Korea Reunited: A Family’s Lifelong Dream by Irene Kim is the poignant tale of one woman and her father’s search for his family left behind in North Korea after he fled the country to escape the coming communist dictatorship. Irene’s father was born in the far north of Korea close to the Chinese border, in the years before World War II. Korea had been under Japanese rule since just after the turn of the twentieth century and all Korean culture and language was forbidden with the Koreans treated as second-class citizens. Following the defeat of Japan in WWII, Koreans believed they would now be free but what was to come was even more brutal -- communist repression, the partitioning of the country, and ultimately the Korean War which would see the permanent division of Korea at the DMZ. Irene’s father had escaped from the North before the Korean War and, after surviving the conflict, emigrated to the United States, first to study and ultimately to settle. He never forgot his family in North Korea though and this story is his and his wife’s recollections, as told to his daughter in numerous interviews before their deaths.

Korea Reunited is a heartrending story of a people and a culture separated by politics, war, and, at times, the whims of the international community. Author Irene Kim has recorded the trials and angst suffered by her father, whose life and that of his family were devastated by what had happened in Korea since partition. Although he was one of the lucky ones to escape the repressive North and emigrate to the U.S., it is clear from his story that he had deep regrets and sadness at the loss of all that he had left behind. I was fascinated by his convoluted family situation and that he was not made aware of who his parents were until much later in life. I appreciated the deep and close relationship Irene had with her parents despite the obvious cultural restraints inherent in showing affection. Her father’s long and arduous journey to freedom in South Korea plus the hardships and dangers faced there will give readers some idea of the resilience and determination of the Korean people. Their attempts to visit North Korea, merely to see family, will give readers a true understanding of how tightly controlled and regimented life is for ordinary citizens of the 'hermit kingdom.' This is an inspiring and ultimately heartwarming story of familial love, devotion, and commitment. I enjoyed this read greatly and highly recommend it.

Korea Reunited by Irene Kim documents her parents' experiences as Korean immigrants, looking into their early lives under Japanese rule, the Korean War, and the division of Korea. Her father's childhood in northern Korea, his family's struggles, and their eventual escape to the South are detailed, alongside the broader historical context of Korea's division into North and South. Kim leans into the impact of this separation on her family, particularly her father's permanent feeling of estrangement from his North Korean relatives. Despite challenges in reconnecting with his family, including visa issues and communication barriers, Kim's efforts lead to some success. Her father's declining health made the timing critical, and provided Kim with a lifelong appreciation for familial bonds, history, and heritage, in contrast with the way many of us live today.

As a first-generation Brit who was born to parents who survived the Partition of India, I was drawn to Irene Kim’s Korea Reunited, and it was worth the read. The book is, first and foremost, a memoir, but one that started with recordings of her parents’ experiences. My goodness, how I wish I'd thought of that. In any event, I loved the comingling of Korean history, which I didn't know anything about, and some really intimate family stories. The book is written chronologically so it begins with a very detailed recounting of her father’s memories on to hers—ranging from his childhood in northern Korea to Kim's time with him as he passed. Something that stood out as remarkably timely is the universal depiction of the emotional and cultural turbulence faced by immigrants. With her anecdotes and pages that read warmly as a travelogue, Kim not only preserves her family’s legacy but also sheds light on the broader implications of Korea's divided past. Very highly recommended.

Korea United: A Family’s Lifelong Dream by Irene Hyun-Mee Kim is a deeply touching memoir of love and loss, family, and the enduring quest for identity. Armed with a tape recorder, Kim seeks to uncover her Korean heritage by asking her parents about their childhood and their immigration to America. What unfolds is a rich and deeply poignant narrative of war, family struggles, and a nation’s turbulent past. As Kim navigates personal loss along the way, her determination to complete this project grows, driven by a deep desire to connect with her roots and also by the hope of showing it to her father.

Korea United: A Family’s Lifelong Dream by Irene Hyun-Mee Kim is more than a family’s quest to find their lost heritage; it is also a tribute to the author’s parents. Kim skillfully guided the reader through her motivations for writing the book, the challenges she encountered, and her personal growth throughout the journey. I especially enjoyed her reflections on every situation, her vivid descriptions of the people she met, the scenery, the food, and the culture she encountered, often different from her own. One of the main themes that stood out for me was the lasting impact of war on an individual’s behavior and perceptions, even many years later. Additionally, I appreciated Kim’s compassionate approach to her project, particularly in her father’s interviews where empathy, sensitivity, and deep love for him were evident. Overall, the historical aspects, pictures, and illustrations were well presented and inspired thoughtful reflection from me as a reader.

Korea Reunited by Irene Kim is an account of her family and the history of Korea. Her father was born in Korea during the Japanese occupation, which lasted for 35 years. The Japanese had decimated the Korean culture and were very ruthless to the Koreans. After the defeat of Japan in the Second World War, the country became communist, which her father considered to be worse than the Japanese. Later, the country became divided as the superpowers flexed their muscles. Her father escapes to the South and eventually relocates to America, where he has to cope with challenges such as learning a new language while studying engineering. Many years pass before he attempts to visit his fatherland again. Why haven’t Koreans united, and are there any genuine efforts by the governments toward this purpose?

Korea Reunited by Irene Kim offers a wealth of information on Korean history and the current state of affairs. This thought-provoking work gets one thinking about the true cost of war as leaders fight over ideologies. It also captured the plight of the families who were separated from their loved ones and are currently dismissed. I loved how it showed sometimes citizens are not what their governments represent, as we see in the case of the Japanese teacher who was kind and dearly loved by Irene's father. I also liked how Irene portrayed the events, with detailed descriptions and an excellent narration that helped to capture the mind of the reader. This was an amazing read, and I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.