Gonzo Journalists Document North Korean Defectors

I think the term gonzo journos is used too readily. But the 3-person investigative team of Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo are true rock stars.

For about a year, they posed as undercover North Korean defectors to capture -- with hidden video cameras -- the perilous 3,000-mile journey defectors make from China to Laos to Thailand and then finally to South Korea. Check out the PBS show here. The documentary, "Crossing Heaven's Border" is part of a larger documentary project, my pal filmmaker Hein tells me.

Not only is the journey treacherous as the North Korean refugees aren't always welcome in China, Laos or Thailand, the cost to be ferried by smugglers is about $1,500 USD -- roughly a year's salary for a NKorean defector hiding in China. The smugglers/drivers are half asleep in the video footage. Can you imagine risking your life fleeing a Communist country to have your life end by some driver falling asleep at the wheel? Unreal -- but it is.

For others who have more money, they buy a fake Chinese passport and fly into Thailand and then South Korea, where they seek asylum.

I'll never forget the footage of one woman [picture above] who successful makes it through immigration. When she safely passes security, she pumps her fist discreetly. Yes!

She just became a free woman.