. a great view into another person’s life, family, and experiences. i enjoyed reading it :)
thank you momiplier
thank you momiplier
May 3, 2026
This book has so much voice in it. I hope that she is proud of herself for writing it because I (even tho I obviously don’t personally know her) am proud of her for writing it.
May 8, 2026
Heartwarming and inspiring🫶☺️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews