ABOUT THE AUTHOR
More articles by 'David'
Ask a North Korean: Why I smuggle media content into North Korea
David explains why outside media matters for North Koreans, reflecting on how a propaganda leaflet changed his life
Ask a North Korean: How did you learn about major events like Party Congresses?
While a lucky few get the honor of attending, everyone else faces the unenviable task of memorizing new policies
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: How do public utilities work in the DPRK?
An escapee writes about gathering wood to heat homes, fetching water from wells and how the state collects utility fees
Ask a North Korean: What is English-language education like in the DPRK?
An escapee writes about the materials he used to learn and how his English skills were put to the test in South Korea
Ask a North Korean: What is forced labor like in North Korea?
A defector writes about being forced to work even as an elementary school student and the trauma it left him with
Ask a North Korean: What was it like playing soccer professionally in the DPRK?
A defector writes about his training schedule and the hurdles he faced trying to represent his country
Ask a North Korean: Can children in the DPRK express their creativity?
David, who defected in 2012, writes about discovering the joys of self-expression through his work as a YouTuber
Settling in Seoul: What do you think about critics of North Korean defectors?
A DPRK escapee talks about encountering people who question his testimony and how he learned to embrace his past
Ask a North Korean: What do socialism and capitalism mean to you?
A defector shares what DPRK taught him about equality and how living in South Korea has shaped his views on capitalism
