Yeonmi Park’s life has been full of incredible struggles and triumphs. She grew up in North Korea, where she faced many hardships, including hunger and fear. After escaping to China, she eventually made her way to the United States, where her life began to change. One part of this change was finding love with her husband, Ezekiel. However, their relationship didn’t last forever. Let’s dive into the story of Yeonmi Park and her husband and learn more about their marriage, separation, and life after.
Yeonmi Park Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yeonmi Park |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1993 |
| Age | 31 years old (as of January 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, North Korea |
| Nationality | American (Naturalized) |
| Ethnicity | Korean (Asian) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Ex-husband: Ezekiel) |
| Children | 1 (Son named James, born March 18, 2018) |
| Profession | Author, Activist, YouTuber, North Korean Defector |
| Social Media | Instagram: @yeonmi_park, Twitter: @YeonmiParkNK, YouTube: Voice of North Korea |
Who is Yeonmi Park’s Husband?
Yeonmi Park’s husband, Ezekiel, is an American man who has kept a low profile. He didn’t have much public exposure before meeting Yeonmi, which makes him different from many other people in the spotlight. While we don’t know many details about his past, we do know that his life took a big turn when he married Yeonmi Park. Their marriage became a part of Yeonmi’s journey as she built a new life in America after escaping North Korea.
Ezekiel’s background remains private, but what we do know is that he was a source of support for Yeonmi as she adjusted to her new life in the United States. His quiet presence in Yeonmi’s life allowed her to focus on her activism and sharing her story with the world.
How Did Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel Meet?
Yeonmi and Ezekiel’s story begins with a shared longing for something more in life. After both dealing with their own struggles, they found comfort in each other. Yeonmi has said that she and Ezekiel connected through their common desire for meaning and to live more fulfilling lives. This bond grew stronger over time, and they eventually fell in love.
Their relationship was not something either of them expected, but it was something that gave Yeonmi hope for the future. They came together in a moment of serendipity, each looking for something different but finding it in one another.
When Did Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel Get Married?
Yeonmi and Ezekiel tied the knot on January 1, 2017. This was a significant moment in Yeonmi’s life. She had just escaped a harsh life in North Korea, and now she was starting a new chapter in America. Their marriage was a way for Yeonmi to build a family in a place where she could be free and live the life she dreamed of.
In 2020, Yeonmi celebrated their third wedding anniversary with a heartwarming post on social media. She reflected on how quickly time had passed and shared her hope of one day taking Ezekiel to North Korea to meet her family and friends. This post showed the deep connection they shared during their time together.
The Beginning of Their Relationship
The start of Yeonmi and Ezekiel’s relationship was simple, but meaningful. They met and became friends first, and soon, their friendship blossomed into something more. Yeonmi remembers how, on their first “date,” they went out just as friends, not expecting anything special. Little did they know, that casual meal would be the beginning of their love story.
Sometimes, life surprises us when we least expect it. For Yeonmi and Ezekiel, what began as a friendly outing grew into a life-changing relationship. They both had no idea what was coming next, but they were happy to find each other.
Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel’s Life Together
After they got married, Yeonmi and Ezekiel started a new life in the United States. Yeonmi enrolled in Columbia University and worked hard to build a future for herself. At the same time, she and Ezekiel worked together to create a stable home for their growing family. They lived in Chicago with their son, James, and built a life that reflected their shared values and goals.
Their relationship was an important part of Yeonmi’s journey. Even though her life had been full of struggles, she was able to find love and stability in America with Ezekiel by her side. Their life together allowed Yeonmi to heal and focus on her activism, speaking out for those who couldn’t.
Celebrating Anniversaries and Special Moments
In 2020, Yeonmi took to social media to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. She shared a thoughtful post where she expressed her feelings about how quickly time had passed. Her words showed how much she appreciated the time she had spent with Ezekiel and how much their relationship had meant to her.
One of Yeonmi’s favorite memories was the time they spent in New York City, where they had their “accidental” first date. She shared this moment with her followers, talking about how they had gone out to eat as friends and never expected it to turn into something more. It was one of those special moments in life that you can never predict.
Challenges in Their Marriage: What Went Wrong?
By 2019, Yeonmi Park started to notice that her marriage with Ezekiel was not as strong as it once was. She explained in her book that the connection they had at the beginning began to fade. Things that once brought them together started to feel different. Yeonmi noticed the small changes, and it became clear that their bond was weakening.
Despite their differences, Yeonmi didn’t rush into making a decision. She took her time to think about what was happening in their relationship. It wasn’t easy for her, as she had always valued the connection they shared. However, deep down, she realized that things had changed, and it was time to move forward.
Yeonmi’s Divorce Announcement
In January 2021, Yeonmi confirmed the news of her divorce during a live-stream on YouTube. She made the announcement without going into too much detail, saying simply that she was no longer married to Ezekiel. This was a big moment for Yeonmi, as she had kept much of her personal life private.
Although their marriage had ended, Yeonmi made it clear that they would continue to co-parent their son, James. The end of her marriage didn’t change her commitment to being a good mother. Yeonmi focused on her son’s well-being and promised to be there for him, no matter what.
Co-Parenting and Raising James
After their divorce, Yeonmi and Ezekiel decided to continue raising their son together. They agreed to stay in the same city so that James could have both of his parents in his life. Yeonmi shared that their main focus was James and making sure he felt loved and supported by both of them.
It wasn’t always easy, but Yeonmi felt that co-parenting was the best choice for their son. She was determined to give James the best childhood possible, despite the changes in her own life. This commitment to co-parenting showed how important it was for both Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel to put their differences aside for the sake of their child.
Yeonmi’s Fears for Her Son’s Future
Yeonmi has always been very protective of her son. In 2022, she shared a deeply emotional video where she explained how terrified she was for James’ future. She feared that he might be exposed to the same kind of control and manipulation that she escaped from in North Korea. Yeonmi Park worried that her son might face similar pressures, even in the United States.
She expressed her concerns about the ideas that were being taught to him, and how they reminded her of the ideology she had spent her whole life fighting against. As a mother, Yeonmi’s main goal was to ensure that James would grow up free from the constraints of oppressive thinking.
Yeonmi’s Reflection on Her Journey as a Mother
Becoming a mother was something Yeonmi Park never expected after her difficult childhood. She shared that she never thought she would survive the hardships of North Korea and human trafficking to one day have a child of her own. But when she looked at James, she saw a miracle.
In 2018, Yeonmi shared a post on Instagram where she expressed her joy about becoming a mother. She reflected on how life had brought her unexpected blessings, and how grateful she was to be able to raise a child in a world where she could protect him from the horrors she once faced.
Moving Forward: Life After Divorce
Since her divorce, Yeonmi has remained focused on her activism and her son. She continues to be a powerful voice for North Korean defectors, speaking out about the challenges faced by those still living under oppressive regimes. Yeonmi Park uses her platform to raise awareness and educate others about the importance of freedom.
Although her marriage with Ezekiel ended, Yeonmi’s journey is far from over. She is committed to continuing her work for human rights and ensuring that her son grows up in a safe, loving environment. She looks to the future with hope, knowing that she has the strength to overcome whatever challenges come her way.
Final Thoughts
Yeonmi Park’s story is one of resilience and determination. From escaping the harsh life in North Korea to becoming a mother and activist in the United States, her journey is an inspiration. Although her marriage to Ezekiel ended, her commitment to her son and her mission for human rights remain as strong as ever.
As Yeonmi continues to move forward, she remains focused on her purpose—giving her son the best life possible and using her voice to bring awareness to important causes. Her journey is far from over, and her strength continues to inspire people around the world.
(FAQs)
When did Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel get married?
Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel married on January 1, 2017. They celebrated their third wedding anniversary in January 2020.
Why did Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel divorce?
Yeonmi has shared that their relationship began to unravel in 2019 due to growing differences. She confirmed their divorce in January 2021 but has not gone into detail about the specific reasons for their separation.
Do Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel have any children?
Yes, Yeonmi Park and Ezekiel have a son named James, born on March 18, 2018. They continue to co-parent him after their divorce.
How old is Yeonmi Park’s son, James?
James is six years old as of 2024, having been born in 2018.
What did Yeonmi Park say about her fears for her son’s future?
Yeonmi Park has expressed concern about her son growing up in an environment that may expose him to the ideologies she escaped from in North Korea. She fears he might face similar oppressive ideas.
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