Who is Lee Hyeon-seo?
Lee Hyeon-seo is a North Korean defector and activist who bravely escaped the country at a young age. She now fights for human rights and educates the world about North Korea. After her harrowing journey to freedom, she even led her family on a dangerous escape route out of the country and currently advocates for refugees and a better understanding of North Korea from her home in South Korea.
Lee Hyeon-seo age and birthday
Born in January 1980, Lee Hyeon-seo, who is also known as Hyeonseo Lee, is currently 44 years old as of March 2024.
Lee Hyeon-seo’s height and weight
She has a height of 1.7m and weighs 67kg.
Lee Hyeon-seo’s educational background
Hyeon-seo completed her undergraduate studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, South Korea. She focused on the English and Chinese languages.
Lee Hyeon-seo spouse and children
Hyeon-seo is married to Brian Gleason, whom she wed in 2014.
Lee Hyeon-Seo’s parents and siblings
Hyeon-seo, also known as Hyeonseo Lee, is an activist and North Korean defector residing in Seoul, South Korea. She successfully escaped from North Korea and subsequently led her family to safety through China and Laos. While information about her parents and siblings remains limited in the public domain, her book, “The Girl with Seven Names,” offers a comprehensive narrative of her experiences in North Korea and the journey to freedom for her family.
Source: Google
Lee Hyeon-Seo career
Introduction: Lee Hyeon-seo and Her Notable Book
Hyeonseo Lee is an activist and defector from North Korea, currently residing in Seoul, South Korea. Her acclaimed book, “The Girl with Seven Names,” offers a detailed portrayal of her life in North Korea and the perilous journey her family undertook to escape the oppressive regime.
Life as a Fugitive in China
Following her escape from North Korea, Lee spent a decade living as a fugitive in China. During this challenging period, she ingeniously purchased the identity of a mentally challenged girl from Heilongjiang, enabling her to acquire vital documents such as a passport and driver’s licence. Her proficiency in Chinese characters, instilled in her during childhood by her father, proved instrumental in navigating an interrogation by the Chinese police suspicious of her North Korean origins.
Escape to South Korea and Settlement
In 2008, Lee successfully fled to South Korea. Upon her arrival at Incheon International Airport, she declared herself as a North Korean asylum-seeker. Subsequently, she underwent an orientation course to acclimatise to life in South Korea and was provided with housing support.
Dual Role: Author and Human Rights Activist
Beyond her literary achievements, Lee is actively involved in advocating for human rights, particularly focusing on the rights of North Koreans. She has expressed aspirations of working with organizations like the United Nations or non-governmental organizations dedicated to safeguarding the rights of North Korean refugees. Balancing her academic pursuits with her activism, Lee dedicates significant time to both areas of her life.
Lee Hyeon-seo’s net worth and salary
Hyeon-seo has amassed an estimated net worth of approximately $1.73 million. This wealth primarily stems from her successful career as an author, earnings from speaking engagements, and contributions to various documentaries shedding light on the realities of North Korea.
