Soo – Finding beauty again

When I was sent to boarding school near Pyongyang, it was meant to be a privilege—a sign I was close to the centre of North Korean society. I was to be part of an ultraelite group, to be trained as a rhythmic gymnast and sent out to the world to represent and bring glory back to North Korea. But even proximity to the capital could not shield me from suffering when North Korea lost the ability to run its facilities and infrastructure. I still remember the sting of near-freezing water each morning as I washed my face, my hands raw and aching before the school day had even begun.

I actually escaped North Korea not once, but twice. The first time, I was caught in China and sent back to North Korea. That’s when I realised how difficult things truly were in my birth country. People were starving – something I hadn’t realised being so close to the elite. I thought I had it bad growing up, but others had it much worse than me. But then, everything about my situation had changed because I had broken the law by trying to flee the country. So once I was sent back to North Korea, I was imprisoned and endured unthinkable torture. Although the regime wanted to use those horrific methods to ensure I wouldn’t leave again, it had the opposite effect: That was when I knew I had to escape again. This time, I had to succeed.

Now in the UK, I am working to rebuild a life that was long denied to me. I am a single mother to two teenage daughters, and am determined to be a role model for them: someone who proves that it is possible to rise, even after a lifetime of being held down. The trauma of my past has taken a toll, and I constantly am in a battle with my mental health. But step by step, I am finding healing—not only for myself, but for others. I embrace my past life and lead dance classes for fellow North Korean refugees, helping them combat isolation, boost confidence, and take control of their health in ways they never could before.

I dream of running my own beauty salon—one where every service speaks to dignity, self-worth, and empowerment, and where no one needs to have their hands burn from freezing water or worry about the scars of their past. Thankfully, I am on my way, already having completed a Level 2 beauty qualification just this past year. I now hope to progress to Level 3, expanding my skills to offer a wider range of services and take the next step toward business ownership. 

With your continued support, I will both build a future for my family and create a space where other people—especially those who have survived like I have—can feel seen, beautiful, and strong.

– Soo

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