Life in North Korea
What type of government controls North Korea in the memoir?
A communist dictatorship / totalitarian government
Describe Sungju's early childhood life and views of the government.
He grew up in a happy, well-off home with his parents. Like the majority of citizens in the capital, he worshipped Kim Il-sung.
What nickname is given to homeless street children?
Kotjebi
What happened to Sungju's father?
He got stuck in China and was unable to reach Sungju for many years, until he was able to hire a broker.
What was Sungju's dog’s name at the beginning of the book?
Bocho
What everyday item becomes extremely rare during the famine?
Food
What survival skills does Sungju learn quickly on the streets?
Stealing, scavenging, fighting, and being more distrustful of people.
Why are gangs important for survival on the streets?
Gangs provide protection, food, and a sense of belonging.
What happens to Young-bum?
He is killed by the guards of a government farm.
Which type of propaganda relies on a celebrity's endorsement of a product? (Think Ariana Grande promoting a new Starbucks drink)
Testimonial
Why do families begin to leave their homes and wander the streets?
The famine/starvation causes people to abandon their homes and families to search for food.
How does Sungju’s attitude change after he becomes homeless?
He becomes more distrustful and focused on survival rather than innocence and trusting the government.
What risks do children face from both civilians and police?
Violence, arrest, exploitation, and death.
Who is the man that Sungju encounters in the marketplace towards the end of the novel, who claims to know him?
His grandfather
Name an example of propaganda that the North Korean government uses to influence its citizens.
Americans are evil, the country's leaders are gods, etc.
What happens to children who live on the streets for too long? (This could be multiple answers)
They often die, are beaten, imprisoned, or become violent, fighting other gangs to survive.
What are some events that caused Sungju to change physically and mentally?
His father losing his job, not having a place to stay, being alone on the streets, gang-violence, suicidal thoughts, losing Young-bum, etc.
Where do Sungju and his brothers begin stealing from that is infinitely more dangerous than stealing from market vendors?
In what country does Sungju end up at the novel's end?
South Korea
DAILY DOUBLE:
Which type of propaganda uses words and phrases with strong emotional connections to influence an audience? (Examples: Hope, New, Change, etc.)
Loaded Terms
How does the government use fear to control citizens, even during famine? (This also could be multiple answers)
Through surveillance, propaganda, punishment, and fear of imprisonment or death.
How does Sungju’s perspective on North Korea shift by the end of the memoir?
He realizes the government lies and the system has failed its people.
In what ways does Sungju's gang become a substitute for family?
The street becomes a family because children rely on each other for food, protection, and belonging, even though these relationships are based on survival rather than care or trust.
Describe Sungju's early experiences in South Korea.
He struggled, felt angry, and felt looked down on by his South Korean classmates.
One major theme of the memoir is survival. Name another theme.
Examples: Hope, Loss of innocence, resilience, identity, power, family, etc.