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Kaoru Hasuike

はすいけ かおる

Hasuike Kaoru

Aliases: パク・スンチョル

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1957-09-29 （Kashiwazaki, Niigata, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese, Korean
Residence History
Kashiwazaki, Niigata, Japan → Pyongyang, North Korea → Niigata Prefecture (after return)

Career

Occupations
Translator, Writer, University lecturer
Active Years
1978-
Affiliations
Niigata University of Management (International Center, Faculty of Economics)

Education

Chuo University
Faculty of Law / Department of Law
Period: 1976-2008 (中断と復学あり)
Year of Graduation: 2008
Country: Japan
Entered in 1976, was removed from register due to abduction, later readmitted and graduated in 2008
Niigata University Graduate School
Graduate Program in Modern Social and Cultural Studies (Social Cultural Studies)
Degree: 修士
Period: 2010-2013
Year of Graduation: 2013
Country: Japan
Specialized in Korean/Chosŏn history; awarded Master of Arts

Awards

Shincho Document Prize
2009
Work: To the Peninsula, Again
Organization: Shinchosha
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

To the Peninsula, Again

2009 Non-fiction / Reportage

A reportage-style account of abduction, life in North Korea and the events following return to Japan. Includes observations on the abduction issue, family and North Korean society.

Abduction issueFamilyReality of North KoreaMemory and recovery

Hasuike's Guide to Korean

2008 Language guide

An introductory guide to Korean based on the author's experience in language instruction and translation.

Language educationTranslation

What I Saw: The Stages and Present of Korean Historical Dramas

2009 Essay / Cultural analysis

Essays and analysis on the settings and cultural background of Korean historical dramas from the author's perspective.

Korean WaveCultural analysis

Even If Dreams Are Taken: Abduction and Life

2011 Non-fiction / Interview

An interview-style work about the abduction experience and life thereafter.

AbductionRebuilding life

Abduction and Decision

2012 Essay / Non-fiction

A record of abduction experience and reflections on decisions and thoughts stemming from it.

ChoiceMemory

Japanese Abductions

2025 Non-fiction / Research

A 2025 publication compiling essays and materials on the issue of Japanese abductions.

Abduction issueInternational relations

Bibliography

  • Hasuike's Guide to Korean (2008)
  • What I Saw: The Stages and Present of Korean Historical Dramas (2009)
  • To the Peninsula, Again (2009 / Shincho Bunko 2011)
  • Even If Dreams Are Taken: Abduction and Life (2011)
  • Abduction and Decision (2012)
  • Japanese Abductions (2025)

Adaptations

  • BS Special "Abduction: Kaoru Hasuike, Confession in the 23rd Year" (NHK BS, 2015 / featured programs)

Translations by Author

  • Kim Hoon, 'The Lone General' (translation, 2005)
  • Numerous other translations from Korean

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Non-fictional narrativeReportageTestimonial-based writing
Recurring Motifs
AbductionFamily bondsMemory and recovery

Legacy

As a witness and victim of abduction by North Korea, his writings and lectures have helped raise awareness of the abduction issue. He has also worked as a translator and educator, contributing to victim support and international understanding.

In Popular Culture

  • Appearances in NHK BS documentaries and other media exposure related to the abduction issue

Quotes

  • The abduction took everything from me except life — my dreams, my family's bonds, everything but life.
    Source: Lecture / Interview (post-return statements) (2016)

Trivia

  • Reported to have lived under the name "Pak Seung-chol" in North Korea
  • Re-enrolled and graduated from Chuo University in 2008 (around age 50)
  • Won the Shincho Document Prize for 'To the Peninsula, Again'