Korea Reunited: A Family’s Lifelong Dream by Irene Kim is the poignant tale of one woman and her father’s search for his family left behind in North Korea after he fled the country to escape the coming communist dictatorship. Irene’s father was born in the far north of Korea close to the Chinese border, in the years before World War II. Korea had been under Japanese rule since just after the turn of the twentieth century and all Korean culture and language was forbidden with the Koreans treated as second-class citizens. Following the defeat of Japan in WWII, Koreans believed they would now be free but what was to come was even more brutal -- communist repression, the partitioning of the country, and ultimately the Korean War which would see the permanent division of Korea at the DMZ. Irene’s father had escaped from the North before the Korean War and, after surviving the conflict, emigrated to the United States, first to study and ultimately to settle. He never forgot his family in North Korea though and this story is his and his wife’s recollections, as told to his daughter in numerous interviews before their deaths. 
 
Korea United is a heartrending story of a people and a culture separated by politics, war, and, at times, the whims of the international community. Author Irene Kim has recorded the trials and angst suffered by her father, whose life and that of his family were devastated by what had happened in Korea since partition. Although he was one of the lucky ones to escape the repressive North and emigrate to the U.S., it is clear from his story that he had deep regrets and sadness at the loss of all that he had left behind. I was fascinated by his convoluted family situation and that he was not made aware of who his parents were until much later in life. I appreciated the deep and close relationship Irene had with her parents despite the obvious cultural restraints inherent in showing affection. Her father’s long and arduous journey to freedom in South Korea plus the hardships and dangers faced there will give readers some idea of the resilience and determination of the Korean people. Their attempts to visit North Korea, merely to see family, will give readers a true understanding of how tightly controlled and regimented life is for ordinary citizens of the 'hermit kingdom.' This is an inspiring and ultimately heartwarming story of familial love, devotion, and commitment. I enjoyed this read greatly and highly recommend it. 

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~Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars