North Korean military nurse turned businesswoman donates to vulnerable families

Chae Su-hyang, a 36-year-old businesswoman, recently made headlines for donating 41.1 million won worth of olive oil to support vulnerable low-income families. The donation, featured in the local newspaper 'Yeongdeungpo Today,' highlighted her generosity, but few knew her past.

Ten years ago, Chae was a soldier in the North Korean military. She defected from the North at age 24, after a life marked by severe hardship. Growing up in Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, she experienced hunger and her family was forcibly displaced from their home when she was 15. She joined the Labor Party at 21 while still in the military.

Even before defecting, Chae engaged in trade to survive while serving as a soldier. After arriving in South Korea, she quickly established a trading company within five years. Now, she spends half of each year abroad, actively developing international markets. Her journey from a challenging past in North Korea to becoming a successful global entrepreneur exemplifies resilience and determination.