Dear Leader
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Dear Leader
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Narrated by:
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Daniel York
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By:
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Jang Jin-Sung
About this listen
Dear Leader contains astonishing new insights about North Korea which could only be revealed by someone working high up in the regime. It is also the gripping story of how a member of the inner circle of this enigmatic country became its most courageous, outspoken critic.
Jang Jin-sung held one of the most senior ranks in North Korea's propaganda machine, helping tighten the regime's grip over its people. Among his tasks were developing the founding myth of North Korea, posing undercover as a South Korean intellectual and writing epic poems in support of the dictator, Kim Jong-il.
Young and ambitious, his patriotic work secured him a bizarre audience with Kim Jong-il himself, thus granting him special status as one of the 'Admitted'. This meant special food provisions, a travel pass and immunity from prosecution and harm. He was privy to state secrets, including military and diplomatic policies, how the devastating 'Scrutiny' was effected, and the real position of one of the country's most powerful, elusive men, Im Tong-ok. Because he was praised by the Dear Leader himself, he had every reason to feel satisfied with his lot and safe.
Yet he could not ignore his conscience, or the disparity between his life and that of those he saw starving on the street. After breaking security rules, Jang Jin-sung, together with a close friend, was forced to flee for his life: away from lies and deceit, towards truth and freedom.
©2014 Jang Jin-Sung 2014. Translation copyright © Shirley Lee 2014. (P)2014 Random House AudiobooksListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Dear Leader
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- klerhveubfz
- 20-05-22
Buy it!
I listened to this book with great interest and emotion. It is a real, honest and candid account of a North Korean defector’s fight for freedom.
I found it difficult to understand some of the historic and political references about North Korea but that’s due to my own lack of knowledge. You won’t be disappointed.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Geof Wheway
- 27-12-17
Lifts the lid off North Korea.
Really interesting expose written by an insider.
I'm sure it would help get a better understanding if this book were widely known.
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- Amazon Customer
- 25-08-20
My favourite book on Audible
This book is amazing and I am sure I will listen to it again.
It was thrilling, and emotional and the narrator was perfect.
I have listened to a number of books on North Korea and this is my favourite by far.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- mrs jlh milborrow
- 13-08-16
Gripping
Absolutely brilliant. A gripping story and fascinating, heart wrenching insight into north Korea and the struggles of defectors. Brilliantly written and read, I couldn't stop listening.
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- Nikolaos Galanis
- 05-08-23
Powerful story
This is an exceptional book and story. Loved it and every person who is interested in North Korea must buy this
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- Mr. Peter W. Leeming
- 14-07-16
Interesting listen
Found myself becoming interested in North Korea. This book adds to my knowledge
What a country
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ann
- 11-08-23
Gripping, intelligent written.
'Dear Leader' is brilliantly written and read. It kept me gripped all the way through.
This is the first book I’ve read about fleeing from modern North Korea and I found it incredibly interesting. Jin-Sung was a senior official in the propaganda office so has a different story from the poverty stricken North Korean escapee. Even once meeting ‘Dear leader’, Kim Jung-il. A talented musician and poet he had access to foreign books, papers and magazines - especially South Korean. This makes this book about his defection even more interesting, as he writes intellectually about the real North Korea, as well as the internal propaganda and how they try to portray themselves by the outside world.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- WomberlingFree
- 07-11-20
A must read
This is simply one of the best books I’ve read. Gripping story of escape from North Korea. So good I polished off in a couple of days.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Toby L.
- 13-04-21
suspenseful and gripping
incredible and eye opening story, full of suspense and nail biting moments. A true insight into the life of North Koreans.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Mr. Matthew M. Hull
- 26-02-15
Amazing
I have read and listened to hundreds of books and never felt compelled to review. This is by far the best book I have ever read. I couldnt stop listening. Please read it.
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6 people found this helpful