Yeonmi Park isn’t just a name — she’s become a symbol of resiliency, courage and the indomitable human spirit. Fleeing from one of the world’s most oppressive regimes, this North Korean defector has gone on to become a global champion for freedom and human rights. Park’s story is nothing short of extraordinary, from fighting through early struggles and finding her footing as an activist, author and speaker. Check out this comprehensive review on Yeonmi Park height, husband, net worth and a lot more.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Yeonmi Park |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1993 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 32 years |
| Birthplace | Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, North Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean-American (naturalized) |
| Parents | Father – Park Jin Sik (deceased); Mother – Keum Sook Byeon |
| Siblings | Older sister – Eunmi Park |
| Profession | Human rights activist, author, public speaker, YouTuber |
| Famous For | Escaping North Korea and advocating for human rights |
| Hobbies | Reading, writing, public speaking, traveling |
| Yeonmi Park Height | 5 feet 4 inches (approx. 163 cm) |
| Weight | Around 50 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| @yeonmi_park | |
| Marital Status | Divorced (previously married to Ezekiel) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million (as of 2025) |
| Education | Columbia University, U.S. |
| Family | Lives with her mother and son |
Who Is Yeonmi Park?
Yeonmi Park is a North Korean defector-turned-human rights activist and author. Her account of fleeing North Korea, surviving human trafficking, and eventually finding freedom has inspired millions around the globe.
Today, she is a brave voice against oppression, tyranny and censorship. Her mission is to free the world from the pernicious teachings of totalitarianism and their traditions, trampling, discrimination etc.. by promoting freedom in thought and expression.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Yeonmi Park’s net worth is with the range of $1 million and $2 million. Most of her earnings are from book sales, public speaking engagements, YouTube and media appearances.
Her memoir, In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom, was a best seller, won international recognition. She’s also paid honorariums for her rousing speeches at universities and international gatherings such as Harvard, Oxford and the One Young World Summit.
And while she is now successful, Yeonmi often stresses that it’s not about the money — it’s always been about increasing awareness and giving a voice to others who remain stuck within North Korea.
From Darkness to Defiance
After a gruelling odyssey through China and Mongolia, Yeonmi and her mother made it to South Korea in 2009. It was where her life changed. There she learnt English, attended school and started to speak out about her experiences. Her emotional story of escape was reported for the first time at the One Young World Summit in Dublin in 2014 and went viral, raising international awareness of what North Korean defectors suffer.
The world was riveted by her story but also cheered her strength. Yeonmi soon became one of the movement’s most prominent voices, who campaigned for millions who still languished in North Korea.
Rise to Global Recognition
Yeonmi Park’s influence grew rapidly. She made the rounds of popular media programs on outlets like BBC, CNN, Fox News and The Joe Rogan Experience, and was interviewed in documentaries about North Korea’s secretive regime. Her memoir, “In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom” (2015) was an international best seller.
The book describes her life in North Korea, her escape from the country and transformation after arriving in the free world. Both critics and readers lauded its frank honesty and muscular storytelling. And through it, Yeonmi solidified her position not simply as a survivor, but as someone with a voice for those who cannot advocate on their own behalf.
Yeonmi Park Height
Standing about 5 feet 4 inches tall (163 cm), Yeonmi Park carries herself with quiet confidence. Though she’s often asked about her looks or appearance — her dark hair and warm brown eyes — what truly defines her beauty is her strength. Her poise in interviews and speeches reveals a blend of calmness and intensity, shaped by her extraordinary past.
In a world where celebrity often overshadows substance, Yeonmi is a refreshing reminder that courage and authenticity are timeless forms of beauty.
Personal Life
As complicated as her personal life has been, so too is Yeonmi Park’s career. She was married before to Ezekiel, an American man, and they had a son. But in 2020, she publicly confirmed that they were divorced.
She resides in the United States with her son today. In the midst of grappling with early motherhood and her identity as a single mom, Yeonmi continues to juggle family life with activism, interviews, and speaking engagements. Her emotional anchor, she says, is her mother, who defected with her from North Korea.
Professional Life
Yeonmi Park’s professional journey is deeply intertwined with her mission to spread awareness about human rights. After resettling in South Korea in 2009, she began speaking publicly about her escape and the human rights abuses in North Korea.
Her emotional 2014 speech at the One Young World Summit in Dublin catapulted her to international fame. Millions were moved by her words as she described the horrors of her past and the beauty of freedom.
Since then, Yeonmi has appeared on BBC, CNN, Fox News, The Joe Rogan Experience, and countless podcasts and documentaries. Her YouTube channel, where she discusses political freedom, education, and life as a defector, has attracted a large audience.
Her first book, In Order to Live, is now a must-read for anyone interested in human rights or modern history. Her second book, While Time Remains (2023), explores her experiences adapting to Western life and warns against complacency in the free world.
Children
Yeonmi Park has a son, who was born while she and Ezekiel were married. Though she is fiercely protective of her child and tries to keep his life private, she does occasionally speak about him in interviews and on social media.
She has shared how motherhood has caused her to cherish freedom and safety more strongly — those privileges she never knew growing up. As a mother, her daughter has become her inspiration – to fight for a world that is freer and better, not just for herself but also for the generations to follow.
Wife and Family Background
It is a story of suffering and desperation, loss and survival. Her father, Park Jin Sik, was a North Korean who turned to black-market trading for survival amid the country’s economic collapse. He was eventually arrested and dispatched to a labor camp, where he died of untreated illness.
Her mother, Keum Sook Byeon, was a hero of their escape who survived human trafficking and exploitation in China to shield Yeonmi. Her older sister, Eunmi, previously escaped from North Korea ahead of them and their family was split up for years until a long-awaited reunion in South Korea.
The Story of Success
After arriving in South Korea, Yeonmi had to learn everything from scratch — reading, writing, and even the concept of freedom itself. But her determination was unmatched. Within years, she became one of the most recognized activists in Asia.
Her viral 2014 speech made her a global icon for liberty. Soon after, she published her memoir and began speaking at international events. Her honesty and emotion connected deeply with audiences — not because of fame, but because of truth.
From standing on stage at the United Nations to sitting across from Joe Rogan, Yeonmi Park has turned her suffering into a platform for change.
Final Word
Yeonmi Park’s story is as extraordinary as you could possibly imagine. She has lived through one of the harshest regimes in history, and emerged victorious to become that beacon of freedom.
Her story is not tragic — it’s triumphant. She has proved that even when life has taken everything from you, the human spirit holds incredible power to rebuild something far superior.
She may be small in stature at 5’4”, but courage, intelligence and compassion make her a giant among us. Yeonmi Park is a woman who inspires, educates and teaches the world to never take freedom for granted.
FAQs
1. Who is Yeonmi Park?
Yeonmi Park is a North Korean defector, human rights activist, and author known for her powerful story of escaping North Korea and advocating for freedom worldwide.
2. Yeonmi Park Height?
She stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
3. Is Yeonmi Park married?
She was married to Ezekiel, but they divorced in 2020. She is currently single and lives with her son.
4. What is Yeonmi Park’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million as of 2025.
5. What books has she written?
Yeonmi Park is the author of In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom and While Time Remains: A North Korean Defector’s Search for Freedom in America.
