Lee Hyeon-Seo Quotes

Powerful Lee Hyeon-Seo for Daily Growth

About Lee Hyeon-Seo

Lee Hyeon-Seo (이현서), born on June 19, 1968, in South Korea, is a renowned author, screenwriter, and film director who has made significant contributions to Korean literature and cinema. Lee's literary journey began at Seoul National University, where she studied English Literature. Her passion for storytelling was ignited early, with influences from Western authors such as Charles Dickens and James Joyce, as well as Korean masters like Yi Kwangsu and Kim Su-yong. In 1993, Lee published her debut novel, "The Beauty and the Sorcerer" (혼돈의 여인), which became an instant bestseller. The novel tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a sorcerer, exploring themes of love, obsession, and identity. Lee's second novel, "The Magnolia Sisters" (꽃보다는 그 향) was published in 1996. This work, set against the backdrop of the Korean War, chronicles the lives of four sisters as they navigate their way through turbulent times. The book was adapted into a successful television drama in 2007. In addition to her literary works, Lee has also made a name for herself in cinema. Her film "Sunflower" (태양꽃), released in 1998, won the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival and was nominated for Best Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Lee's works are characterized by their intricate narratives, richly developed characters, and profound explorations of human emotion. Her writing continues to resonate with readers and audiences worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Every day is a new beginning. Every moment is a fresh start."

This quote by Lee Hyeon-Seo underscores the idea that every day presents a new opportunity and every moment offers a chance to make a fresh start. It encourages us to view life as an ongoing journey, with each day offering a chance to learn, grow, and correct our mistakes. It's a reminder that no matter what has happened in the past, we always have the power to change our trajectory and shape our future. This perspective can instill hope, resilience, and motivation in individuals, fostering a mindset that embraces growth and adaptability.


"Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable."

The quote emphasizes the power of self-belief. When one has faith in their own abilities, they become virtually indomitable, able to overcome any obstacles that may stand in their way. This belief is a powerful tool for personal growth and achievement, as it fuels persistence, resilience, and the courage to take risks and pursue dreams.


"Life is too short to waste time on negative thoughts."

This quote by Lee Hyeon-Seo underscores the importance of focusing on positive aspects in life, rather than dwelling on negativity. It suggests that one's limited time on earth should be spent productively and with a constructive mindset, as negativity can drain energy and hinder personal growth and happiness. Instead, we should channel our thoughts and actions towards building a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote emphasizes the importance of passion in achieving greatness. To produce outstanding results, one must have a deep affection for their work or craft. When we genuinely love what we do, our dedication, enthusiasm, and creativity are unleashed, leading to exceptional outcomes. Conversely, when we lack this passion, our work may be merely adequate but never truly great.


"Chase your dreams, but don't forget to live your life."

This quote by Lee Hyeon-Seo encourages a balance between ambition and enjoyment of life. It suggests that one should pursue their aspirations (chase dreams) while ensuring not to neglect the present moments and experiences (live life). In essence, it's a reminder to maintain a healthy relationship with your goals while still finding happiness and fulfillment in everyday living.


My favourite place in South Korea is Jeju Island: it's a tropical paradise with sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the magnificent Geomunoreum lava tube system of underground caves.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Island, Caves, Waters, South

On a bus ride through China, my family and I had talked for hours before a police officer boarded to conduct an inspection. My mother and brother couldn't speak Chinese, so they pretended to be deaf and mute, and none of the Chinese passengers said anything, sparing us.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Bus, Through, Sparing, Chinese

Hyeon means sunshine. Seo means good fortune. I chose it so that I would live my life in light and warmth and not return to the shadow.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

My Life, Fortune, Means, Warmth

My favourite Korean food is delicious black five-layered pork belly, cooked over a charcoal grill. And Jeju chocolate, in citrus fruits and green tea flavour, which is famous throughout Korea.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Over, Belly, Which, Cooked

We always had power shortages in the country. I was living right next to the border with China, and it was the only country I could compare to my own. When I looked across the river, it was a completely different world - there were no people dying. It looked like a place full of colour, and that's what confused me.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Country, Next, Compare, Only Country

A huge famine hit North Korea in the mid-1990s. Ultimately, more than a million North Koreans died during the famine, and many only survived by eating grass, bugs, and tree bark.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Tree, More, North, Famine

Freedom means everything to me. It is the most essential right that every person deserves. Most people take it for granted, but not North Koreans.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Means, North, Deserves, Freedom Means

We were taught North Korea is a heaven. They told us how people in western countries die in hospital or have no money to study in school.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Die, Study, North, Western Countries

Like every country, North Korea has some very smart people. They could be contributing a lot more to science and other areas, but North Koreans are forced to spend so much time memorising the fake history of our dictators and other propaganda, so are at a huge disadvantage.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Country, Some, Very, Fake

Living in China, I found out that the bright new world was not for me, not for defectors. My life in North Korea had been OK; suddenly, in China, I had to feed myself and earn money. Worst of all, North Korean defectors are hunted by the government.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

My Life, Been, North, New World

I lived near the border with China, and one night, I simply left home and walked across the iced-over river that separated the two countries. I was fortunate that my family had close relationships with some of the border guards, so I was able to cross without incident.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Two, Some, Had, Guards

North Korean defectors who speak out against the regime always feel nervous. We never know what the North Korean government is planning. It's really difficult for us to show our faces and speak out, but we feel obligated to do something to inform people about the ongoing tragedy inside North Korea.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Against, Inform, North, Korean

I want to see reunified Korean peninsula, and I believe that the majority of Koreans in both countries want to see Korea become whole again.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Want, Again, I Believe That, Peninsula

The moment I escaped to China, I didn't have any money; I only had one address in my hand of some long-distance Chinese relatives. I didn't know China was that big. I thought I can find their home very easily, and I would come back one week later. But then I found out the address was a 10-hour drive away.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Big, Some, Very, Relatives

Even after arriving in South Korea, it's dangerous. As a North Korean defector, I need to be careful from the spies to protect my relatives inside North Korea.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Need, Be Careful, South, Relatives

Many Chinese criticize me not only on Baidu but on Facebook. Some say, do you think Chinese authorities were stupid enough not to realize you were a North Korean defector? If they read my book, they'd understand. I did my best to escape. I think it's all a miracle. It's not because Chinese policemen were stupid enough to believe my fake story.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Stupid, Some, I Think, Policemen

I hate the Chinese government. If you do not want to embrace North Korean defectors in your country, I understand. But we have a country where we can seek asylum. So please, let us freely pass through. Why are you doing your best to try and catch defectors?

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Doing, Country, Through, Asylum

In North Koreans, the moment we are born, we don't know there's another life existing outside of our country. The regime always told us all the bad things about the outside world, describing America as full of thieves, all human scum, beggars, everyday people dying on the streets and hospitals.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Country, Bad, Hospitals, Beggars

If defectors say they had high-level connections in Pyongyang or came from an esteemed institution in the North, they can gain better employment in the South, where life can be very difficult for North Koreans.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Very, South, North, Esteemed

I was growing up in Hyesan, right by the closest North Korea-China border. China was just across the river: you could see across. So I was curious. On the river, on both sides, you have houses, then mountains. I wanted to know what was on the other side of the Chinese mountains.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Mountains, Both Sides, Other, Closest

Here in South Korea, I'm continuing to learn English in order to boost my prospects. When North Korean defectors try to get a job to stabilize their lives, their lack of English is a handicap. It was the same story while I was living in China. It took an enormous amount of time and enthusiasm to learn Chinese.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Here, Prospects, South, Boost

Many people - when they think about North Korea and the dictatorship, or the military or nuclear weapons, nuclear missiles, those things - tend to forget ordinary citizens are living there.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Think, Living, North, Dictatorship

Some people criticize North Koreans and ask, 'Are they stupid? How can they believe those ridiculous things?' But I say, It doesn't matter if you're smart: if you were born in North Korea, you would be exactly like us. We don't know what freedom is. We have never enjoyed it.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Stupid, Some, North, Koreans

North Korea is not the dictator's country; it's 25 million citizens' country, and they are suffering under the dictator. North Koreans are really nice, kind, pure people. I hate the dictator and the regime, but I love my home country.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Love, Suffering, Country, Koreans

This is a divisive issue, but I really hope for unification. Even though we have been divided for a long time, we are all Koreans, so we should live together in a united Korea.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Been, Divisive, Issue, Koreans

I've been so lucky, received so much help and inspiration in my life, so I want to help give aspiring North Koreans a chance to prosper with international support.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

My Life, Lucky, Give, Koreans

North Koreans are tragically oppressed. Despite the risks to my personal safety, I feel a strong obligation to tell the world about the Orwellian nightmare that North Koreans face.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Strong, Tell, North, Koreans

Due to hate, fear, and oppression, the North Koreans cannot help themselves.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Help, Oppression, Due, Koreans

It was very shocking for me to read newspapers that openly criticised the government in South Korea. That is impossible in North Korea and almost impossible in China. I was really impressed, and I became addicted to reading the news and watching the media so I could learn about the world. North Koreans would be stunned if they experienced this.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Very, Became, South, Koreans

North Koreans are forced to work at state jobs in a moribund economy. Countless parents watch their children go to bed hungry. Many North Korean families feel they have no option but to try to escape.

- Lee Hyeon-seo

Bed, Forced, North, Koreans

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