Ask A North Korean
Your chance to ask questions to North Koreans about life growing up in the DPRK
Ask a North Korean: How did North Koreans react to Kim Jong Il’s death?
While Kim Il Sung’s death triggered shock and sorrow, citizens could muster little more than crocodile tears for his son
Ask a North Korean: How does North Korea fight forest fires?
A defector writes about being mobilized to create firebreaks and how a lack of resources stifles fire response
Ask a North Korean: How did you celebrate Mother’s Day?
The relatively new holiday is now a popular occasion to give gifts, while promoting the regime’s ideal of family life
Ask a North Korean: What was it like to watch military parades in North Korea?
Defector shares why soldiers want to participate in these events and how outsiders should interpret the spectacle
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: What is the function of the state run daily Rodong Sinmun?
A defector describes what he learned from reading the newspaper every day and how it differs from South Korean dailies
Ask A North Korean: What is the role of ‘People’s Units’ in North Korea
Rose shares her experience dealing with ‘inminban’ and the role they play in the lives of everyday North Koreans
Ask a North Korean: What stereotypes are there for different DPRK regions?
From ‘Water Province’ to ‘Robber Province,’ a defector explains nickname origins and why Pyongyang is like a movie set
Ask a North Korean: What’s the biggest falsehood you’ve heard about the DPRK?
A defector writes about claims of underground North Korean churches and what faith is really like under Kim family rule
Ask a North Korean: What is one item you wished you could have brought with you?
A defector writes about her memories of loved ones and what she regrets leaving behind that still impacts her today
