April 18, 2024
Evergreen

North Korean society: Two classes, too little reason to resist

Defector uses freedom to raise awareness of, dispel misconceptions about the North’s people

SEOUL – North Korean society can essentially be divided into two groups, a young defector has said, and both groups have reasons for not publicly opposing the regime.

Lee Seong-min, 26, fled North Korea in 2010, to reunite his family 10 years after his sister escaped into China, but also due to a lack of prospects in a country where one’s career trajectory is determined by family history or bribery.

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