I envision the terror, rage and despair of those who were forced to confront death with their eyes covered. For the past 70 years countless people were executed at the hands of firing squads, and this senseless tragedy continues to this day.
When I work I think about the countless tragic deaths that my people have suffered. Sometimes I think about their horrific life in the concentration camps. My work is steeped in suffering and sadness. And my sorrowful sentiments are given voice through the act of burning.
When freedom and human rights are restored in North Korea I will no longer write these fiery poems of lament.
- Gongsan Kim on her pieces in Recent Works
