About this episode
Hitomi Soga shares her harrowing story of being kidnapped by North Korea and her 24-year ordeal there.
In the 1970s and 80s, a spate of mysterious disappearances were reported along Japan’s coast. One of those was 19-year-old nurse Hitomi Soga, who was walking with her mother when they were kidnapped. She was blindfolded and dragged to a boat destined to the world's most secretive state, North Korea. But why was she taken? Hitomi's stay in North Korea would last 24 years and include a forced marriage to America's most well-known defector, Charles Jenkins. The world watched when eventually she returned home, still desperate to uncover the truth about the mother who vanished with her into the darkness. Presenter: Asya Fouks Translation: Nancy Roberts Voiceover: Yoko Gravestock Producer: Edgar Maddicott Lives Less Ordinary is a podcast from the BBC World Service that brings you the most incredible true stories from around the world. Each episode a guest shares their most dramatic, moving, personal story. Listen for unbelievable twists, mysteries uncovered, and inspiring journeys - spanning the entire human experience. Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. Got a story to tell? Send an email to liveslessordinary@bbc.co.uk or message us via WhatsApp: 0044 330 678 2784…
People in this episode
Host: Asya Fouks
Guest: Hitomi Soga
Topics covered
- kidnapping
- North Korea
- personal story
- disappearance
- forced marriage
- return home
Keywords
- kidnapping
- North Korea
- Hitomi Soga
- Charles Jenkins
- disappearance
- 1970s
- personal story
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC World Service
Places: North Korea, Japan
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