Sam Kim’s first two escape attempts with his family from North Korea were unsuccessful.
He first left at the age of six with his mom and grandmother.
Both times, Kim, now 27, says his mom was sent to a labour camp, where she was interrogated constantly, punished and tortured.
The family was successful only after attempting to escape a third time. Today, Kim is now a permanent resident, after living in Canada for 14 years.
Now, he says he’s hopeful a new pilot sponsorship program launching in Canada can help others like him.
“When Canadians help North Korean escapees, they’re helping someone like my mom, my grandma and myself,” Kim said.
