👶👶👶👶 The Aquariums of Pyongyang, by Kang Chol-Hwan & Pierre Rigoulot

In light of recent events, this memoir is absolutely horrifying. It is so difficult to believe that such harsh realities exist for so many in the world today. It is also shameful that this family’s reign continues in North Korea, despite the horrific living conditions Kim Il-sung and his descendants have produced in their communist nation thus far. It is surreal and shocking that they have brainwashed an entire population into believing that these men are direct descendants of God. That a rebel faction hasn’t sprung from the ashes yet, is unfathomable. It was so disturbing to read what Kang Chol-hwan dealt with for so long. Most of the families that were moved from Japan during this period of repatriation, were under the assumption that they would be well-cared-for, that they were among the elite that were being summoned to North Korea to “lead the nation to prosperity.” When they heard about free housing and guaranteed jobs in Kim Il Sung’s socialist state, most families were jumping through hoops to be chosen to head back to their “home country”. It was a terribly harsh reality for many when they realized that rather than be revered, they would be treated like animals the rest of their lives; sadly, for the great majority, there is no way out of this nightmare of an existence.

The valor and strength that Chol-hwan exhibited is so awe-inspiring, and I am so grateful to him for sharing his story, and shedding more light on the horrific realities of North Korea and this unrelenting family of dictators.

Read 1/11/17