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More articles by 'Jin'
Ask a North Korean: What is it like to be a musician in North Korea?
Artists have little say over what they perform, and they must make immense personal sacrifices to practice their craft
Ask a North Korean: What’s different about food in North and South Korea?
Most in DPRK worry about whether they can eat rather than what, but some dishes still elicit nostalgia for defectors
Ask a North Korean: Do teenagers deal with issues like bullying and drug use?
Juvenile delinquency appears far less common than in other countries, but this doesn’t mean DPRK youth have it better
Settling in Seoul: What is it like to speak to South Koreans about North Korea?
People in the DPRK are curious about the far wealthier South, but the interest doesn’t always go in the other direction
Ask a North Korean: What is it like to raise a child in the DPRK?
Mothers do the best they can for their children but face challenges ranging from poor health care to paying for school
Settling in Seoul: A North Korean surfs the internet for the first time
Online world can be overwhelming at first, but defectors quickly discover value of access to a world of information
Ask a North Korean: What snacks are most popular in the DPRK?
The state gives out low-quality sweets on major holidays, but what people really covet are imported treats from abroad
Ask a North Korean: What do North Koreans think of foreign countries?
Schools teach very little about the outside world as Kim regime focuses on nurturing pride for the DPRK above all
Ask a North Korean: What are the most popular university majors?
Most North Koreans have little choice over their course of study, unless they can pay hefty bribes
Ask a North Korean: What are weddings like in the DPRK?
Ceremonies are simple affairs quite different from those in South, while food is an important part of the ritual