About the author
More articles by 'Rose'
Ask a North Korean: What do North Koreans do on the weekend?
A defector writes about spending Saturdays at self-criticism sessions and the boredom of rest days
Ask a North Korean: Why North Koreans don’t trust state weather forecasts
A defector writes about the costs of inaccurate info and how the country’s citizens respond to yellow dust storms
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: 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 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
Behind the photos: A North Korean defector reflects on life in her old hometown
Rose shares her insights into life for residents in North Hamgyong, ranging from daily struggles to rare delicacies
Ask A North Korean: How do North Koreans manage their time?
Rose writes about how ‘unimportant’ the concept of time is to citizens and why punctuality is not a thing in North Korea
Ask a North Korean: What are friendships like in the DPRK?
A defector writes about her difficulties making friends and why keeping secrets is so important for relationships
Ask a North Korean: Can North Korean couples get divorced?
DPRK society has become more accepting of divorce over the years, but this hasn’t made getting one much easier
Ask a North Korean: Behind the scenes of wedding shoots for the DPRK’s new rich
A former videographer writes about how couples spent days filming videos before crackdown on ‘anti-socialist’ practice
Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates
Start your day with
the North Korea stories that matter most –
as selected by 
