Summary

Ideological indoctrination begins on Hyeonseo's first day of kindergarten. The stories of their births and victories in battle portray them as godly heroes. Hyeonseo is "too young not to believe every word" (22). The children are told about the suffering of South Korean children and the sadistic cruelty of American soldiers. Hyonseo's mother teaches her to praise the Great Leader because not to do so would alert the attention of informers. North Korean society maintains a system of surveillance and rewards those who inform on anyone who demonstrates political disloyalty.

When Hyeonseo is seven, she stumbles upon the aftermath of a public execution. A male factory worker has been hanged off the railing of a bridge. Over the next few days there are a number of hangings in the city. The accused are not given trials, "the charges [are] simply read out...