Yeonmi Park is a renowned North Korean defector, human rights activist, writer, YouTuber, and TED speaker. Captivating the U.S. media, she garnered millions of views on YouTube, selling over 100,000 copies of her book, In Order to Live.
But what do we know about Yeonmi Park beyond her work?
Keep reading, and let me offer you a glimpse of her life. Let’s talk about Yeonmi Park’s husband, their marriage story, and the reason for their divorce.
Who is Yeonmi Park’s Husband?
Yeonmi Park was married to Ezekiel. The two wedded on January 4, 2017, and stayed together for four years before separating in 2021.
Keeping a low profile and away from her wife’s celebrity life, Ezekiel preserved a somewhat private life. For this reason, little is known about his life, age, career, family, or education.
That said, from the photos posted by Park, Ezekiel appeared to be an American citizen in his mid-30s. He’s a white male with light brown hair and eyes.
How Did Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel Meet?
In 2009, South Korea granted Park and her family asylum. They then live in South Korea for five years, throughout her teenage years.
When Park was 18, she became a participant in a reality show about North Korean defectors, Now on My Way to Meet You. This stroke of fate would launch Yeonmi Park into the limelight.
Flaunting her natural beauty, she was later dubbed the “Paris Hilton of North Korea” and selected as one of BBC’s 100 Women in 2014.
These opportunities allowed Park to start her activist work and move to New York City that year.
However, because of her traumatic past, Park found dating daunting. So, although popular, she didn’t date anyone while she was in South Korea.
In one of her YouTube interviews, Park revealed that she only started dating when she was in the U.S. It was then that she met Ezekiel, who became her husband of four years.
Why Did Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel Separated?
Yeonmi Park’s separation from Ezekiel shocked her fans and followers. Just January of the previous year, Park was celebrating the third anniversary of their marriage on Facebook.
In a post, she expressed her amazement at how time flies. She also jokingly mentioned taking her husband to their hometown in North Korea to meet her relatives.
In 2021, Yeonmi Park confirmed their divorce in a YouTube video, Let’s Talk about the Lies – North Korean Defector. When a fan asked about her marriage, Park’s reply was brief: “I was married, but not anymore.”
Park never revealed the reason behind their separation.
Does Yeonmi Park Have a Child?
Yeonmi Park’s Mother
Yes, Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel had a son during their four-year relationship. Their son, James, was born in March 2018 and is now five.
In a recent Facebook post, she was sharing her son’s milestones. She also touched briefly on how parents need to appreciate the efforts and hard work of children.
Her son, James, appeared to have light brown hair like his father, Ezekiel.
FAQs
What happened to Yeonmi Park?
Yeonmi Park was a North Korean defector. When she was 13, her family fled the communist country, escaping to China.
However, as undocumented immigrants, she and her mother experienced abuse and exploitation from human traffickers. Her mother was sold off to marry a farmer.
Ultimately, they escaped to South Korea, where they received asylum. Park later moved to the U.S. and became a prominent human rights activist.
How old is Yeonmi Park?
Yeonmi Park was born on October 4, 1993. She’s now 30 and living in NYC, New York State, U.S.A., with her son, James.
What is Yeonmi Park’s Net Worth?
By 2024, experts estimate Yeonmi Park’s net worth to be around $1 to $5 million.
Yeonmi Park primarily earns as a TED speaker, writer, and YouTuber. Her YouTube channel has over one million subscribers.
Final Thoughts
Yeonmi Park’s story is a remarkable tale of trial, perseverance, and success. She’s an inspiration for millions of human rights violation victims worldwide.
While her marriage with Ezekiel didn’t reach a “happily ever after” ending, they still shared a special bond evident in their son, James.
