Documentary

I watched a National Geographic documentary titled "Escaping from North Korea". It is an excellent production. Real lives and faces (some blurred to protect their identities) need no dramatisation.

Against the risk of being caught and possibly imprisoned or executed (repeat offender), some north koreans take this path to escape their homeland. The journey is a ironic one, summed up by the cliche so near yet so far.

The destination is South Korea ie next door. But the route is through China, then through Laos and finally the Soth Korean embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.

It is not just a matter of luck whether one will be caught in China or Laos and be deported. Physical suffering and patience tests the refugee -- the entire ordeal could take months while the actual border crossings takes place over a few days. Many pack a handy dose of opium to commit suicide if caught.

Border crossing take place at night, refugees including children and old grandmothers make the more than 10 hours trek in near darkness and heavy vegetation. I think of it as an over-extended exercise in Pulau Tekong minus the food.

The greatest irony of all is that for the lucky ones who end up in Seoul, the real journey for them starts. Adjusting to a life from communist to capitalist, feeling out of place and being the underclass, poor and starting life all over again no matter your age. But the lure of freedom...that surpasses all.