From North Korean Escape to MMA Glory: Jang Jung-hyuk’s Unbreakable Fight
Jang Jung-hyuk, a North Korean defector, has built a new life in South Korea as an MMA fighter and human rights advocate. Known in the ring as the 'North Korean Defector Fighter,' he escaped one of the world’s most repressive regimes at just 12 years old. His journey—from child labourer to professional athlete—highlights both resilience and the harsh realities faced by defectors.
Jang’s early years were marked by hardship. Born in North Korea, he never knew his father, and his mother fled the country after suffering years of abuse. Together, they escaped to China when he was 12, where he was forced to work gruelling hours on construction sites.
After arriving in South Korea, Jang attended a special school for North Korean defectors in Seoul. At 18, he discovered mixed martial arts and entered his first tournament just six weeks after starting training. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he defeated an undefeated Japanese fighter, establishing himself as a professional. Despite his athletic career, earning a living remains difficult. To support his mother’s cancer treatment, Jang has taken on extra jobs while running a combat sports studio in Seoul. Outside the ring, he speaks out about the systematic human rights violations in North Korea, a cause deeply personal to him.
Jang Jung-hyuk’s story reflects the struggles and determination of North Korean defectors. His career in MMA and advocacy work bring attention to the abuses many still endure in his homeland. For now, he continues to fight—both in competition and for the rights of those left behind.
