Ask A North Korean
Your chance to ask questions to North Koreans about life growing up in the DPRK
Ask a North Korean: what does the leader’s New Year’s speech mean to you?
"No North Korean is looking forward to the New Year’s speech"
Ask a North Korean: how do you feel about the UN ban on overseas workers?
"I couldn't help but sigh at the news that North Korean overseas workers were being sent back to North Korea"
Ask a North Korean: why do people decide to leave North Korea?
"The majority of those that decide to leave do so because they're disenchanted by the current political situation"
Ask a North Korean: is North Korea environmentally-friendly?
"'Nature' in North Korea is so bleak I am ashamed to even call it that."
Ask a North Korean: how do North Koreans prepare for war and natural disasters?
"When it comes to war-related threats, the DPRK is equipped with an anti-U.S.-terrorism strategy"
Ask a North Korean: do forced abortions really take place in the DPRK?
"Koreans are not supposed to bear the children of foreigners, and this rule is strictly enforced"
Ask a North Korean: How much do Pyongyangites know about the outside world?
"People from outside of Pyongyang, at least those in my hometown, are often more up-to-date on outside news"
Ask a North Korean: What do people like to eat in North Korea?
"When I was little, my mother used to prepare sundae, rice cakes, and lots of other delicious food"
Ask a North Korean: how has drug culture evolved in North Korea?
"Many are driving themselves into ruin for a momentary escape from their depressing reality"
Ask a North Korean: is it difficult for defectors to speak “South Korean”?
"Self-conscious of my North Korean accent, I usually stay silent wherever I go"