“Ask a North Korean” is an NK News series featuring interviews with and columns by North Korean defectors, most of whom left the DPRK within the last few years.

Readers may submit their questions for defectors by emailing [email protected] and including their first name and city of residence.

Today’s question is about the kinds of stereotypes defectors face after escaping North Korea.

Sersong Han — who was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until he defected in 2014 — writes about how low expectations and stereotypes impact North Korean defectors, the proactive mindset required for life in