April 24, 2024

About the author

Kim Yoo-sung

Kim Yoo-sung is an Ask a North Korean contributor who left Gil-joo County of Hamkyungbuk-do, DPRK in 2005

More articles by 'Kim Yoo-sung'

Why North Koreans turn to the church, and why they leave

Why North Koreans turn to the church, and why they leave

North Korean can't stop curiosity about Christianity – but philandering pastors certainly can

Why North Koreans turn to the church, and why they leave
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung June 22, 2016
How South Koreans treat North Koreans

How South Koreans treat North Koreans

Just finding out that you're from the North may lead Southerners to treat you with less respect

How South Koreans treat North Koreans
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung April 13, 2016
A N.Korean in the Philippines: From getting help to giving

A N.Korean in the Philippines: From getting help to giving

Only when I took care of people less fortunate than me did I know I was lucky to be Korean

A N.Korean in the Philippines: From getting help to giving
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung March 30, 2016
What does N.Korea do for its seniors?

What does N.Korea do for its seniors?

To make a long story short, it doesn't do much; they have to work

What does N.Korea do for its seniors?
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung March 23, 2016
North Korean civic groups shouldn’t waste their time

North Korean civic groups shouldn’t waste their time

Why spend money or time on something that's not going to bring democracy to the North?

North Korean civic groups shouldn’t waste their time
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung March 10, 2016
College life in North Korea: It’s like the military

College life in North Korea: It’s like the military

You're tested on Kim family works, you can't pick your major, and don't even think of being late

College life in North Korea: It’s like the military
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung February 10, 2016
Getting into the holiday spirit after leaving North Korea

Getting into the holiday spirit after leaving North Korea

I've learned to embrace Christmas family fun, rather than celebrating Kim Jong Il's mom's birthday

Getting into the holiday spirit after leaving North Korea
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung December 25, 2015
The life of a N.Korean 1-percenter

The life of a N.Korean 1-percenter

Despite its relative poverty, the North has rich people – and we mean really rich

The life of a N.Korean 1-percenter
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung November 12, 2015
Defections and North Korea’s media blackout

Defections and North Korea’s media blackout

Missing persons are rarely discussed openly, unless condemnations have propaganda value

Defections and North Korea’s media blackout
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung October 21, 2015
N.Korean Chuseok: Like S.Korean Chuseok without the traffic

N.Korean Chuseok: Like S.Korean Chuseok without the traffic

North Koreans usually live close to their relatives, and couldn't travel long distances to see them if they didn't

N.Korean Chuseok: Like S.Korean Chuseok without the traffic
Kim Yoo-sung
Kim Yoo-sung October 6, 2015