I'm going to ask you 50 quick questions about you and North Korea.
Try to answer with just one sentence.
How are you?
I'm fine.
What's your name?
My name is Jeongok Choi.
Do you have an English name?
Yes, my English name is Justina.
How old are you?
I'm 39 years old.
Where are you from?
I'm from North Korea.
Where were you born?
I was born in Hamgyong Province in northernmost spot on the Korean map.
Where do you live now?
I live in South Korea.
What do you do?
I'm a nurse.
Is it OK if we talk about your life in North Korea?
Yes.
Is your North Korean experience the same as all North Korean defectors?
Not same.
When did you escape North Korea?
2004.
How did you escape North Korea?
Cross the river.
Is North Korea a terrible place to live?
Yes, exactly.
Is North Korea a corrupt country?
Yes.
Is South Korea a good place to live?
Yes.
Were you hungry as a child in North Korea?
Fortunately, I was not hungry.
Did you witness people die of starvation in North Korea?
Yes, countless times.
Were you happy in North Korea?
Yes, I was very happy with my family in North Korea.
Are you happy now?
Yes, I'm so happy now, too.
Do you miss North Korea?
Yes, always.
Do you regret leaving North Korea?
No, I never regret.
Will you be able to return to North Korea one day?
I hope so but currently it's impossible.
Do you think reunification is possible between North and South Korea?
Yes.
I think it's possible in the future.
What's different about North Koreans and South Koreans?
There are many things, but I think language is the most different.
Are you South Korean now?
Yes, I'm a South Korean.
Where would you like to live in the future?
I'd like to live in the United States in the future.
Have you ever been to America?
Never.
Do you hate Americans?
No.
I like.
Are you a political person?
No, I'm not.
Do you think the world is doing enough to help North Korea?
I don’t think so.
How can I help a North Korean defector?
There are many things.
Firstly, have interest toward North Korea and refugees.
And secondly, being a friend with them.
And make a voice for them.
What was you favorite food in North Korea?
Noodle was the most favorite food.
What is your favorite food in South Korea?
Tofu.
Is healthcare available to everyone?
Yes, it's available.
Did you use the internet in North Korea?
Never.
Did you have hot water in North Korea?
No.
Did you eat meat in North Korea?
Maybe once a year.
Did you have power or electricity in North Korea?
Yes, we had.
Did you family have a TV in North Korea?
Yes, we have… had.
How many channels did you have?
Only one channel.
Did your family have a car in North Korea?
No, impossible.
What is something good about North Korea?
The people.
They have a warm heart.
Were you surprised when you first arrived in South Korea?
Yes, surprised at everything.
What surpised you the most about South Korea?
The people, there were many foreigners…
in South Korea.
Do you think North Korean agents will try to hurt you because of this interview?
I hope not.
Do North Korean study English?
Yes.
How old were you when you learned ABC in English?
When I was 14 years old.
Do you think it is necessary to learn English?
Yes, it's essential in South Korea.
Do you have many friends?
Yes, I have.
Do you consider yourself a strong person?
Yes, of course.
Alirght, thanks very much.
Bye, bye.
Thank you.
How old are you?
I'm 28 years old.
No.
How old am I? 29?
Ah Oh!
30 - 39.
I'm sorry.
Ok.
Just start from the beginning.
I'm sorry.
How old are you?
I'm 39 years old.
Is English your first language?
No.
Not.
Do you feel confident when you speak English?
Yes.
Are you married?
No.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I think I'm an extrovert.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Left - my homewtown - North Korea.
Do you study IELTS these days?
Yes.
What was your last IELTS score?
Over 5.5.
Do you think English is the most important language?
Yes, I think so.
How many hours a week do you study English?
These days…
I don’t study English that much, I think.
About one hour a week.
Who do you admire the most?
My mother.
What annoys you most?
Actually, what's the meaning?
I'm sorry.
Ah, annoying, not noisy.
What annoys you most?
People who are smoking.
What makes a happy marriage?
Meeting a person that I love so much.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
What's the meaning? I'm sorry.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Maybe in the United States.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
I don’t think so.
Have you traveled to many countries?
Not that many.
Just a few.
Which countries have you traveled to?
Japan, China, the Philippines, and Russia.
Do you watch Korean dramas?
Yes, I love Koreans dramas too much.
Do you think North Korean women are more beautiful than South Korean women?
It depends on the person.
What's the best way to study English?
Practice and practice.
Thank you for sharing your answers.