I was kidnapped by North Korea - Lives Less Ordinary

What this episode covers

In the 1970s and 80s, a spate of mysterious disappearances were reported along Japan’s coast. One of those was 19-year-old nurse Hitomi Soga, who was walking with her mother when they were kidnapped. She was blindfolded and dragged to a boat destined to the world's most secretive state, North Korea. But why was she taken? Hitomi's stay in North Korea would last 24 years and include a forced marriage to America's most well-known defector, Charles Jenkins. The world watched when eventually she returned home, still desperate to uncover the truth about the mother who vanished with her into the darkness.Presenter: Asya Fouks Translation: Nancy Roberts Voiceover: Yoko Gravestock Producer: Edgar MaddicottLives Less Ordinary is a podcast from the BBC World Service that brings you the most incredible true stories from around the world. Each episode a guest shares their most dramatic, moving, personal story. Listen for unbelievable twists, mysteries uncovered, and inspiring journeys - spanning the entire human experience. Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. Got a story to tell? Send an email to [email protected] or message us via WhatsApp: 0044 330 678 2784 You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5YD3hBqmw26B8WMHt6GkQxG/lives-less-ordinary-privacy-notice

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

I'm ok

Mar 26, 2026 ·1m

REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Jan 9, 2026 ·61m

REMIX: OCD and hoarding disorder with Jenna Overbaugh

Jan 2, 2026 ·47m

REMIX: Therapy and hoarding disorder - what are the options? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

Dec 26, 2025 ·78m

REMIX: ADHD and hoarding disorder with Professor Sharon Morein

Dec 21, 2025 ·46m

#207 13 actionable pieces of mental health advice from six former podcast guests

Dec 12, 2025 ·53m

Similar Podcasts

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. Invictus by Greyana, A Tomione Podfic M+G Readings Sporadic uploads thanks to gallstones.Voldemort intended the object to be used by his most loyal follower in the event that his horcruxes were destroyed, but it ended up in Hermione’s possession instead.It sent her back to a time when he was much less the monster that she’d always known him to be. Nothing could have prepared her for the intelligence and charm of Tom Riddle.He isn’t who she thought he was.Hermione discovers that it’s a dark descent into the madness of the man she should hate, but can’t… a descent she will never emerge fr Sermons | Countryside Bible Church Countryside Bible Church At Countryside Bible Church, we equip believers to joyfully live holy lives, to serve one another, and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, all to the glory of God. We are committed to a high view of God, and a high view of Scripture. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene (Full Audiobook) Robert Greene Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller is the definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control – from the author of The Laws of Human Nature.In the book that People magazine proclaimed “beguiling” and “fascinating,” Robert Greene and Joost Elffers have distilled three thousand years of the history of power into 48 essential laws by drawing from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz and also from the lives of figures ranging from Henry Kissinger to P.T. Barnum.Some laws teach the need for prudence (“Law 1: Never Outshine the Master”), others teach the value of confidence (“Law 28: Enter Action with Boldness”), and many recommend absolute self-preservation (“Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally”). Every law, though, has one thing in common: an interest in t

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Lives Less Ordinary?

This episode is 33 minutes long.

When was this Lives Less Ordinary episode published?

This episode was published on June 8, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In the 1970s and 80s, a spate of mysterious disappearances were reported along Japan’s coast. One of those was 19-year-old nurse Hitomi Soga, who was walking with her mother when they were kidnapped. She was blindfolded and dragged to a boat...

Can I download this Lives Less Ordinary episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.