Joseph Kim is leaving his role as Expert-in-Residence at the Bush Institute to further his education at Harvard. But the North Korean escapee's wisdom has left an indelible mark on all of us at the Bush Institute.
Joseph Kim joined the Bush Institute in 2019 and has since been a walking, living, and laughing reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of a country that values people from every corner of the world — even the darkest corners.
The Bush Institute, including President Bush himself in Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants — has often told Joseph’s story of survival in North Korea amid tragic surroundings under a brutal dictatorship, escape thanks to his courage and the kindness of strangers, and education and employment earned by his own determination and talent.
Few stories illustrate the American ethos more than that of a young man who stole food to survive in North Korea eventually becoming a friend and trusted team member of a former President.
All of us at the Bush Institute have learned a lot from Joseph. Joseph has every reason to see the world through a jaded lens, but instead he brings humor, curiosity, and thoughtfulness into every conversation he joins. As he prepares to embark on the next step of his journey at one of the most prominent icons of education in the world — Harvard University — we asked a few of Joseph’s colleagues at the Bush Institute the favorite lessons they have learned from our wise friend.
From William McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor
Our late colleague Lindsay Lloyd once said of Joseph: He is the most bitter-free person who has every right in the world to be bitter. That is the ultimate lesson I have learned from Joseph. Life deals hard hands, but keep going, don’t become bitter. Explore. Learn. Smile. That’s what I have learned from Joseph, whom, like all of us, I am more than honored to be his friend.
From Sarah Gibbons, Deputy Director, Communications
It’s been an honor to work alongside Joseph and witness his humble heart, kindness, grit, and cleverness. Jospeh’s resilience and strength will inspire me for the rest of my life. He showed me that despite unimaginable circumstances there is always hope and a chance to start again. Always reading and pushing himself, Joesph taught me that it’s never too late to grow in new ways and to always challenge myself. I look forward to watching Joe change the world and will miss his well-timed jokes, thoughtfulness, and joyful spirit.
From David J. Kramer, Executive Director
What a treat it was to work with Joseph for the past two-plus years. I knew Joseph a bit before I joined the Bush Institute, but I really got to know him very well once I was here. On several occasions, when Joseph would tell his story, he would move me to tears. He’s an incredibly inspiring role model for many, funny as hell, and smart as can be. I learned from him that finding the silver lining in situations and reflecting on sources of inspiration and love are key ways to get through difficult times. While I will miss seeing Joseph around the office, I’m delighted he has the opportunity to expand his horizons at Harvard. His future knows no bounds.
From Andrew Kaufmann, Director, Marketing and Communications
I learned, the hard way, that just because someone was born in North Korea and enjoys self-deprecating humor mixed in with an aw-shucks humility does not mean that he will refrain from happily wiping you out at the card table.
But that illustrates how Joe goes about life. He’s curious. He studies. He learns. And he’s determined to better himself. He approaches every day as an opportunity,. seeing the world through a lens of curiosity with a determination to study every topic he can — from philosophy to poker. Of course he’s going to Harvard. It shouldn’t have been a surprise.
His curiosity mixed with an astounding intellect and lived experiences few can imagine have turned Joe into a fountain of wisdom. You can be having a discussion with him in the office hallway about breakfast cereal and walk away with a deeper understanding of the universe. He’s like Yoda but with better sentence structure.
Joe and his family didn’t deserve what they faced in North Korea. He doesn’t deserve the cruel memories. So above all, I’ve learned to appreciate the enormous blessings of this country and to never, ever, take them for granted.
Not many North Koreans are able to escape, and even fewer end up in the United States. But I’m very grateful Joseph did.
Even if he did hustle me at poker.
From Chris Walsh, Director, Freedom and Democracy
Joseph Kim will teach you so much about humility and appreciation by just being the decent person that he is. He certainly has for me.
It’s so easy to turn everyday inconveniences into a crisis: My Amazon package was delayed. We’re out of milk. My tire has a nail and needs patching. And so on. But in casual conversation with Joseph, I’d often get a healthy dose of perspective when something would make him recall his escape from North Korea. He didn’t do this for self-promotion or to draw attention to his struggles. He said it the same way that a song or smell might trigger a childhood memory that you share with friends. One time, he described being alone in the Chinese wilderness after his escape from North Korth Korea and how he had to watch out for tigers.
Despite the almost Hollywood-like details of his escape from North Korea, Joseph never tries to make himself a spectacle. In fact, he dreads the spotlight. The impetus for sharing his harrowing story publicly is so that folks like me understand how much his people suffer under a repressive, totalitarian regime.
Suddenly, that delayed Amazon package isn’t so important and I’m reminded of the things that truly matter in life and to be more grateful for them – even the inconveniences. What good fortune it is to count him among my friends. Thanks, Joe!
