“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: How does North Korea treat scientists and engineers?

Rose — who was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until she defected in 2019 — writes about reluctantly entering a science college, the treatment of talented students and why she believes the country’s political system ultimately places