Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea

Chileseong is a constellation, often called Ursa Major or the Big Dipper in English. The image of this particular constellation is referred to throughout the text, typically whenever Sungju either misses his parents or feels lost during his time as a kotjebi. This constellation has particular significance because his father pointed it out to him in his youth, and so seeing it reminds Sungju of his father. He tells Sungju that he can always look up to the sky and see this constellation when he is in pain or in need of guidance. This is mirrored toward the end of the narrative, when Sungju talks about the same constellation with his grandfather, who sees a shooting star and encourages Sungju to make a wish. The scene with his grandfather, and the belief in looking to the stars and something larger than ourselves for hope, also informs the book’s title, Every Falling Star.

This particular constellation is meant to symbolize a way home for Sungju. Rather than guiding him toward a physical place, it is a visual cue that helps Sungju remember the family that loves him and motivates him to stay alive. Chileseong also stands in for a higher power, something larger than himself that Sungju can pray to or meditate on as his faith in Joseon’s regime fades.