Log #5

        ‘When you have so little, just the smallest thing can make you happy.’ This is one of the very few features of life in North Korea that Yeonmi really misses. And that is also something I always forget in my happy family.

        Living under the control of North Korean regime, normal transactions like metals or foreign DVDs should be run in black market. There is nothing more than survival, family and the Great Leader for people living in North Korea. The simplest thing like electricity can lighten their childhood because they can watch South Korean soap operas and play video games. They cherish everything they can get or have, especially the company of family. For them, staying with their family is nothing more important.

         The more I have, the less I cherish what I have. Compared with Yeonmi, I have a harmonious and wealthy family. However, I often take what my family brings to me for granted because it never occurs to me that having enough food and staying with my family are things to be blessed. I should be more grateful for having the opportunity to have grown with my lovely family and never worry about staying alive.