I escaped North Korea with my mum, but now I'm terrified she might be sent back

Geumseong survived a dangerous journey to South Korea, but his mother is stuck in a Chinese prison and may be forcibly repatriated.

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The previous year he'd made the perilous journey to escape from North to South Korea, using an international underground network of safe houses and brokers.

Eventually his mother's voice came from the speaker: "Geumseong, Geumseong, can you see me?"

Eunhee could hardly get her words out through sobs as her teenage son clasped his hand to his mouth.

"Mum, I'm doing well and I'm not sick," Geumseong quickly reassured her. The relief at seeing his mother's face was overwhelming.