Ask A North Korean
Your chance to ask questions to North Koreans about life growing up in the DPRK
Settling in Seoul: What was your first year like after reaching South Korea?
Some adjust faster than others to a capitalist lifestyle, even when it causes tensions with those closest to us
Settling in Seoul: A North Korean surfs the internet for the first time
Online world can be overwhelming at first, but defectors quickly discover value of access to a world of information
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
Ask a North Korean: How did you learn to use a computer?
Schools provide limited computer education to most students, and buying one requires submitting to strict state controls
Settling in Seoul: A North Korean defector discovers the concept of hobbies
DPRK society insists individuals live for collective, but people in the South can explore their own interests
Ask a North Korean: What snacks are most popular in the DPRK?
The state gives out low-quality sweets on major holidays, but what people really covet are imported treats from abroad
Ask a North Korean: What was it like to listen to K-pop for the first time?
People risk their lives to enjoy foreign music that explores love, memories and other themes absent from official songs
Ask a North Korean: What do North Koreans think of foreign countries?
Schools teach very little about the outside world as Kim regime focuses on nurturing pride for the DPRK above all
Ask a North Korean: How do people in the DPRK express individuality?
Fashion police hammer down the nail that sticks out, but people still find subtle ways to display their own style
Ask a North Korean: Were you exposed to outside information in the DPRK?
Unapproved information reaches most corners of North Korea through fliers, radio broadcasts and even shark balloons
