March 28, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hyun-seung Lee

Hyun-seung Lee is a former DPRK businessman and chair of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League branch in Dalian, China. A series of purges by Kim Jong Un forced him and his entire family to defect in late 2014, making their way first to South Korea then to the United States. Lee now works as a director for One Korea Network and a fellow of North Korean studies at the Global Peace Foundation, and he has interned with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He also runs the Pyonghattan YouTube channel with his sister.

Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: What do North Koreans think about anti-government protests?

State media reports on protests in capitalist countries, but most in DPRK can’t imagine voicing discontent with regime

Hyun-seung LeeMarch 20, 2023
Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: Do North Koreans go to the dentist?

A defector explains why many must procure their own implants, the growing popularity of teeth whitening and more

Alek SigleyAlek Sigley | Hyun-seung LeeJune 1, 2022
Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: Can Joe Biden reach a breakthrough with North Korea?

"It's foolish to keep suggesting that North Korea seriously intends to denuclearize."

Hyun-seung LeeMay 31, 2021