My Mother is a Hero: Journalists Detained in N. Korea

From the perspective of Euna Lee's daughter 12 yrs later
(2 journalists detained in North Korea)
By Lillian W

Twelve years ago, I had a mother. I was four when she and her coworker, Laura Ling, were imprisoned in North Korea for illegal entry into the country. Excruciating despair envelopes me when I imagine their lives as pawns for the opposing nation. How else can one explain the brutal twelve year sentence?

The horrifying secrecy of her condition continues to haunt me. Stories depicting North Korean labor camps resemble Hell: “starvation, torture, brutal labor, humiliation, and death.” I plead that they will at least have the decency to inform us of her death.

I constantly imagine the damage twelve years of hard labor in confinement has inflicted on her. The same delicate hands that stroked my face now struggle with heavy machinery. Her sparkling bold eyes are dulled by sleepless nights and desperate yearning for truth and freedom. The euphonious voice that sang me lullabies is hoarse from tireless screaming. Her once flawless skin is etched with scars and bruises, each a medal of her bravery. But the woman I remember swallows her pain and utilizes it as motivation.

I envision my passionate mother deprived of her soul. The void in her heart is concealed only by love for her family. Even in my dreams she is trying to protect me. She smiles feebly despite the gaping wounds that cover her body. She makes small talk as my eyes scan over the deterioration of her body. I always wake up screaming for she uses her body as a shield when a soldier with no face opens fire.

My mother is a daring fighter. She is infatuated with her work as a journalist for Current TV. She has sacrificed everything for her job. When I was young, she never had time for us, and now she has given her life. I used to resent her profession, which I had to share my mother with. The longest break she had taken from her career was when she went on maternity leave. The weeks and months she disappeared for, the belated birthdays and broken promises all seem trivial now. It is her job that got her locked up in hostile North Korea, but it is this same dedication to justice I worship. Many do not understand this, but it is what makes Euna Lee unique.

Every night, I get on my knees to pray for my mother and Laura Ling. I used to scan the night sky for shooting stars, any sign for hopes of a miracle that seemed never to come. There is never a moment of doubt that I would trade everything for her.

“Hannah, Euna will come home soon.” Daddy’s face scrunches up into a form I was supposed to interpret as a grin. Daddy feigns optimism around me, but I hear him sobbing at night when he thinks I’m in bed. Sometimes, I can’t help but be angry with him for protecting me from the reason for my mother’s disappearance. When he finally told me, it was too late. I could not tell her how much I loved and missed her, how I couldn’t sleep without her bedtime stories on the rare occasion she was allowed a phone call. He’s all I have left. If only life had a fairytale ending.

I used to punish myself for every fresh breath I took when my mother was restricted to a cramped cell. I no longer smiled, but I had no tears left to shed. I was a hostage of my thoughts. When the world seemed to be collapsing, kind souls with comforting words revived my every hope. I was able to live, to dream, and to pray for my mother who was behind bars. Just as I did not want her to lose hope, she wanted me to grow strong. I am forever indebted to the people who remember and pray for Euna and Laura’s safe return.

Twelve years ago, my mother had her whole life ahead of her. With a successful career, a family she loved and a promising future, there was nothing more fulfilling. She should have been here for all the birthdays, graduations, and award ceremonies.

“Hannah! It’s your mother! It’s a letter from North Korea!”

Euna Ling and Laura Lee both died in prison a month ago.

They did not even have the decency to get their names right.


Please help free Euna Lee and Laura Ling. They are counting on us- before it’s too late.