Blaine Harden

Blaine Harden is a journalist and author known for his reporting on North Korea and authoritarian regimes. His book, "Escape from Camp 14," documents the survival story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only known person born and raised in the North Korean gulag system to escape and publicly share his experiences. The book provides a detailed account of human resilience under oppressive conditions and has contributed to global awareness of North Korea's political prison camps.

Harden's career includes work as a correspondent for The Washington Post, where he reported from regions such as Northeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He has written several books, including "A River in Darkness," which follows the defection of a Japanese-Korean man from North Korea, and "King of Spies," which examines the life of a Korean operative who worked for the United States during the Korean War. These publications reflect Harden's focus on geopolitical crises, defector stories, and the complexities of totalitarian societies.

As a public speaker, Harden addresses topics such as North Korea's political prisons, defector experiences, and the challenges posed by authoritarian governments. His presentations draw on firsthand reporting and research, offering audiences insights into human rights issues and international affairs.