March 28, 2024

About the author

Joshua Kim

Joshua is a pseudonym for a North Korean defector writer. He was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until he defected in 2019. He now resides in South Korea.

More articles by 'Joshua Kim'

Ask A North Korean: What games do children play in North Korea?

Ask A North Korean: What games do children play in North Korea?

A defector writes about the popularity of card, board and smartphone games and why he used to love flying kites

Ask A North Korean: What games do children play in North Korea?
Joshua Kim February 29, 2024
Ask a North Korean: Do North Koreans get tattoos?

Ask a North Korean: Do North Koreans get tattoos?

Ink is common among older generations, but usually as a way to show loyalty rather than as a form of self-expression

Ask a North Korean: Do North Koreans get tattoos?
Joshua Kim January 2, 2024
Ask a North Korean: What I learned from visiting a DPRK restaurant abroad

Ask a North Korean: What I learned from visiting a DPRK restaurant abroad

A defector writes about his surreal meal at a North Korean restaurant in Laos and how it led him to reflect on his life

Ask a North Korean: What I learned from visiting a DPRK restaurant abroad
Joshua Kim December 15, 2023
Ask a North Korean: How do North Koreans think about sexual and gender identity?

Ask a North Korean: How do North Koreans think about sexual and gender identity?

The regime does not acknowledge gay and transgender people, but that does not mean they don’t exist in the DPRK

Ask a North Korean: How do North Koreans think about sexual and gender identity?
Joshua Kim November 2, 2023
Ask a North Korean: What is it like to serve in North Korea’s army reserves?

Ask a North Korean: What is it like to serve in North Korea’s army reserves?

All men must enlist in local forces in case of the outbreak of war, and training is often brutal and unpredictable

Ask a North Korean: What is it like to serve in North Korea’s army reserves?
Joshua Kim September 29, 2023
Ask a North Korean: What are self-criticism sessions really like?

Ask a North Korean: What are self-criticism sessions really like?

Joshua Kim explains why citizens must criticize themselves and others and gives an example of what this looks like

Ask a North Korean: What are self-criticism sessions really like?
Joshua Kim August 18, 2023
Ask a North Korean: Are alcoholism and drunk driving major problems in the DPRK?

Ask a North Korean: Are alcoholism and drunk driving major problems in the DPRK?

The regime treats drinking as a ‘political cancer,’ but alcohol is the only way for many to escape their harsh reality

Ask a North Korean: Are alcoholism and drunk driving major problems in the DPRK?
Joshua Kim July 14, 2023
Ask a North Korean: Why are there so many farms raising the slippery loach fish?

Ask a North Korean: Why are there so many farms raising the slippery loach fish?

The mudfish is a key income source for many, but the state promotes such aquaculture even in ill-suited environments

Ask a North Korean: Why are there so many farms raising the slippery loach fish?
Joshua Kim July 4, 2023
Ask a North Korean: What was it like to travel abroad for the first time?

Ask a North Korean: What was it like to travel abroad for the first time?

Joshua Kim writes about marveling at Incheon airport, how Vietnam reminded him of the DPRK and more

Ask a North Korean: What was it like to travel abroad for the first time?
Joshua Kim May 8, 2023
Ask a North Korean: What are popular sayings and proverbs in the DPRK?

Ask a North Korean: What are popular sayings and proverbs in the DPRK?

Everyday expressions offer a window into how North Koreans think and see the world

Ask a North Korean: What are popular sayings and proverbs in the DPRK?
Joshua Kim April 26, 2023
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