Thank you to Timothy Cho for taking part in this episode. Timothy is Co-Secretariat to the UK All Party Parliamentary Group in North Korea (APPG NK) and you can follow him on Instagram @Timothycho2022.
Thank you for sharing Timothy story! I pray that everyone hears his message we are all Human & standing together & loving each other is more powerful than hate will ever be! God Bless you Timothy & I pray for a long happy life for you & yours . Did you ever see your parents again?
@StonerKitchen If the choice was between: a) Never see your son again, but you get to escape, stay alive and live a free life b) Never see your son again, and you are either publically executed or sent to work at a hard labour prison camp for the rest of your life I'm doing what his parents did and picking option A. They were just doing what they had to do to survive. They weren't seeing their son again either way. They just did what they had to do in unimaginably dire circumstances.
Right? He is so deeply touched by the simple acts of kindness others showed to him at his hardest time. He tears up as he remembers being treated humanely by others after living in a country where he was worth nothing. Cries when he remembers his personhood being finally recognized and respected. He remembers his grandma loving him, his inmates accepting him, his fellow escapees resisting together, the children at the school crying for him, the smile on the ambassadors’ faces. Timothy has the love of humanity in his heart. I hope he knows nothing but easy and safe days now. He is an inspiring, unimaginably strong and admirable man, and his story is one we should carry with us to learn from forever. To try to always, ALWAYS show kindness for all the folks who, like Timothy, know nothing but hardships.
The fact that he found more humanity and kindness in gangsters in prison than in his own country, is amazing. They taught him to pray. “You say Amen after your wishes.” Brought me to tears. God bless that little girl but also those men in prison who showed compassion to a young lost boy when he needed it most.
That was one of the bits that really got me too. Really shows how horrible a place North Korea is to live, when a prison full of criminals have better morals than the Kim regime. Absolute madness
I know this man and have had the absolute honour of hearing him speak in person about his experiences, the conversation I had with him is one I will never forget. An incredible person, truly!
Wow I am jealous!! So inspiring and so much more to think about than just what is in your peripheral. I would love to write a book about this and really appreciate the life he lived. I’m so glad he’s doing well. I know the pain is real. It never goes away. We have to learn to accept it somehow and try to live with it. He’s a fantastic person.
@@ngwr922 thinking they probably got out and didn’t want to bring him in case it went south Also, depending on which border one crosses and where they go to but things can get pretty ugly.
Survived because of the great love from God! God is the full embodiment of love itself. He cried out to God in his broken despair and chose faith and God performed a miracle on his behalf.
@@ThatsNotGamingWhy has God created a situation where this man had to be in broken despair in the first place? Why has God created unempathetic brain-function=non-empathetic psychopaths in the world who contributed to this mans bad circumstances? Please make it make sense?
Him seeing what empathy is for the first time from people who know nothing about him. From criminals to regular citizens is so sad yet amazing. Despite our differences we often stride to help each other. It’s human nature.
What do you say to a person who experienced so much pain and trauma? I have no words. Timothy, I wish you to never cry again. May the rest of your life bring you only positivity.
The other prisoners in the Chinese prison taking care of him made me tear up. They recognized his life didn't compare to any hard life they might have known. A lot of humanity in this story all around
I hope that 13 year old is living a happy and healthy life right now full of all the good things life has to offer as well as the journalist who got all the groups fired up. I want to hug him so hard and tell him how amazing he is. Despite all he's gone through, he seems so gentle and kind ❤
Jeez, the deepest 34 minutes I have ever experienced on TH-cam. So heartbreaking, i couldn't help but cry with him. It's horrible how even in the 21st century, things like this exist, especially on a nationwide scale
I have heard a lot of people say things like “it’s crazy that this is still happening now in the 21th century”. About North Korea but also about wars. Us almost not being able to grasp those facts proves how lucky and privileged we are. And the sad part is, there are so many messed up things going on in the world, that are happening because of things that western countries are doing or did in the past.
@@IngridBruinsma8stop blaming the West for what is going on in North Korea. Ridiculous to even interject that. My father fought against North Korea and he was American. Thousands upon thousands of westerners died fighting against what is now a prison country. The people in the West are lucky and have also given great things to the world, like this man’s survival. Your comment has zero to do with this man’s story and reflects your own personal prejudices.
@@edl6398 that’s just ignorance. Me blaming the west wasn’t about just Korea anymore. Also soldiers dying in a war is messed up but doesn’t justify anything. They were in a war in a country where they shouldn’t have been too begin with. What great things did western countries bring? All they have been doing is pushing their culture and ways onto other cultures. Till this day there are many countries in civil war because of colonization. I am sorry for your father, his time in war must’ve been horrific. And I am also sorry because it happened to him because his county was selfish and power hungry. Also yes the comment has gotten quite out of context. Yet I do think it’s a very important topic. I come from a western county and my county is also to guilty
@@IngridBruinsma8 How dare you say that the US, Korean, and Australian soldiers who fought against this horrible dictator family were lambs to the slaughter by their own governments. They were tortured and killed in North Korean prison camps and some kid who doesn’t even understand history insults them because they are an entitled Westerner who has never suffered anything but has the time and luxury to sit around and intellectualize the ills of capitalism while enjoying the benefits. Laughable lot. Done with this degrading and shameful conversation. Grow up.
@@edl6398 This is going to be a long one. Read it or don’t. You keep assuming stuff and putting words into my mouth. I never said anything about Australian and Korean soldiers specifically. Also please start using punctuation, your comments are almost unreadable without it. And yes I am saying a lot of soldiers were like lambs. But I am saying that because I feel for them. So many people suffered because the government wanted power. It wasn’t like they were trying to just free people like in Europe with the Nazi’s. It was just so unnecessary. It should never have happened in the first place. And yes I am also talking about the Soviet Union, they should’ve also left Korea alone. What the US has been doing, is to ONLY get involved with war when it has something to gain from it. Like with Iraq, it was about oil. It started of with that at least. And that info is known. But they pretend they are the heroes, while bringing dispair to other countries. Also 37k American soldiers died during the Korean war. But 3 million Koreans died during that war. I only hear you talking about how the US soldiers suffered. But think about that magnitude of human lives. Which weren’t just soldiers, actually 95% of them weren’t. Yes also children. Everyone’s life matters. And yes US soldiers were tortured. But many many more civilians are tortured today as a result of what happened back then. The estimation is that around 80k to 200k of people are in labor camps that are getting tortured everyday in NK. You are saying that I am an entitled Westerner. Yes I am privileged, I am aware of that. But I am opening my mouth about how unfair it is that we got those privileges. And how unfair it is that many countries are still suffering as a consequence of what other countries did to them. I am taking a stance for all people that suffered. Meanwhile you make it sound like you are defending the US infiltrating Korea and make it sound like you think being at war over there was a good thing? You stated earlier western countries do great things like the survival of this man of the interview. Again you depict the US as a hero. Taking credit. This man and the young girl are the heroes. Being one of the reasons a county was left in shambles and then giving refuge to those who are escaping, doesn’t make you a hero. My country is very much guilty to a lot of suffering. We used to sell slaves and Colonize. Also having wars with the countries that we colonized while they tried to get freedom. And 80.000 of our people were put into prison camps and tortured, including children and women. So I understand. But I have the same opinion on that. We shouldn’t have colonized the country in the first place. What I am doing here is critical thinking. And I know it can come across as disrespectful. Especially of all those US lives that were impacted by it. And I do understand that it’s hard to get behind what I am saying. I do think it’s important to talk about tho. We are all a little brainwashed.
안녕하세요 티모시 조님. 댓글을 보실 지 모르겠지만 너무 감명 깊어서 몇 자 적어봅니다.. 저는 영어공부 때문에 LAD bible 채널을 구독 중이 였는데, 이렇게 우연히 티모시 조님의 이야기를 듣게 됐네요.. 이야기를 나눠 주셔서 감사하다는 말과 함께 영상을 보는 내내 대한민국 국민으로서 정말 가슴이 아팠습니다. 한국인으로서 북한 인권에 항상 관심을 가지고 기도하는 제가 되도록 노력하겠습니다. 이야기를 나누는 동안 힘드셨을텐데 공유해 주셔서 감사하고 한국에 있는 저에게 까지 전할 수 있게 해준 LADbible 채널에도 감사합니다. 언젠가 한반도에도 독일처럼 기적적으로 통일을 하는 날이 오겠죠? 꼭 그랬으면 좋겠네요. 티모시 조님 영국에서 행복한 일만 가득하시길 바래요!
I wish more people in South Korea would be as kind as you are. Unfortunately North Koreans have been facing a lot of discrimination and bullying in South Korea :( and I just don’t get why people are treating them that way :(
China needs to step up to the plate and change itself. It wants to be open to the world yet complicit with the devil. I would bet there are so many people in China that would like to see this policy of returning defectors change. But the problem is its a dictatorship aligned with both Russia and North Korea. Perhaps the powers that be of those 3 nations realize that by opening up to the rest of the world would only hurt those in power at this moment. Which is why they are afraid of change. They are probably afraid NK would nuke them all if it had to.
She was empowered by the individualistic values that the American international school taught. When you see something wrong and inhumane *even if it is done by the state* you SPEAK UP about it. God bless western values. If they had gone to a Chinese state school, the results would have been different.
my grandmother escaped when she was 19 and had to leave her mother. All of her siblings have now passed and she is around 90 years old . she says she still misses NK and it breaks my heart knowing how ruined it is is but at the same time its the only place she really calls home. cant believe that little girl saved their lives like that
I had the absolute honour of interviewing Timothy for a community mental health project. He is very courageous, humble and a man of God. Thank you @LADbible for giving him a platform to share his remarkable story.
Do you know if he ever get reunited with his parents, somehow? This interview had me in tears. The unbelievable sh*t he, and other defectors, go thru is horrific.
Crying.. but it was a beautiful story told by a man with a lovely smile. His pain is horrendous, and yet he can still smile. May his life be filled with joy and laughter.
My man is explaining shit we can never comprehend about how the closest thing you can call home literally, abandoned him and he’s here sharing us his story with a smile on his face. Absolute legend 😢
It's nice to see a marine who isn't constantly putting up a front of not having any human emotions or calling someone like this a crybaby for his life experience.
@@jacobfromallstate4963not all marines who look like they’re dead inside or they’re putting on a front are doing just that, lot of times it becomes who we really are. It’s because so many people try to pretend to be who they aren’t these days that unless you have a trained eye you won’t know if that face is genuinely a part of them or not. Don’t let movies or media try to unrealize what really becomes a part of a person one way or another.
Despite a strong accent his vocabulary and articulation are incredible and he's perfectly understandable. He's clearly quite perceptive and resourceful - subject matter considered - and I'm very thankful that he was able to escape and share his heartwarming story ❤
The fact a man who has seen such desperate times still has the heart to smile and be grateful god bless him makes you think all your problems is chicken feed compared to this man’s story
Says who? I don't understand how Atheists claim to be logical and go by science, but then make emotional arguments such as that one. Tornados exist and kill people, does that mean they don't exist because we do not like that they kill people? No. Our feelings have nothing to do with any gods existence.
Welcome to the UK Timothy. You have a safe home here with us - forever. Thank you for your bravery and sharing your story. You now embody that hope you yourself were so in need of.
She is the product of western values. When the state does something wrong and inhumane, you SPEAK UP AGAINST IT and EXPOSE IT to everyone who will listen. God bless western values of human rights.
Man this guy is just reliving the experiences he had with the way he emotes everything. Happiness, sadness, despair, joy. All rolled inside 34 minutes.
This was by far one of the best and most moving videos I've ever seen. That 13 year old girl saved him and his group. Thank you LADbible for enabling Timothy to tell his story.
Absolutely heartbreaking hearing his story. I cried along with him. Thank you LADbible for sharing stories from people who lived through these situations. Can I recommend getting first hand accounts from residential school survivors? I'm Canadian and the history of my people (First Nations) is only now being taught in schools. I think the older generations along with the world needs to hear our stories.
@@Atimoskisk It was a word you ADOPTED from YT ppl who gave you it to you, it went from "Natives" of land you also took to now "First Nations" The rhetoric doesn't work...
@@artair70 Listen TROLL, I have friends that are First Nations People. What they call themselves is their business and needs to be respected. It has nothing to do with TH-cam. Our First Nations People are The Indigenous Keepers of this Land! LAND BACK!!! 💪
I am 35. My life was amazing in Poland. Friends, loving family, holidays, good food. I am crying. It is not fair. We are the same age with totally different stories and backgrounds. Why did he have to go through all that? Why are people still suffering? Why we can love each other? Why can't we stay together as humans?😢
We CAN stay together as humans as soon as we obey and love our common Father, Mother, God, Friend and Saviour. Krishna is the Supreme Controller, we are all His children. Love for Krishna brings us all to the point of loving each other. BUT NOBODY CARES FOR GOD. NOBODY IS Interested. EVERYONE IS STRUGGLING WITH FALSE EGO.
@@tulayamalavenapi4028Or maybe people are realising that a magic wizard in the sky doesn't exist because if it did, we wouldn't see the immense suffering of innocent people, especially children. If what you said was actually true, then everyone who is "obeying" the sky wizard should be fine and yet they are not, they suffer just the same as everyone else. We don't need a sky daddy to make the world a better place.
Unfortunately there are people in power who can't get away from wanting control, power, and wealth. The Kims control things the way they do to stop the people rising up and taking their position of power away. He shouldn't have had to go through what he did, and I wish there was a way to stop the wars and suffering but unfortunately we as humans just can't stay peaceful, and they will climb over each other in the pursuit of power, and that they leaves others to suffer. It's the one thing that truly sucks about how we are.
no words can explain what I felt while seeing him holding his tears, thinking about this world makes me cry my eyes out, may your life fills with joy and happy tears from now on my friend
What a warrior. I don’t think we can understand the bravery, determination and intelligence it would take to break out of compete mind control like that. To escape to a “new world” he knew nothing about. It’s like one of us volunteering to go to an alien planet.
After 17 years of being told how awful the aliens are and all you ever know is how awful the aliens are and that's it's much worse than where you are Such a strong man. That kind of bravery to even start on that journey. Knowing the consequences of getting caught. Honestly i wish the best for him now
His parents did a pretty drastic thing, but maybe deep down they knew the power and courage of their young son to be able to follow his mother and father by any means.
@@tulayamalavenapi4028 yes, it was very harsh what his parents did, but I think we cannot blame them. Perhaps they are the reason he first had the thought to escape.
Amazing man. Please do a part 2, I would love to hear more from him, 34 minutes was not enough. More details about his past and how he adapted to the new world.
This man, Timothy, has one of the strongest hearts i've ever seen in my life. He made me tear up from empathy, and feel warm in my heart from his courage and hope. Stay forever free and happy, Mr. Cho
It shows that humanity can triumph over evil. If we are all kind to each other and show respect and love instead of hatred and evil then the world would be a much better place.
@@Themilkman95 it's not just him, the World is full of people who are just like him, the difference is he has a lot of money and power and that's when people like that are very dangerous.
No its weak people who allow evil to exist evil must be killed there is no talking no working anything out evil must only be shown equal or greater brutality that way people learn you act up you get the same treatment
It's truly sad how some people are convinced these are performative interviews and that NK is actually a very livable, hospitable country. I don't understand where this rhetoric comes from but i'm glad this man got to speak about his experiences and hopefully people wake up and realize not everything is propaganda, some countries truly are just terrible to live in.
As an American south korean, it is heartbreaking to hear to atrocities that occur in North Korea. Hearing his story made me cry repeatedly and I wish all North Korean escapees all the love and happiness in the free world. I think it's crazy to me that if the border in korea was just 50 miles more south my family would have had to endure this North Korean regime and I would not exist today. ❤
Timothy wow, just wow. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of this brutality, but I'm so glad you're safe here with us here in the UK. Sending my love to you and best wishes for the future.
His story is so sad and heartbreaking 💔 makes you realise when you hear story’s as powerful as this, how much we take for granted in our life’s of just the very basic things in life just to survive ,begin able to eat food have a shower and watch tv and have freedom without the fear of death every step of the way
Knowing my home country has given you a safe haven is the first thing that has made me proud to be a Brit in years. Thank you for your story, Timothy. I wish you every happiness.
Be proud of the human rights that your western country instills in every individual. We all take our freedoms for granted. Out of respect for this guy, let us all not do that.
I’m 33 with 8 kids. I would be the proudest dad in the world to have one of my kids with a head like this guy. I cried, my misses cried. My kids could learn a lot from Tim. I don’t know you but my god bro, I’m so glad you’re alive right now. You really do deserve it ❤
I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved and touched by any video. So happy for him now, but saddened about what he went through. Also made me realize how we take freedom for granted in so many other countries - also very impressed how many good people there are in this world, gives me a great deal of hope. 34:19
Timothy, you evoke such emotional truth. Not because of what you've been through but because of your inner essence. You made me cry and smile. Please keep sharing your story 🧡
What a lovely person Timothy is. This story is heartbreaking. He showed so much bravery in trying to escape a second time after the hell he went through.
This is one of the most incredible stories of human resilience and hope, it deserves to be told and shared everywhere. Such an important story also, I hope it reaches a lot of people.
I just want to go through my computer screen and hug this brave and gentle man. He has been continually nurtured and supported, with compassion, here in the UK 🇬🇧. He's so very welcome here. Keep smiling that wonderful smile, brave human, brave Timothy. 😊
Whenever I see interviews like this it blows my mind that these atrocities are happening as we watch this video. In real time and it’s heartbreaking, it’s terrifying.
After a long long time...really long time..watching such journey with his entire life flashed as life depicting story in front of all of us. It definitely made tears swelled up in my eyes . When people complain about almost anything and everything, there is another side in this planet where someone just want to live free..breathe free and feel to be alive again. Thanks for the love and the right people the universe sent across the narrator path, he is where he is meant to be. Bless him and all those who made his journey to be here. May the universal force bless them all
Thank you for sharing your story. As traumatic and heartrending as it is, at the same time, it also lets real humanity and kindness shine through - his grandmother (who could have shunned him as a criminal against the country), the 13 year old in the international school, the South Korean gangster and his other cellmates in prison. They all cared about him, even though all (save one) were total strangers. Beautiful weaving of unbelievable trauma and heartbreak, and pure kindness and compassion. I am glad you’re living well these days. Please continue to live well and chase your dreams!
I thought I had problems but hearing what this man has endured, I am grateful for my life's journey - things truly could've been worse. Thank you Tim, for this entirely new perspective in life you have given me 🙏 keep strong
What an incredible story. Thank you for sharing. I can't even begin to comprehend what he must have gone through and how much he's had to deal with physically/mentally. What a strong human.
Thank God he survived and was able to share his story. Such incredible strength to survive all he was put through. It's so true what he said, in that deep down we are all the same. Thank you for sharing this. Much love fellow humans!
Thank you, Timothy Cho for telling your story. All the love in the world to you. What you have been through is unspeakable, but I am grateful to you. That you are willing to speak out about what happened. I appreciate you so much for sharing your story.
Sad but so inspiring , how bad a situation must be for parents to leave your child behind . Kudos Timothy Kudos 👏 indeed . Thank you for sharing. Slainte Mhath 💙 🏴
What a story, heartbreaking! Human resilience. Thank you for sharing. It is apparent It is still raw for you but happy you are with us to share it. God bless you.
When something sounds made up and exaggerated when the reality is the exact events really happened to a real human being at such an early age makes it literally unfathomable to even attempt to understand what that must feel like to go through....heartbreaking to listen to and a real emotional rollercoaster 💙
Courage galore in the face of what would make weaker people give up all hope. This guy's English is really good a true command of the language. His story was so moving and impressive.
Think about the level of motivation he had to learn the language.... the country that saved his life, the language as the key to survival - that's next level language learning motivation
Funny how Hollywood has never ever made a film or series about North Korean experiences. There are enough stories out there. The silence is both deafening and embarrassing.
Hollywood likes happy endings, or at least a sense of closure. Given that this is ongoing, how much of a resolution could be achieved at the end of film? I also think people want to avoid aggravating the guy with the nukes and the bad attitude
Wow, I’ve watched a lot of stories about North Korean defectors, but this one touched my heart deep deep deep inside. Even after everything he had been through, he realized that humanity and love is what saved his life and maybe even a prayerfrom that Bible. thank you for this really touching story. May God bless him and may he have a happy long life ❤
Absolutely in tears at the power of human love and strength of spirit. The fact that the little girl writing that is why he is still here, how his comrades from different countries order special food for him in prison, all of it is like... he was covered by divine intervention and that is his story. It's exactly that. Some of the most "lowly" people you would ever meet have the highest character and the blessings that can come through a network of helpers seems like it is a much more valuable thing to be part of than hanging out with the people at the "highest" places in society who think they have it all. I pray that he lives out the rest of his life as happily as possible, and that anytime he is scared or has flashbacks of his past that he will always be comforted in spirit.
I could not leave my child behind under any circumstances. I wouldn't be able to deal with the heartache and guilt knowing that my 9 year old child has to eat garbage on the street to survive. I'm glad he could forgave his parents but that was just too cruel and too selfish to run away without even telling him or make preparations to have someone look after him
I think to some extent, maybe in their mind, they were doing it to protect him. In the eyes of the parents, perhaps they wanted him to atleast be THERE and be alive and be able to make that decision on his own to leave, rather than them taking him not of his own fruition and him being killed because of their choice. It's a hard choice, no matter what way you go. Would you rather have your child die attempting freedom or die without freedom? It may seem simple to say WITH attempting freedom, but it's different when it's your child. We can't demonize his parents too much, who knows what any of us would do in such a complexly horrible situation? I would never be able to make that decision, let alone leave my child behind, but maybe I am not just brave enough. No matter our views on his parents, he is incredibly strong. It may seem cruel or selfish, but the real cruelness is North Korea. They made those parenrs make that decision at the end of the day. I totally understand where you're coming from, though.
What a beautiful man and his story made me cry. Thank you for letting us hear his story. I hope the rest of his life is blessed and peaceful. My heart hurts for those still trapped in that country.
27:40 to hear how the fellow prisoners took compassion and helped him is so incredibly touching! ❤ What suffering this man has been through! This was one of the most powerful stories!! "We all survived because of love."
It is heartbreaking to hear what the citizens of N Korea are having to go through, just to survive. I have read, "In Order to Live" by Yeonmi Park which was horrifying what this poor girl went through but with every new story like Mr. Cho's, we understand more and more how important it is that more people understand what is happening there...we must find a way to help the people of N. Korea, surely there's a way we can do this.
I would look into her a bit more if I were you. Many defectors have challenged her accounts, apparently her stories have been very inconsistent and she's been accused of taking the experiences of others and claiming them as her own. I believe she was actually revealed to be reasonably well off in NK, or at least doing better than most. Not accusing her of lying completely but I think it's important to lift the voices of those defectors who feel she's undermining the experiences of others by being careless with her words at best, knowingly lying at worst. That shouldn't take away from the credibility of individuals like Timothy here either.
Thank you to Timothy Cho for taking part in this episode. Timothy is Co-Secretariat to the UK All Party Parliamentary Group in North Korea (APPG NK) and you can follow him on Instagram @Timothycho2022.
Thank you for posting this video. It has such a strong universal message!!
Powerful story
Thank you for sharing Timothy story! I pray that everyone hears his message we are all Human & standing together & loving each other is more powerful than hate will ever be! God Bless you Timothy & I pray for a long happy life for you & yours . Did you ever see your parents again?
these are the immigrants we need to accept
Thank you
Imagine coming back from school at 9yo and finding out that your parents left you... this is horrifying
and then your uncle doesnt help you! 😢
Horrible parents
@StonerKitchen If the choice was between:
a) Never see your son again, but you get to escape, stay alive and live a free life
b) Never see your son again, and you are either publically executed or sent to work at a hard labour prison camp for the rest of your life
I'm doing what his parents did and picking option A. They were just doing what they had to do to survive. They weren't seeing their son again either way. They just did what they had to do in unimaginably dire circumstances.
@@nebbiez what about the trying to escape with your son
@@StonerKitchenso the impossible?
The fact he’s in tears because he’s so grateful for the people who helped him is just astonishing
Right? He is so deeply touched by the simple acts of kindness others showed to him at his hardest time. He tears up as he remembers being treated humanely by others after living in a country where he was worth nothing. Cries when he remembers his personhood being finally recognized and respected. He remembers his grandma loving him, his inmates accepting him, his fellow escapees resisting together, the children at the school crying for him, the smile on the ambassadors’ faces.
Timothy has the love of humanity in his heart. I hope he knows nothing but easy and safe days now. He is an inspiring, unimaginably strong and admirable man, and his story is one we should carry with us to learn from forever. To try to always, ALWAYS show kindness for all the folks who, like Timothy, know nothing but hardships.
@@IHATEFAVORITESvery well said :,)
That 13 year old girl saved his life. Her parents should be so proud of her.
I have daughters. The compassion of a young girl is phenomenal.
They aren’t, they’re brainwashed
God did, too ❤️🙏 It wouldn’t have happened without his prayers
@@shervinnasrin exactly
You smell like fish
The fact that he found more humanity and kindness in gangsters in prison than in his own country, is amazing. They taught him to pray. “You say Amen after your wishes.” Brought me to tears. God bless that little girl but also those men in prison who showed compassion to a young lost boy when he needed it most.
That was one of the bits that really got me too. Really shows how horrible a place North Korea is to live, when a prison full of criminals have better morals than the Kim regime. Absolute madness
I think some play along with the wests view of NK for interview money… western propoganda
💜
This comment! Tears...😢😢😢
I know this man and have had the absolute honour of hearing him speak in person about his experiences, the conversation I had with him is one I will never forget. An incredible person, truly!
Wow I am jealous!! So inspiring and so much more to think about than just what is in your peripheral.
I would love to write a book about this and really appreciate the life he lived. I’m so glad he’s doing well.
I know the pain is real. It never goes away. We have to learn to accept it somehow and try to live with it. He’s a fantastic person.
I know him too😂
He is truly amazing. So humble.
Quit lyin lol
@@ngwr922 thinking they probably got out and didn’t want to bring him in case it went south
Also, depending on which border one crosses and where they go to but things can get pretty ugly.
“And I survived because of the power of love”.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Survived because of the great love from God! God is the full embodiment of love itself. He cried out to God in his broken despair and chose faith and God performed a miracle on his behalf.
@@ThatsNotGamingWhy has God created a situation where this man had to be in broken despair in the first place? Why has God created unempathetic brain-function=non-empathetic psychopaths in the world who contributed to this mans bad circumstances? Please make it make sense?
@@ThatsNotGamingAnd why does faith make a person any more worthy of being saved and taken to heaven?
@@ThatsNotGaming God forguet prisioners in Guantanamo , Whem EUA tortured persons in War?
@@ThatsNotGamingMy thought exactly! He found God and was carried to safety! 🙏🏼
Bro had me choking up. Ladbible, you guys keep doing this, this is so important to document.
He is such a beautiful man, got me choking up too.
Nothing but Facts, more of this content 💯
Man I wasn't expecting that... I felt his pain in his expression. He definitely had me trying to pull it together.
Yep crazy what people believe when they see it on TH-cam
@@ervinzhou8251 So reality is too much for you. Moral coward.? Or born without the empathy gene? I pity you.😢
Him seeing what empathy is for the first time from people who know nothing about him. From criminals to regular citizens is so sad yet amazing. Despite our differences we often stride to help each other. It’s human nature.
strive*
What do you say to a person who experienced so much pain and trauma? I have no words.
Timothy, I wish you to never cry again. May the rest of your life bring you only positivity.
From personal experience, I can say that crying is usually a wonderful release of sorrow, etc. :)
Same here its really hard to think about it
If I could put it short and sweet:
Life can be too much sometimes, this I know for sure
One day may those stars align, your troubles nevermore
You don’t say anything to someone like this. You listen to them.
@@Jay-js5ik listen to yeonmi park oh wait
The other prisoners in the Chinese prison taking care of him made me tear up. They recognized his life didn't compare to any hard life they might have known. A lot of humanity in this story all around
I love his smile, it’s so sincere. But I see that he’s smiling through so much pain
I hate to be so cruel that these are the people that I want to save... Not Mexican cartel leaders, people like this.
I hope that 13 year old is living a happy and healthy life right now full of all the good things life has to offer as well as the journalist who got all the groups fired up. I want to hug him so hard and tell him how amazing he is. Despite all he's gone through, he seems so gentle and kind ❤
Did he ever look for his parents?
It’s something that comes from like a movie 😮❤truly heart touching and extraordinary what she did
His kindness is what grabs my heart. An amazing human being he is. How could his parents abandon him like that? Ugh...🤬
Jeez, the deepest 34 minutes I have ever experienced on TH-cam. So heartbreaking, i couldn't help but cry with him. It's horrible how even in the 21st century, things like this exist, especially on a nationwide scale
I have heard a lot of people say things like “it’s crazy that this is still happening now in the 21th century”. About North Korea but also about wars. Us almost not being able to grasp those facts proves how lucky and privileged we are. And the sad part is, there are so many messed up things going on in the world, that are happening because of things that western countries are doing or did in the past.
@@IngridBruinsma8stop blaming the West for what is going on in North Korea. Ridiculous to even interject that. My father fought against North Korea and he was American. Thousands upon thousands of westerners died fighting against what is now a prison country. The people in the West are lucky and have also given great things to the world, like this man’s survival. Your comment has zero to do with this man’s story and reflects your own personal prejudices.
@@edl6398 that’s just ignorance. Me blaming the west wasn’t about just Korea anymore. Also soldiers dying in a war is messed up but doesn’t justify anything. They were in a war in a country where they shouldn’t have been too begin with. What great things did western countries bring? All they have been doing is pushing their culture and ways onto other cultures. Till this day there are many countries in civil war because of colonization. I am sorry for your father, his time in war must’ve been horrific. And I am also sorry because it happened to him because his county was selfish and power hungry.
Also yes the comment has gotten quite out of context. Yet I do think it’s a very important topic. I come from a western county and my county is also to guilty
@@IngridBruinsma8 How dare you say that the US, Korean, and Australian soldiers who fought against this horrible dictator family were lambs to the slaughter by their own governments. They were tortured and killed in North Korean prison camps and some kid who doesn’t even understand history insults them because they are an entitled Westerner who has never suffered anything but has the time and luxury to sit around and intellectualize the ills of capitalism while enjoying the benefits. Laughable lot. Done with this degrading and shameful conversation. Grow up.
@@edl6398 This is going to be a long one. Read it or don’t.
You keep assuming stuff and putting words into my mouth. I never said anything about Australian and Korean soldiers specifically. Also please start using punctuation, your comments are almost unreadable without it.
And yes I am saying a lot of soldiers were like lambs. But I am saying that because I feel for them. So many people suffered because the government wanted power. It wasn’t like they were trying to just free people like in Europe with the Nazi’s. It was just so unnecessary. It should never have happened in the first place. And yes I am also talking about the Soviet Union, they should’ve also left Korea alone.
What the US has been doing, is to ONLY get involved with war when it has something to gain from it. Like with Iraq, it was about oil. It started of with that at least. And that info is known. But they pretend they are the heroes, while bringing dispair to other countries.
Also 37k American soldiers died during the Korean war. But 3 million Koreans died during that war. I only hear you talking about how the US soldiers suffered. But think about that magnitude of human lives. Which weren’t just soldiers, actually 95% of them weren’t. Yes also children. Everyone’s life matters. And yes US soldiers were tortured. But many many more civilians are tortured today as a result of what happened back then. The estimation is that around 80k to 200k of people are in labor camps that are getting tortured everyday in NK.
You are saying that I am an entitled Westerner. Yes I am privileged, I am aware of that. But I am opening my mouth about how unfair it is that we got those privileges. And how unfair it is that many countries are still suffering as a consequence of what other countries did to them. I am taking a stance for all people that suffered.
Meanwhile you make it sound like you are defending the US infiltrating Korea and make it sound like you think being at war over there was a good thing?
You stated earlier western countries do great things like the survival of this man of the interview. Again you depict the US as a hero. Taking credit. This man and the young girl are the heroes. Being one of the reasons a county was left in shambles and then giving refuge to those who are escaping, doesn’t make you a hero.
My country is very much guilty to a lot of suffering. We used to sell slaves and Colonize. Also having wars with the countries that we colonized while they tried to get freedom. And 80.000 of our people were put into prison camps and tortured, including children and women. So I understand. But I have the same opinion on that. We shouldn’t have colonized the country in the first place.
What I am doing here is critical thinking. And I know it can come across as disrespectful. Especially of all those US lives that were impacted by it. And I do understand that it’s hard to get behind what I am saying. I do think it’s important to talk about tho.
We are all a little brainwashed.
안녕하세요 티모시 조님. 댓글을 보실 지 모르겠지만 너무 감명 깊어서 몇 자 적어봅니다..
저는 영어공부 때문에 LAD bible 채널을 구독 중이 였는데, 이렇게 우연히 티모시 조님의 이야기를 듣게 됐네요..
이야기를 나눠 주셔서 감사하다는 말과 함께 영상을 보는 내내 대한민국 국민으로서 정말 가슴이 아팠습니다.
한국인으로서 북한 인권에 항상 관심을 가지고 기도하는 제가 되도록 노력하겠습니다.
이야기를 나누는 동안 힘드셨을텐데 공유해 주셔서 감사하고 한국에 있는 저에게 까지 전할 수 있게 해준 LADbible 채널에도 감사합니다.
언젠가 한반도에도 독일처럼 기적적으로 통일을 하는 날이 오겠죠? 꼭 그랬으면 좋겠네요.
티모시 조님 영국에서 행복한 일만 가득하시길 바래요!
Crying. This is so lovely. It’s so beautiful how he has survived so much and is able to use it to try helping others. 🩵
I wish more people in South Korea would be as kind as you are. Unfortunately North Koreans have been facing a lot of discrimination and bullying in South Korea :( and I just don’t get why people are treating them that way :(
Truly beautiful and so much compassion. I'm not Korean but I too hope the peninsula will be unified again one day. We're stronger together
@@IngridBruinsma8 this angers me so much. after what these people went through in NK? wtf is wrong w south korea netizen bruh they toxic af
Protect the little girl from the international school at ALL cost!!!
I’m indeed in tears a 14 yo girl is so mature to know who to ask help for!!
She’s no longer a little girl. That happened when he was 17 years old.
@@SkittsMcGeebut still
China needs to step up to the plate and change itself. It wants to be open to the world yet complicit with the devil. I would bet there are so many people in China that would like to see this policy of returning defectors change. But the problem is its a dictatorship aligned with both Russia and North Korea. Perhaps the powers that be of those 3 nations realize that by opening up to the rest of the world would only hurt those in power at this moment. Which is why they are afraid of change. They are probably afraid NK would nuke them all if it had to.
She was empowered by the individualistic values that the American international school taught. When you see something wrong and inhumane *even if it is done by the state* you SPEAK UP about it. God bless western values. If they had gone to a Chinese state school, the results would have been different.
Yeah. That girl is now my age. 34
my grandmother escaped when she was 19 and had to leave her mother. All of her siblings have now passed and she is around 90 years old . she says she still misses NK and it breaks my heart knowing how ruined it is is but at the same time its the only place she really calls home. cant believe that little girl saved their lives like that
Your grandmother is a brave and incredible woman. I hope you write her story someday.
The brave kid became a brave man. Strong guy - I’m glad he’s free and safe here.
I had the absolute honour of interviewing Timothy for a community mental health project. He is very courageous, humble and a man of God. Thank you @LADbible for giving him a platform to share his remarkable story.
>and a man of God
what a shame
Inspirational ❤
i’m curious about what this mental heath project was! could you elaborate?
@@katcabula Very inspirational 🫶
Do you know if he ever get reunited with his parents, somehow? This interview had me in tears. The unbelievable sh*t he, and other defectors, go thru is horrific.
Crying.. but it was a beautiful story told by a man with a lovely smile. His pain is horrendous, and yet he can still smile. May his life be filled with joy and laughter.
My man is explaining shit we can never comprehend about how the closest thing you can call home literally, abandoned him and he’s here sharing us his story with a smile on his face. Absolute legend 😢
I could listen to him speak for hours. What an incredible video. Thank you.
Hello
I’m a grown ass man and a marine and I had to go to another room because I was crying sooo hard damn
Like this man said in the video, we are all human, we eat, we sleep, we love. Don't feel bad for crying thats a sign of empathy and sympathy
It's nice to see a marine who isn't constantly putting up a front of not having any human emotions or calling someone like this a crybaby for his life experience.
so propaaganda works on you? got it. 64% of americans cant find north korea on a map so of course you fall for this.
God bless you, I cried too
@@jacobfromallstate4963not all marines who look like they’re dead inside or they’re putting on a front are doing just that, lot of times it becomes who we really are. It’s because so many people try to pretend to be who they aren’t these days that unless you have a trained eye you won’t know if that face is genuinely a part of them or not. Don’t let movies or media try to unrealize what really becomes a part of a person one way or another.
To come and do this interview in English is amazing.
I'm sure he uses English on a daily basis since he's been living in the UK since he was 18.
His English is excellent. What an amazing man to have overcome and achieved so much despite the worst hardship and fear humans can endure.
Despite a strong accent his vocabulary and articulation are incredible and he's perfectly understandable. He's clearly quite perceptive and resourceful - subject matter considered - and I'm very thankful that he was able to escape and share his heartwarming story ❤
He needs to write a book 😢 what a life he experienced. So humbled and thankful to live with peace and freedom.
They need to make a movie!!!
Hollywood puts forth no original ideas, but here we are... Like Ol' Yeller, but 1000x better and real.
The fact a man who has seen such desperate times still has the heart to smile and be grateful god bless him makes you think all your problems is chicken feed compared to this man’s story
if god was real people wouldn't be going through this shit to begin with
Says who? I don't understand how Atheists claim to be logical and go by science, but then make emotional arguments such as that one. Tornados exist and kill people, does that mean they don't exist because we do not like that they kill people? No. Our feelings have nothing to do with any gods existence.
It's scary to think there will be millions people like him who's not fortunate enough to escape.
Welcome to the UK Timothy. You have a safe home here with us - forever. Thank you for your bravery and sharing your story. You now embody that hope you yourself were so in need of.
I would never truly feel safe. What of they come after you. Does the UK protect you?
@@TheWereyCar Very much doubt they would come looking for him
@@davehoward22 didn't they assassinate Kim's brother in an airport in another country?
lol….i wouldn’t exactly call the UK “safe” in 2024….muzzle the people, to protect the muzz-slums, while banning free speech. Not an ideal place.
I wonder what timothy thinks to UK censorship now. It'll feel like home sooner rather than later.
That little girl was sent from GOD. I’m in tears. This is an amazing story, so inspiring.
She is the product of western values. When the state does something wrong and inhumane, you SPEAK UP AGAINST IT and EXPOSE IT to everyone who will listen. God bless western values of human rights.
If there was a god bro then those things wont happen in the first place .
Believing in a shittiest written fairytale is an excuse to not give a fuck.
@@VorpalSnickerSnack 🎯🎯
Why do we always blame God for the evils in this world?! That comes from satan but no one mentions that!
Another night to cry with strangers😢😢😢😢😢. God bless that girl wherever she is now
Man this guy is just reliving the experiences he had with the way he emotes everything. Happiness, sadness, despair, joy. All rolled inside 34 minutes.
This truly touched my heart. God bless that young girl who contacted the reporter. I wish you nothing but happiness Timothy Cho x
This was by far one of the best and most moving videos I've ever seen. That 13 year old girl saved him and his group.
Thank you LADbible for enabling Timothy to tell his story.
This man embodies the enduring will of the human spirit. What a warrior. Glad you're safe my man
Absolutely heartbreaking hearing his story. I cried along with him. Thank you LADbible for sharing stories from people who lived through these situations. Can I recommend getting first hand accounts from residential school survivors? I'm Canadian and the history of my people (First Nations) is only now being taught in schools. I think the older generations along with the world needs to hear our stories.
I second this. My grandparents are residential school survivors and I think any residential school survivor experiences can be educational
1st nations? lol, is that the new wording you've given yourself?
@@artair70 whatever troll. All you need do is Google that word.
@@Atimoskisk It was a word you ADOPTED from YT ppl who gave you it to you, it went from "Natives" of land you also took to now "First Nations" The rhetoric doesn't work...
@@artair70
Listen TROLL, I have friends that are First Nations People. What they call themselves is their business and needs to be respected. It has nothing to do with TH-cam. Our First Nations People are The Indigenous Keepers of this Land! LAND BACK!!! 💪
I am 35. My life was amazing in Poland. Friends, loving family, holidays, good food. I am crying. It is not fair. We are the same age with totally different stories and backgrounds. Why did he have to go through all that? Why are people still suffering? Why we can love each other? Why can't we stay together as humans?😢
We CAN stay together as humans as soon as we obey and love our common Father, Mother, God, Friend and Saviour. Krishna is the Supreme Controller, we are all His children. Love for Krishna brings us all to the point of loving each other. BUT NOBODY CARES FOR GOD. NOBODY IS Interested. EVERYONE IS STRUGGLING WITH FALSE EGO.
@@tulayamalavenapi4028god doesn't exist
@@tulayamalavenapi4028Or maybe people are realising that a magic wizard in the sky doesn't exist because if it did, we wouldn't see the immense suffering of innocent people, especially children.
If what you said was actually true, then everyone who is "obeying" the sky wizard should be fine and yet they are not, they suffer just the same as everyone else.
We don't need a sky daddy to make the world a better place.
Unfortunately there are people in power who can't get away from wanting control, power, and wealth. The Kims control things the way they do to stop the people rising up and taking their position of power away.
He shouldn't have had to go through what he did, and I wish there was a way to stop the wars and suffering but unfortunately we as humans just can't stay peaceful, and they will climb over each other in the pursuit of power, and that they leaves others to suffer.
It's the one thing that truly sucks about how we are.
Completely sobbing by the end of the story. The sheer humanity fighting against inumanity was beautiful. Enjoy a long and healthy life, Timothy.
no words can explain what I felt while seeing him holding his tears, thinking about this world makes me cry my eyes out, may your life fills with joy and happy tears from now on my friend
“Live well your free life” man is my age and makes me grateful for the my free life
When he said he wasn’t homeless for long I thought maybe a few days to a few weeks. A FEW YEARS what a strong child
What a warrior. I don’t think we can understand the bravery, determination and intelligence it would take to break out of compete mind control like that. To escape to a “new world” he knew nothing about. It’s like one of us volunteering to go to an alien planet.
After 17 years of being told how awful the aliens are and all you ever know is how awful the aliens are and that's it's much worse than where you are
Such a strong man. That kind of bravery to even start on that journey. Knowing the consequences of getting caught.
Honestly i wish the best for him now
His parents did a pretty drastic thing, but maybe deep down they knew the power and courage of their young son to be able to follow his mother and father by any means.
@@tulayamalavenapi4028 yes, it was very harsh what his parents did, but I think we cannot blame them. Perhaps they are the reason he first had the thought to escape.
Amazing man. Please do a part 2, I would love to hear more from him, 34 minutes was not enough. More details about his past and how he adapted to the new world.
Yes, and if he sees his parents again...?
“I was over the moon” - this phrase no longer feels the same to me.
Hope you live long and well and happy. You’ve earned it ❤
This man, Timothy, has one of the strongest hearts i've ever seen in my life.
He made me tear up from empathy, and feel warm in my heart from his courage and hope.
Stay forever free and happy, Mr. Cho
It shows that humanity can triumph over evil. If we are all kind to each other and show respect and love instead of hatred and evil then the world would be a much better place.
Tell that to Kim Jong un
@@Themilkman95 it's not just him, the World is full of people who are just like him, the difference is he has a lot of money and power and that's when people like that are very dangerous.
not much chance of that billions of brainwashed people believe in over 3000 gods, religion is a big problem
@@laernulienlaernulienlaernu8953 yes China is just as bad and so is Russia.
No its weak people who allow evil to exist evil must be killed there is no talking no working anything out evil must only be shown equal or greater brutality that way people learn you act up you get the same treatment
It's truly sad how some people are convinced these are performative interviews and that NK is actually a very livable, hospitable country. I don't understand where this rhetoric comes from but i'm glad this man got to speak about his experiences and hopefully people wake up and realize not everything is propaganda, some countries truly are just terrible to live in.
As an American south korean, it is heartbreaking to hear to atrocities that occur in North Korea. Hearing his story made me cry repeatedly and I wish all North Korean escapees all the love and happiness in the free world. I think it's crazy to me that if the border in korea was just 50 miles more south my family would have had to endure this North Korean regime and I would not exist today. ❤
It’s crazy to think how we are all just born wherever we happen to be born. Some under such terrible circumstances 💔
Timothy wow, just wow. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of this brutality, but I'm so glad you're safe here with us here in the UK. Sending my love to you and best wishes for the future.
‘Survived because of the power of love’ YES 🙌🏼 What an amazing Testimony. Keep up the good work Timothy. God bless you
My heart is crumpled everytime hearing these stories about north korean defector. Praise to God you escaped and survived.❤
Impactful testimony. Thank you for sharing this gentleman's story of survival and strength, really moved me.
This is possible the most powerful story I have ever heard. What this human has gone through, we will never ever truly understand.
His story is so sad and heartbreaking 💔 makes you realise when you hear story’s as powerful as this, how much we take for granted in our life’s of just the very basic things in life just to survive ,begin able to eat food have a shower and watch tv and have freedom without the fear of death every step of the way
Knowing my home country has given you a safe haven is the first thing that has made me proud to be a Brit in years. Thank you for your story, Timothy. I wish you every happiness.
Be proud of the human rights that your western country instills in every individual. We all take our freedoms for granted. Out of respect for this guy, let us all not do that.
I’m 33 with 8 kids. I would be the proudest dad in the world to have one of my kids with a head like this guy. I cried, my misses cried. My kids could learn a lot from Tim. I don’t know you but my god bro, I’m so glad you’re alive right now. You really do deserve it ❤
I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved and touched by any video. So happy for him now, but saddened about what he went through. Also made me realize how we take freedom for granted in so many other countries - also very impressed how many good people there are in this world, gives me a great deal of hope. 34:19
Timothy, you evoke such emotional truth. Not because of what you've been through but because of your inner essence. You made me cry and smile. Please keep sharing your story 🧡
It's probably traumatizing every time he tells it. How about he doesn't keep telling it, just link people to this video
I am speechless. What a crazy story. How bewildering are his story-telling skills, even more as a non-native...
What a lovely person Timothy is. This story is heartbreaking. He showed so much bravery in trying to escape a second time after the hell he went through.
This is one of the most incredible stories of human resilience and hope, it deserves to be told and shared everywhere. Such an important story also, I hope it reaches a lot of people.
How fortunate we are. Goosebumps while listening, thank you for sharing this.
I just want to go through my computer screen and hug this brave and gentle man. He has been continually nurtured and supported, with compassion, here in the UK 🇬🇧. He's so very welcome here. Keep smiling that wonderful smile, brave human, brave Timothy. 😊
Whenever I see interviews like this it blows my mind that these atrocities are happening as we watch this video. In real time and it’s heartbreaking, it’s terrifying.
After a long long time...really long time..watching such journey with his entire life flashed as life depicting story in front of all of us. It definitely made tears swelled up in my eyes .
When people complain about almost anything and everything, there is another side in this planet where someone just want to live free..breathe free and feel to be alive again. Thanks for the love and the right people the universe sent across the narrator path, he is where he is meant to be. Bless him and all those who made his journey to be here. May the universal force bless them all
Thank you for sharing your story. As traumatic and heartrending as it is, at the same time, it also lets real humanity and kindness shine through - his grandmother (who could have shunned him as a criminal against the country), the 13 year old in the international school, the South Korean gangster and his other cellmates in prison. They all cared about him, even though all (save one) were total strangers. Beautiful weaving of unbelievable trauma and heartbreak, and pure kindness and compassion. I am glad you’re living well these days. Please continue to live well and chase your dreams!
For a man who's been through absolute hell, we welcome you with open arms. Welcome to Britain, Tim. You're safe with us now.
I thought I had problems but hearing what this man has endured, I am grateful for my life's journey - things truly could've been worse. Thank you Tim, for this entirely new perspective in life you have given me 🙏 keep strong
The way he explains what he went thru is soo raw and real.. I can’t even imagine 🙏
This is a migrant I AM PROUD to help as a country. A man that truly needed help and wants to have a life with community and values.
100%
They need to make a movie about this man’s life. Truly incredible ❤
Really hurting moments 😢, At least he's free now and hear his voice saying what went behind in his life. Be blessed Cho
The world needs to protect this man and document his story in as many platforms as possible
I had the exact same reaction: We all need to protect him.
What an incredible story. Thank you for sharing. I can't even begin to comprehend what he must have gone through and how much he's had to deal with physically/mentally. What a strong human.
That’s little girl and your prayers to the Lord saved your life. Amazing powerful story thank you for sharing
Thank God he survived and was able to share his story. Such incredible strength to survive all he was put through. It's so true what he said, in that deep down we are all the same. Thank you for sharing this. Much love fellow humans!
I barely even blinked watching this, he painted a really vivid picture in my mind as he was telling his story. Super insightful stuff
This man has such a powerful testimony and what they’re enduring and have endured in North Korea is straight diabolical…
Thank you, Timothy Cho for telling your story. All the love in the world to you. What you have been through is unspeakable, but I am grateful to you. That you are willing to speak out about what happened. I appreciate you so much for sharing your story.
Sad but so inspiring , how bad a situation must be for parents to leave your child behind .
Kudos Timothy Kudos 👏 indeed .
Thank you for sharing. Slainte Mhath 💙 🏴
What a story, heartbreaking! Human resilience. Thank you for sharing. It is apparent It is still raw for you but happy you are with us to share it. God bless you.
I had to pause and cry in literally every step of the video .. Timothy i wish you the best, no one deserves such trauma 🙏
So harrowing. I am so privileged in my life in USA. He didn’t do anything to deserve his fate, and neither did I. He’s a great man.
My heart hurts for him and what he went through. He has such a beautiful soul, I’m glad he’s free and living the life he deserves.
When something sounds made up and exaggerated when the reality is the exact events really happened to a real human being at such an early age makes it literally unfathomable to even attempt to understand what that must feel like to go through....heartbreaking to listen to and a real emotional rollercoaster 💙
This is the first time I cry when I hear a story like this. I'm glad you're free ♥️
Courage galore in the face of what would make weaker people give up all hope. This guy's English is really good a true command of the language. His story was so moving and impressive.
Think about the level of motivation he had to learn the language.... the country that saved his life, the language as the key to survival - that's next level language learning motivation
Funny how Hollywood has never ever made a film or series about North Korean experiences. There are enough stories out there. The silence is both deafening and embarrassing.
Hollywood likes happy endings, or at least a sense of closure. Given that this is ongoing, how much of a resolution could be achieved at the end of film? I also think people want to avoid aggravating the guy with the nukes and the bad attitude
They did, the interview
They love Communists
Do you remember the reaction from North Korea when The Interview was released? Look that up and that will explain a little about why
Ok what’s the conspiracy here ? Soros? Clinton? Illuminati?
Wow, I’ve watched a lot of stories about North Korean defectors, but this one touched my heart deep deep deep inside. Even after everything he had been through, he realized that humanity and love is what saved his life and maybe even a prayerfrom that Bible. thank you for this really touching story. May God bless him and may he have a happy long life ❤
Absolutely in tears at the power of human love and strength of spirit. The fact that the little girl writing that is why he is still here, how his comrades from different countries order special food for him in prison, all of it is like... he was covered by divine intervention and that is his story. It's exactly that. Some of the most "lowly" people you would ever meet have the highest character and the blessings that can come through a network of helpers seems like it is a much more valuable thing to be part of than hanging out with the people at the "highest" places in society who think they have it all.
I pray that he lives out the rest of his life as happily as possible, and that anytime he is scared or has flashbacks of his past that he will always be comforted in spirit.
I could not leave my child behind under any circumstances. I wouldn't be able to deal with the heartache and guilt knowing that my 9 year old child has to eat garbage on the street to survive. I'm glad he could forgave his parents but that was just too cruel and too selfish to run away without even telling him or make preparations to have someone look after him
Right? I couldn’t live with myself. I’d rather my kids escaped than leave them alone in a famine infested wasteland.
I think to some extent, maybe in their mind, they were doing it to protect him. In the eyes of the parents, perhaps they wanted him to atleast be THERE and be alive and be able to make that decision on his own to leave, rather than them taking him not of his own fruition and him being killed because of their choice. It's a hard choice, no matter what way you go. Would you rather have your child die attempting freedom or die without freedom? It may seem simple to say WITH attempting freedom, but it's different when it's your child. We can't demonize his parents too much, who knows what any of us would do in such a complexly horrible situation? I would never be able to make that decision, let alone leave my child behind, but maybe I am not just brave enough. No matter our views on his parents, he is incredibly strong. It may seem cruel or selfish, but the real cruelness is North Korea. They made those parenrs make that decision at the end of the day. I totally understand where you're coming from, though.
They probably didn’t forgive themselves either. But you can’t always keep your morals when you’re living in a literal hell.
Desperation does crazy things to the human mind..
they probably never left the country;the regime put them six feet under
This is one of the most important yet heartbreaking interviews I've ever listened to. Thank you Timothy Cho for your immense and honesty bravery. ❤
What a beautiful man and his story made me cry. Thank you for letting us hear his story. I hope the rest of his life is blessed and peaceful. My heart hurts for those still trapped in that country.
27:40 to hear how the fellow prisoners took compassion and helped him is so incredibly touching! ❤ What suffering this man has been through!
This was one of the most powerful stories!! "We all survived because of love."
A salute to you Timothy for not giving up and to everyone who went the distance to give you a good life!
Welcome to the UK Timothy . you have a home here & I hope you find some peace in your heart from your horrific trauma 😢❤️🇬🇧
Best interview I've watched in a long time.
I cannot believe how strong he is to have survived and healed. He is a Titan. One of the strongest men in the world.
What an amazing human being. He is. I cried through the whole of his video. So so brave. I hope he lives a long happy life
Man I wasn't expecting that... I felt his pain in his expression. He definitely had me trying to pull it together.
It is heartbreaking to hear what the citizens of N Korea are having to go through, just to survive. I have read, "In Order to Live" by Yeonmi Park which was horrifying what this poor girl went through but with every new story like Mr. Cho's, we understand more and more how important it is that more people understand what is happening there...we must find a way to help the people of N. Korea, surely there's a way we can do this.
I would look into her a bit more if I were you. Many defectors have challenged her accounts, apparently her stories have been very inconsistent and she's been accused of taking the experiences of others and claiming them as her own. I believe she was actually revealed to be reasonably well off in NK, or at least doing better than most. Not accusing her of lying completely but I think it's important to lift the voices of those defectors who feel she's undermining the experiences of others by being careless with her words at best, knowingly lying at worst. That shouldn't take away from the credibility of individuals like Timothy here either.