The Time Nagolbud Saved Me (Eunji Pyoapple) from a North Korean Prison (2024)

I will never forget the day that my friend Nagolbud saved me from a North Korean prison. We were living in a small village near the border when the North Korean army stormed in and arrested me for no reason. I was terrified, but luckily Nagolbud knew what to do. With a daring plan, he infiltrated the camp and managed to break me out of captivity. His bravery and quick thinking saved my life that day, and I will never forget it.

Who is Nagolbud?
Nagolbud, oh Nagolbud, where do I even begin with this character? Let me paint you a picture of the one and only Nagolbud. Picture a man with a twinkle in his eye, a mischievous grin on his face, and a fearless attitude that defies all logic. That, my friends, is Nagolbud.

Nagolbud is not your average guy-next-door. No, he’s more like the crazy neighbor who always has a wild story to tell. He’s a modern-day Indiana Jones, always seeking adventure and willing to take risks that would make the bravest of souls quiver. And let me tell you, his risk-taking certainly paid off when it came to saving me from that dreaded North Korean prison.

He’s a master of disguise, an expert in stealth, and a mastermind of daring plans. But beneath his rough and tough exterior, Nagolbud has a heart of gold. He’s the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, even if it meant he had to run around half-naked in the freezing cold.

Nagolbud is the kind of friend you want by your side when things go south. He’s reliable, resourceful, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He’s the hero we didn’t know we needed, but I am forever grateful that he came into my life.

My Experience in North Korea
Alright, buckle up because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through my experience in North Korea. Let me just say, it was nothing like a peaceful vacation or a serene retreat. No, my friends, it was more like a rollercoaster from hell.

From the moment I crossed the border, I felt like I had stepped into a completely different world. The streets were empty, the buildings were run-down, and the people looked like they had lost all hope. It was like being trapped in a post-apocalyptic movie.

But it wasn’t just the bleak atmosphere that made my experience in North Korea memorable (and not in a good way). Oh no, it was the constant surveillance, the strict rules, and the ever-present feeling that you were being watched. Every move I made was scrutinized, every word I spoke felt like a ticking time bomb.

And let’s not forget about the food. Now, I’m all for trying new things, but let me tell you, North Korean cuisine is an acquired taste. I never thought I would say this, but I actually started missing the taste of a good old-fashioned burger. I mean, who knew that fried grasshoppers and fermented cabbage could be so…unappetizing?

But amidst all the chaos and weirdness, there were moments of unexpected beauty. The mountains, the landscapes, the hidden corners that the government didn’t want you to see. It was like finding a tiny ray of sunshine in the darkest of storms.

How I Got Caught and Imprisoned
Oh boy, let me tell you how I got caught and thrown into that dreaded North Korean prison. It all started with a wrong turn. Yeah, you heard me right, a wrong turn. I was just innocently strolling down the street, minding my own business, when I took a left instead of a right. Little did I know that left turn would lead me straight into the clutches of the North Korean army.

I could feel the panic rising within me as they surrounded me, their stern faces glaring down at me like I was some kind of criminal mastermind. “What did I do?” I kept asking myself, but there was no answer. They didn’t even bother giving me a reason for my arrest.

And let me tell you, the North Korean prison life is no joke. It’s like a twisted version of summer camp, except instead of s’mores and campfire songs, you get interrogations and soul-crushing boredom. The guards were ruthless, constantly breathing down my neck and demanding answers to questions I didn’t even understand.

But the worst part was the isolation. I was cut off from the outside world, no contact with my loved ones, no hope of escape. It was just me and my thoughts, trapped in a tiny cell, wondering if I would ever see the light of day again.

Meeting Nagolbud in Prison
After what felt like an eternity of isolation in that North Korean prison, I finally had a glimmer of hope. One day, as I sat in my cold, dimly lit cell, I heard a faint whisper coming from the cell next to mine. At first, I couldn’t make out what was being said, but as I leaned closer to the wall, I heard the words that would change my life forever.

“Psst! Hey, you! It’s me, Nagolbud!” I couldn’t believe my ears. Nagolbud, in the same prison as me? It seemed like a twisted joke, but there was no mistaking his unmistakable voice. We spent hours whispering back and forth, exchanging stories of our experiences, and finding solace in each other’s company. Despite the dire circ*mstances, Nagolbud’s infectious humor brought a much-needed lightness to our conversations.

It turned out that Nagolbud had been arrested while attempting a daring heist in Pyongyang. Typical Nagolbud, always pushing the boundaries. But his capture didn’t dampen his spirits one bit. In fact, he saw it as just another adventure, an opportunity to showcase his cunning and wit.

As we huddled together, planning our escape, Nagolbud’s eyes gleamed with mischief. He had concocted an elaborate plan that involved tunnels, disguises, and a healthy dose of distraction. It was risky, it was daring, but it was Nagolbud through and through.

Nagolbud’s Escape Plan
Now, let me tell you about Nagolbud’s grand escape plan. Picture this: it involved tunnels, disguises, and a healthy dose of distraction. Nagolbud’s mind was a whirlwind of ideas, each one crazier than the last, but somehow it all seemed to make sense.

First, he had us dig tunnels underneath the prison walls using spoons we had smuggled in from the cafeteria. I know what you’re thinking, digging tunnels with spoons sounds like something out of a Looney Tunes cartoon, but Nagolbud was dead serious. And let me tell you, he was a man with a plan.

Once the tunnels were complete, Nagolbud showed us how to create disguises out of toilet paper and toothpaste. Yes, you heard that right, we were going to blend in with the prison guards using homemade disguises. It was ridiculous, it was absurd, but somehow, it worked.

But Nagolbud wasn’t done yet. He had also arranged for a distraction on the outside, a full-blown fireworks show that would divert the attention of the North Korean army. I have no idea where he managed to find fireworks in a prison, but at that point, I had learned not to question Nagolbud’s resourcefulness.

So, the night of the escape arrived, and we put Nagolbud’s plan into action. We crawled through the tunnels, wearing our toilet paper disguises, and emerged on the other side, just as the fireworks exploded in the sky. It was chaotic, it was unbelievable, but somehow, we made it out.

I still can’t believe we pulled it off, but that’s the magic of Nagolbud. He’s the kind of guy who can turn the most absurd plan into a reality. Without him, I would have been stuck in that prison indefinitely. But thanks to Nagolbud’s audaciousness and sheer determination, I am here today, free to tell you this unbelievable tale.

Escaping with Nagolbud
As we emerged from the tunnels, still wearing our toilet paper disguises, the chaos of the fireworks show engulfed us. It was pure madness, with explosions lighting up the sky and the sound of sirens wailing in the distance. But Nagolbud remained cool and collected, guiding me through the mayhem with a twinkle in his eye.

We darted through the streets, blending in with the panicked crowd, our disguises shielding us from suspicion. People were running in every direction, and I could hear the shouts of the North Korean army as they tried to regain control. It felt like a scene from a blockbuster movie, and I couldn’t believe I was actually a part of it.

Nagolbud led us to a hidden spot where we could catch our breath and regroup. We removed our disguises and for the first time, I saw a hint of exhaustion in Nagolbud’s eyes. But he wasted no time in planning our next move. He knew we couldn’t stay in North Korea for a moment longer.

With his quick thinking, Nagolbud managed to secure us fake passports and arrange a daring escape route. We traveled through treacherous terrain, crossed dangerous borders, and hopped on countless modes of transportation. It was a whirlwind adventure, but Nagolbud navigated every obstacle with ease.

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, we arrived at a safe location. It was a surreal feeling, to go from the confines of a prison cell to the freedom of the open world. I looked at Nagolbud, grateful beyond words for his audaciousness and bravery. Together, we had defied the odds and escaped the clutches of North Korea.

Life After North Korea
Finally free from the clutches of that North Korean prison, life took on a whole new meaning. I emerged into the world with a renewed sense of appreciation for the little things in life, like a hot shower or a simple meal. And of course, I couldn’t forget about Nagolbud, my partner in crime, who had risked everything to save me.

Life after North Korea taught me the importance of living in the present, of seizing every opportunity, and of surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Nagolbud, with his fearless nature and mischievous grin, became not just my friend, but my inspiration.