Escape to Freedom: The Journey of North Korean Defectors

North Korea-born Songmi Han shared her emotive journey from North Korea to South Korea via China and other countries in 2011. Co-author of 'Greenlight to Freedom,' she now shares her story as a public speaker. Fellow North Korean refugee, Hyo-shim Maeng, also shared her family's escape and ongoing advocacy work.

North Korean defector Songmi Han emotionally recounted her grueling escape from North Korea in 2011 during an event at the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) on Thursday. Searching for her mother and a better life, Han traversed China and two other countries before finding refuge in South Korea.

Co-author of 'Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter's Search for Her Mother & Herself,' Han opened up about the ordeals she faced. After escaping North Korea in 2011, following her mother's steps, Han kept her identity as a refugee hidden until last year. Today, she is a public speaker, bravely sharing her life story.

Seoul-based Casey Lartigue, co-author of her book and co-chairman of Freedom Speakers International (FSI), explained Han's harrowing journey through China, Laos, and Thailand. Other North Korean defector, Hyo-shim Maeng, also shared her escape story, highlighting the plight of disabled individuals in North Korea as part of her advocacy work.

(With inputs from agencies.)