--- product_id: 15067149 title: "Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America" price: "₱3214" currency: PHP in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.ph/products/15067149-under-the-same-sky-from-starvation-in-north-korea-to store_origin: PH region: Philippines --- # Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America **Price:** ₱3214 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America - **How much does it cost?** ₱3214 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ph](https://www.desertcart.ph/products/15067149-under-the-same-sky-from-starvation-in-north-korea-to) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description A searing story of starvation and survival in North Korea, followed by a dramatic escape, rescue by activists and Christian missionaries, and success in the United States thanks to newfound faith and courage Inside the hidden and mysterious world of North Korea, Joseph Kim lived a young boy’s normal life until he was five. Then disaster struck: the first wave of the Great Famine, a long, terrible ordeal that killed millions, including his father, and sent others, like his mother and only sister, on desperate escape routes into China. Alone on the streets, Joseph learned to beg and steal. He had nothing but a street-hardened survival instinct. Finally, in desperation, he too crossed a frozen river to escape to China. There a kindly Christian woman took him in, kept him hidden from the authorities, and gave him hope. Soon, through an underground network of activists, he was spirited to the American consulate, and became one of just a handful of North Koreans to be brought to the U.S. as refugees. Joseph knew no English and had never been a good student. Yet the kindness of his foster family changed his life. He turned a new leaf, became a dedicated student, mastered English, and made it to college, where he is now thriving thanks to his faith and inner strength. Under the Same Sky is an unforgettable story of suffering and redemption. Review: Five Stars - I recommend this book to all my Christian friends who are praying for North Korea. I like to read true stories about North Korea as they are constantly on my mind. I have asked myself, "Why was I born in America where I've known freedom all my life and others live in countries where they are starving and do not have the necessities of life. Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us. But prayer is a powerful tool that we as followers of Christ can use to pray for those who seek our heavenly Father. He is answering our prayers and that is evident as I read the story of Joseph Kim. We do not know the particular persons we are praying for, but as followers of Christ, we keep praying for those who are seeking a better way and seeking our GOD Who made the heavens and the earth. I pray for Joseph Kim that he will find comfort and peace in America and be a tool that the LORD Jesus can use to bring other lonely hearts to Himself. May he find Jesus the best Friend that a person could have in this life. Jesus died for the whole world and Joseph can help people that I cannot help because of his experiences. I give this a 5 star because he spent most of his book telling of his true feelings, his ups and downs in North Korea. It reminds me that life can get long and lonely, but when we die as Christians and enter heaven's gates, our life here will seem like a dot in time. I pray for Joseph's sister, Bong Sook, that wherever she is, she will also reach out and seek the One Who died for her sins and that she can have the hope of seeing Joseph either here or in heaven. GOD knows right where she is "and He (Jesus) is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20. We never give up hope. "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12. Thank you for writing this book as I had a hard time putting it down. I hope you write another one and tell us about your life in America. Review: oh boy - This is an excellent and poignant memoir of a child who has suffered, survived and thrived- by telling his story. Highly recommend. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #3,532,815 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #12 in North Korean History #1,298 in Poverty #3,624 in Memoirs (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 998 Reviews | ## Images ![Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OZnZHuyPL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars *by S***N on December 9, 2019* I recommend this book to all my Christian friends who are praying for North Korea. I like to read true stories about North Korea as they are constantly on my mind. I have asked myself, "Why was I born in America where I've known freedom all my life and others live in countries where they are starving and do not have the necessities of life. Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us. But prayer is a powerful tool that we as followers of Christ can use to pray for those who seek our heavenly Father. He is answering our prayers and that is evident as I read the story of Joseph Kim. We do not know the particular persons we are praying for, but as followers of Christ, we keep praying for those who are seeking a better way and seeking our GOD Who made the heavens and the earth. I pray for Joseph Kim that he will find comfort and peace in America and be a tool that the LORD Jesus can use to bring other lonely hearts to Himself. May he find Jesus the best Friend that a person could have in this life. Jesus died for the whole world and Joseph can help people that I cannot help because of his experiences. I give this a 5 star because he spent most of his book telling of his true feelings, his ups and downs in North Korea. It reminds me that life can get long and lonely, but when we die as Christians and enter heaven's gates, our life here will seem like a dot in time. I pray for Joseph's sister, Bong Sook, that wherever she is, she will also reach out and seek the One Who died for her sins and that she can have the hope of seeing Joseph either here or in heaven. GOD knows right where she is "and He (Jesus) is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20. We never give up hope. "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12. Thank you for writing this book as I had a hard time putting it down. I hope you write another one and tell us about your life in America. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ oh boy *by C***O on March 10, 2025* This is an excellent and poignant memoir of a child who has suffered, survived and thrived- by telling his story. Highly recommend. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mixed feelings taint some great stories *by T***R on July 22, 2015* I heard Kwang Jin (Joseph) talk on NPR and was fascinated by his philosophy about what it takes to beg. It's similar to Tim O'Brien's, "The Things They Carried" in where our protagonist doesn't have the guts to dodge the war draft by fleeing to Canada. We may see that begging is an easy way out but these stories contradict that mentality. Moreover, we may find the motives for beggars and thieves to be economical gain, but as Kwang Jin recounts, it was survival. I'd argue these philosophies translate into our modern world. We bend the natural and moral to accommodate and stay afloat. As hinted when Kwang Jin visits China, he is shocked by the way people dressed. Adrian was sensitive to this and helped the refugees dress accordingly. His survival was increased by what he wore, not just by where he was. Now onto the book. This book left mixed feelings. It's not difficult to read, there are unhinged recounts of what life can be like for someone who grew up in North Korea written concisely and in a story telling way that's engaging. Feelings are mixed because it was co-written. There were a few spots that don't quite meld well with the overall theme of the story. These moments happen particularly toward the end of the book. Kwang Jin is in China and just starting to learn about Christianity and it's mentioned, "A voice inside my head said, you can't go back, you won't make it, you'll be caught and it will be another miserable chapter in your life." (page 232 second paragraph). Any other time this would be Kwang Jin simply thinking to himself. However, when he is just beginning to learn about Christianity he starts "hearing voices" opposed to thinking to himself. I found this to have an evangelistic feel to it. Not long after in the Epilogue an entire paragraph seems misplaced. In context, Kwang Jin is reflecting on his accounts with depression and his desire to help those in North Korea. A seemingly random and unnecessary paragraph ensues, "Only together can we bring justice and freedom to North Koreans. This is their right as human beings. And I hope to see the day where they enjoy the same justice and freedom that I do." (page 266 third paragraph). This paragraph seems to be a call for activism. For a book that comes off as so genuine and engaging to include small, seemingly thrown-in references is highly disappointing. In such a case the book should have been longer and include more detail on activism and Christian efforts for North Koreans to inform readers more deeply on the topics. The book is so rich with information and ideas that I'm sure will stick with me the rest of my life. My review is based solely on the book in its entirety. I'm not giving Kwang Jin's life four stars, and encourage readers to watch his TED talk after the book. I hope the other North Korean refugees are doing well, and I have high hopes for Bong Sook. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.ph/products/15067149-under-the-same-sky-from-starvation-in-north-korea-to](https://www.desertcart.ph/products/15067149-under-the-same-sky-from-starvation-in-north-korea-to) --- *Product available on Desertcart Philippines* *Store origin: PH* *Last updated: 2026-07-24*