Settling in Seoul: What a North Korean escapee thinks of South Korean politics

Ask A North Korean

Settling in Seoul: What a North Korean escapee thinks of South Korean politics

DPRK’s ‘revolutionary’ politics left no room for choice, but ROK’s democratic system can be bewildering for defectors

Rose September 21, 2023

Settling in Seoul: What a North Korean escapee thinks of South Korean politics

A collage of Democratic Party politician Lee Jae-myung and conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol | Images: Democratic Party's Facebook and People Power Party

“Settling in Seoul” is an NK News series in which North Korean defectors share their experiences adapting to life in South Korea.

This week, Rose — who lived in North Korea until she defected with her family in 2019 — writes about her experiences with politics in both North and South Korea, as well as the process of voting in the DPRK.

About the Author

Rose

Rose is a pseudonym for a North Korean defector writer. She was born in the city of Chongjin and lived in North Korea until she defected with her family in 2019, resettling in South Korea in Jan. 2020. She previously worked as a video producer in North Korea, specifically in wedding production, and now works in the marketing department of an advertising company.

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