19 Facts About Kim Cheol-woong

Kim Cheol-woong is a North Korean pianist who defected to South Korea.

Kim Cheol-woong grew up in a prominent North Korean family.

Kim Cheol-woong's father was the head of their provincial party, which is like a provincial governor, and his mother was a university leader.

Kim Cheol-woong's grandmother founded the first and largest department store in Pyongyang and was the president of the department store until 1992.

Kim Cheol-woong felt like he had discovered a new world.

Kim Cheol-woong took a liking to Jang Song-thaek's niece, who had attended school with him since he was eight.

Kim Cheol-woong had only thought of her as a friend, until he returned home from Russia.

Unlike the North Koreans who left due to famine, Kim Cheol-woong, who had enjoyed a life of privilege, fled because of his unhappiness about restriction on his life as an artist.

Kim Cheol-woong took a leave from the symphony saying he had a relative pass away and he told his parents he was going to another city to perform.

Kim Cheol-woong's mother had hid some American money, about 2000 dollars, which he took when he left.

Kim Cheol-woong was told if he crossed the Tumen River, he could get to the free world through China.

Kim Cheol-woong headed toward the river and had no trouble at ID inspection points because he was a Pyongyang citizenship card holder.

Kim Cheol-woong remembered the 2000 dollars and gave it to them.

Kim Cheol-woong joined the underground bible study group in an effort to play the piano.

Kim Cheol-woong couldn't help from crying when he saw the piano.

Kim Cheol-woong had the missionaries from the church he attended make him a fake passport.

Kim Cheol-woong miraculously escaped through the window after the police unbound him to let him use the restroom.

Kim Cheol-woong bought another forged passport and this time the Chinese officials bought it.

Kim Cheol-woong later became known internationally as a concert pianist, and started his own orchestra in South Korea.