They were ordinary people abducted from Japan by North Korea. Like Kaoru Hasuike, a young student who was kidnapped while on an evening walk by the sea. Kaoru spent 24 years in North Korea. He was one of the lucky few who were allowed to return to Japan in 2002. To this day he feels conflicted.    JAPAN Forward presents Episode 2 of "Abducted – Four Stories, Four Lives," a new podcast series that investigates the abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea.  Hosted by journalists Arielle Busetto and Agnes Tandler, these talks give listeners an insight into the lives of four different people who are forever changed by a series of terrible crimes. Their lives are later all linked together in unexpected ways. It is the first-ever podcast series dedicated to this topic.  Join the Conversation Join the conversation in this second podcast episode as JAPAN Forward traces the events that unfolded in the search for Megumi. And follow the series, "Abducted – Four Stories, Four Lives" on Apple Podcast. The announcement will be made on our Facebook, Instagram and X account. Feel free to share any suggestions in our comment section below. Five abductees return to Japan on October 15, 2002, including Kaoru Hasuike. None have returned since then. (©Sankei) Listen to Episode 1: Abducted – Four Stories, Four Lives, Episode 1: Just a Schoolgirl Taken by Martians RELATED:  * New Podcast Series: Abducted – Four Stories, Four Lives * New North Korea Abductees Policy Receives US Support in Washington Learn more about the abductions of Japanese and other foreigners through JAPAN Forward's special coverage of the issue. Author: Agnes Tandler and Arielle Busetto