ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jin Ju-dong

Jin Ju-dong was born and raised in North Korea and defected during the pandemic. He worked at an overseas construction company for many years, as well as in Vladivostok. He spent a year at a U.N. refugee center after defecting before resettling in South Korea. He is currently a student at Seogang Occupational Training College in Seoul.

More articles by 'Jin Ju-dong'

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Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: What happens when you get injured and can’t work?

A defector recalls the challenges he faced after a bike accident, including demands that he pay to take time off

Jin Ju-dongMarch 11, 2026

Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: What is it like to work on a construction site in the DPRK?

A former construction worker shares a day in the life, from long commutes and abusive bosses to workplace hazards

Jin Ju-dongDecember 22, 2025

Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: What was it like working in Russia during the pandemic?

Former overseas worker recounts regime’s orders to follow strict COVID rules and threats to treat violators as traitors

Jin Ju-dongJuly 3, 2024

Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: What is it like to work as an overseas laborer in Russia?

A former worker in Far East details why the regime sends citizens abroad and a typical day on a construction site

Jin Ju-dongMarch 29, 2024

Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: Why a DPRK laborer in Russia decided to defect

A recent defector writes about growing disillusioned during 90s famine and how pandemic pushed him to make a break

Jin Ju-dongJanuary 17, 2024

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