Ask North Korean: Exploring the Enigmatic Citizen Q&A Platform of the DPRK

In the enigmatic world of North Korea, where information is tightly controlled and access to independent media is severely restricted, a unique platform has emerged that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of its citizens: Ask North Korean.

Ask A North Korean: Defectors Talk About Their Lives Inside the World's Most Secretive Nation

by Daniel Tudor

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Launched in 2012, Ask North Korean is a citizen Q&A platform hosted by the North Korean government, allowing citizens to submit questions on various topics and receive responses from officials, experts, and other citizens.

While the veracity of the responses has been questioned by some due to the government's strict control over the platform, Ask North Korean nevertheless provides a fascinating window into the inner workings of one of the world's most secretive societies.

How Ask North Korean Works

Ask North Korean operates as a website and mobile app. Citizens can submit questions anonymously, choosing from a wide range of topics including politics, economics, culture, and daily life.

Questions are then reviewed by a team of moderators, who may edit or reject submissions that are deemed inappropriate or sensitive. Approved questions are published on the platform, along with responses from various sources, including government officials, experts, and other citizens.

While the government exercises strict control over the platform, it also encourages citizen participation and engagement. Users can comment on responses, engage in discussions, and even submit their own answers to questions.

Types of Questions Asked

The questions submitted to Ask North Korean cover a wide range of topics, providing insights into various aspects of North Korean society and culture.

Common questions include:

• Questions about the government and political policies
• Questions about the economy and living standards
• Questions about North Korea's relations with other countries
• Questions about cultural traditions and social norms
• Questions about daily life and personal experiences

Insights into North Korean Society

Ask North Korean offers a valuable glimpse into the lives of ordinary North Koreans, shedding light on their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations.

For example, many questions focus on the challenges of daily life in North Korea, such as food shortages, economic hardships, and limited access to information.

Other questions delve into more sensitive topics, such as political repression, human rights, and the government's strict control over information. While government responses often echo official propaganda, citizen responses and comments provide a more nuanced understanding of these issues.

Controversy and Criticism

Ask North Korean has been met with both praise and skepticism by outside observers.

Some have praised the platform for providing a unique opportunity to hear directly from North Korean citizens and gain insights into a society that is otherwise inaccessible.

Others, however, have expressed concerns about the veracity of the responses, arguing that they may be censored, edited, or fabricated by the government to present a positive image of North Korea.

Nevertheless, Ask North Korean remains a valuable tool for researchers and observers of North Korea, providing insights into the inner workings of a society that is otherwise opaque.

Ask North Korean is a fascinating and enigmatic platform that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of North Korean citizens. While the platform is not without its limitations, it provides valuable insights into the perspectives, concerns, and aspirations of the North Korean people.

By engaging with Ask North Korean, researchers and observers can gain a better understanding of North Korean society and the complexities of life in one of the world's most isolated and secretive countries.