22 Years in Hell Part II
When Shin Dong Hyuk was 14, he witnessed his mother be executed for attempting to escape from the political prison camp with his brother. His mother was sentenced to death by hanging and his brother by shooting. Shin was forced to sit in the front row to watch this ordeal.
Shin’s face darkened as we asked for a description of the events. It seemed he was having difficulty, trying to recall the situation at the time.
“I only knew she was my mother. I never had strong feelings for her as my mother. I didn’t really care, even when I had to live separated from my mother. When I witnessed my mother and brother being killed, I didn’t feel resentment or sadness. Even now, I don’t feel any emotions like that.”
At the political prison camp where Shin resided, public executions occurred 4 times a year. People who attempted escape or robbery were subject to executions. Shin was also tortured for his mother’s attempt at escape. National Security agents tied a 14 year olds hands and feet, letting him hang from the ceiling as they brazed him with charcoal from below. Even today, the scars from the torture are clearly visible on Shin’s back.
