ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lena was born and raised in Musan, North Korea. She graduated from the Railway Nursing School and worked as a nurse until her defection in 2019.

A defector recalls hospital shortages, patients she could not save and why she ultimately left the profession she loved

LenaAugust 27, 2026

Ask A North Korean

A defector recalls why she trained as a nurse, what students studied and the classroom order that stayed with her

LenaJune 30, 2026

Ask A North Korean

Because of my mother’s earlier defection, my social status in North Korea was forever tainted

LenaMay 5, 2026