About the author
More articles by 'David'
Ask a North Korean: Why I smuggle media content into North Korea
David explains why outside media matters for North Koreans, reflecting on how a propaganda leaflet changed his life
Ask a North Korean: How did you learn about major events like Party Congresses?
While a lucky few get the honor of attending, everyone else faces the unenviable task of memorizing new policies
Ask a North Korean: What was your first experience of democratic elections like?
A defector writes about the right to criticize leaders, voting for the first time and what he’s learned about democracy
Ask a North Korean: How do public utilities work in the DPRK?
An escapee writes about gathering wood to heat homes, fetching water from wells and how the state collects utility fees
Ask a North Korean: What is English-language education like in the DPRK?
An escapee writes about the materials he used to learn and how his English skills were put to the test in South Korea
Behind the photos: A North Korean escapee returns to his hometown from afar
A defector shares stories behind images of Hamhung and explains why a photo of a city street brought him to tears
Ask a North Korean: What is forced labor like in North Korea?
A defector writes about being forced to work even as an elementary school student and the trauma it left him with
Behind the photos: A defector tells the stories of images taken in North Korea
In a new series, a DPRK escapee shares what he sees in scenes of statues, cities and more in remote North Hamgyong
Ask a North Korean: What was it like playing soccer professionally in the DPRK?
A defector writes about his training schedule and the hurdles he faced trying to represent his country
Ask a North Korean: Can children in the DPRK express their creativity?
David, who defected in 2012, writes about discovering the joys of self-expression through his work as a YouTuber
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