“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 asks about how North Koreans learn of the regime’s political decisions, particularly after major events like Party Congresses.

David — who was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until he defected in 2012  — writes about his boyhood hope to attend a Children’s Union Congress, requirements to