2591
2592

I spent ten years living as a prisoner inside of a North Korean political prison camp. My name is Kang Chol-hwan, AMA. (self.IAmA)

submitted by KangCholHwan

Hello Reddit, my name is Kang Chol-hwan. For ten years I was a prisoner at Yodok political prison camp in North Korea. My family and I were sent there after my grandfather was accused of treason by the Kim regime.

Since escaping North Korea, I have become a journalist, author, and human rights activist. Currently I am the Executive Director of the North Korea Strategy Center, an NGO whose goal is to advocate for free media and press in North Korea. We target North Koreans directly by sending external media such as movies, documentaries, and dramas inside the country. To learn more about NKSC please visit our website and like our Facebook page.

http://en.nksc.co.kr https://www.facebook.com/NKSCFriends?ref=ts&fref=ts

I am sitting here with my translator and am ready to answer your questions! I’ll be here for about an hour or so but will check back throughout the day to answer more of your questions!

My Proof: Picture→ http://imgur.com/4xAuM2k Wikipedia Page → http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kang_Chol-hwan

Edit: Hello all, translator here! Mr. Kang has run into a meeting but will be back later today. Keep asking questions, we want to answer more!

Edit #2: Hello Reddit, translator here again! Mr. Kang has had a busy day but he's coming back on shortly to answer a couple more questions. Get your questions ready!

Edit #3: Mr. Kang has really enjoyed this experience, but unfortunately we've had a long day over here and are heading home! Thank you for your questions!

top 200 commentsshow all 327
sorted by:
best
best
top
new
hot
controversial
old

[–]poweredbycookies 136 points137 points  (16 children)

Thank you for doing this AMA.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about North Korea? What do you think is the most important thing for Westerners to know?

[–]KangCholHwan[S] 282 points283 points  (15 children)

One of the biggest misconceptions I think people have of North Korea is that they are simple and naive. But I feel that North Koreans as a group of people have gone through a lot of hardship, and their ability to survive in difficult situations are a lot higher that what people think. People think that unification will be a basketcase for North Koreans, but they will definitely be able to manage. People also think North Koreans will have a hard time adjusting to the market economy, but the black market is also growing under the regime’s nose, and people are used to working in this environment. North Koreans are not naive.

[–]a_tiny_monster 77 points78 points  (13 children)

Could you please elaborate a bit more on how NK's black market works?

[–]theREALskeletor 377 points378 points  (7 children)

Nice try, dear leader

[–]throwaway456925 136 points137 points  (3 children)

It was the username that gave him away, wasn't it?

[–]behindtheline40 48 points49 points  (2 children)

I'm sure thats the name kim gives his lil jong.

[–]WildTurkey81 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Up top!

load more comments (1 reply)

    load more comments (3 replies)

      [–]yoelle 18 points19 points  (2 children)

      Try reading 'Nothing to Envy'. It somewhat shows how people there survives through the black market, a really good read.

      [–]glokollur 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      One of the most interesting books I've ever read

      load more comments (1 reply)

        [–]rawnoodles10 14 points15 points  (0 children)

        1) Make stuff

        2) Sell stuff

        3) Don't get caught

        load more comments (1 reply)

          load more comments (1 reply)

            [–]wormrat 140 points141 points  (24 children)

            What do you think how the next 10-20 years in North Korea will be like? What social changes would you expect? Thanks a lot for doing this, I'm looking forward to reading the answers!

            [–]KangCholHwan[S] 173 points174 points  (23 children)

            I already feel that the North Korean system cannot sustain itself. To push for the breakdown of the regime, the roles of the Chinese and South Korean government are critical, but no action is taking place. Internal problems continue to take place. In my grandfather’s generation, the country was stable, but then there were economic problems. In this crisis, South Korea gave aid and support. However, because here is no more support from South Korea, North Korea has had no choice but to change. I envision a time when North Korea will go through change following the Chinese model. Within ten years, North Korea and South Korea will be able to have an open relationship between the two nations.

            [–]Lasereye 20 points21 points  (21 children)

            Why the Chinese model and not South Korea?

            [–]crazedmongoose 33 points34 points  (2 children)

            Generally the Chinese model is seen as the greatest chance of salvation for North Korean because China in the early 60's to mid 70's was somewhat like North Korea - huge economic instability & troubles and externally very threatened. The difference was that China was also politically very unstable.

            The China model, which was unprecedented in history, allowed for the maintenance of political stability whilst economically improving themselves and avoiding chaos whilst defending themselves from external threats. It's seen as a realistic model now for many developing countries who are unsure of how to develop because the traditional western model where you transition to a free market and a democratic government is so fraught with risk and often leads to catastrophe. One prominent country that's generally seen to be adopting the China model is Vietnam.

            Note that actually, people think that there is a world of difference between the China model and the South Korea model but I don't think there is. South Korea built up its economy in the 70's-80's during which it was still a fairly repressive dictatorship. It had political stability only thanks to the dictatorship and American military backing. They too implemented economic development before political liberalization. Whether they're just further along the curve than China, or whether China really has managed to to chart a completely seperate course, is up to debate.

            [–]ChuckNorrisAteMySock 63 points64 points  (16 children)

            Because China is technically Communist like North Korea, but has been opening up their market in recent years. South Korea, on the other hand, was supported by western military action during the Korean War, and so isn't Communist.

            [–]Incompatibert 9 points10 points  (14 children)

            I don't think North Korea is communist anymore by anyone's standard, even their own. IIRC there was something a while back mentioning they had recently rewritten their "constitution" to completely remove all references to "Communism".

            [–]Tobin321 50 points51 points  (9 children)

            They never were communist, no country ever has been.

            [–]___square 3 points4 points  (1 child)

            ayy lmao

            [–]kokoves 2 points3 points  (0 children)

            Thanks for bringing some logic into the discussion.

            [–]Not_KGB 2 points3 points  (2 children)

            North Korea is as much Communist as any dictatorship claiming to be democratic. Just because someone says they're something doesn't mean that they are. It's confusing how people get angry at that arguement but they do.

            [–]MonkeyThink 5 points6 points  (0 children)

            It should also be noted that North Korea also claims to be democratic: Democratic People's Republic of Korea

            load more comments (1 reply)

              load more comments (3 replies)

                [–]PinchieMcPinch 8 points9 points  (1 child)

                I'd call it a monarchical dictatorship. Surely the Kim family are just a royal family in everything but name.

                load more comments (2 replies)

                  [–]Tacoman404 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                  Neither of them are technically communist. North Korea isn't even officially communist under its own constitution.

                  load more comments (1 reply)

                    load more comments (1 reply)

                      [–]jamiebeahan 66 points67 points  (2 children)

                      Was it easy, possible even, for you and your fellow inmates to create relationships or some kind of communal feel. Or was it an experience you were oppressed to suffer alone?

                      [–]KangCholHwan[S] 110 points111 points  (1 child)

                      I escaped North Korea with one other person who was in a political prison camp. There are other people such as Kim Young Soon and Jung Gwang Il who were not incarcerated during the same time as me but were in the same place. I am in good terms with all of them. While I lived in the political prison camp, there were moments of hostility towards each other in the beginning. But after a while, all prisoners came to realize that we all needed to cooperate and support each other, so we ended up having good relations.

                      [–]dmasterdyne 110 points111 points  (12 children)

                      What were the worst things you saw?

                      [–]KangCholHwan[S] 250 points251 points  (11 children)

                      My worst memory is when I was in the political prison camp. Normally, there are public executions which everybody watches. One time, there were two soldiers that tried to run away, and they were repatriated. This time, the authorities hung them and forced prisoners to throw rocks at the bodies, tearing away the flesh. Afterwards, the bodies were left there for 24 hours, and crows started eating away at them. I still remember that moment very vividly.

                      [–]dolphinesque 64 points65 points  (0 children)

                      That's terrible. I'm so sorry for what you had to see and endure. It is inhumane. Thank you for your work in helping the people of North Korea.

                      load more comments (10 replies)

                        [–]mathieu_delarue 235 points236 points  (5 children)

                        Do the people know? I mean average North Koreans. Do they understand how terrible things are for them?

                        [–]KangCholHwan[S] 385 points386 points  (4 children)

                        The average North Korean knows that the situation in North Korea is not good. Compared to the time of Japanese colonialism and the Korean War, things are worse now. One example I can think of is that during the colonial period under the Japanese, the North Koreans ate the bark of pine trees, but now there isn’t even that to eat. During the Japanese colonial period, people were able to travel and trade freely. Now it is almost impossible. The method of torture has also become more severe since the Japanese colonial period, and people continue to compare the current situation to those times.

                        Recently, young people from the market generation have different views because they see China developing across the border. They know the world has developed and that they are stagnant. Not everyone in North Korea is aware of this situation, but many more people than before are becoming aware.

                        [–]mathieu_delarue 52 points53 points  (1 child)

                        Thanks for answering! In news and other media there is a lot if information about the 'official' view on things, and also the way people generally act in public, but it is rare to find insight about how North Koreans really see themselves and the world.

                        [–]JC-DB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                        directly from the horse's mouth. This is damn impressive.

                        load more comments (2 replies)

                          [–]robinsky1 86 points87 points  (11 children)

                          How difficult was it to get your life back on track after everything that happened?

                          [–]KangCholHwan[S] 204 points205 points  (10 children)

                          Adjusting to South Korean life was not difficult. While there were things I needed to learn again, a capitalist society works on the desires of a human being - being able to move freely, meeting whoever I wanted. I could live in this society following my desires. So I didn’t have that much stress adapting to South Korea. My family lived in Japan before North Korea, due to this influence of modern culture in Japan, I had the opportunity to listen to classical music often. But when I came to South Korea, a friend introduced me to the Beatles, and I bought their CD immediately. My friend then told me that thanks to me, the Beatles are still popular.

                          edit: changed "I" to "my family"

                          [–]EugeneBYMCMB 39 points40 points  (3 children)

                          Why did you go from Japan to North Korea?

                          [–]booradley0000000 113 points114 points  (2 children)

                          In case you don't get a reply, here's some information it. Essentially, in the 60's, a number of factors compelled a large number of ethnic Koreans in Japan to move to North Korea. Namely:

                          • North Korea was economically at least as well off as South Korea, if not more. So the decision to go North wasn't as bizzare as it seems now.
                          • North Korea's nationalist rhetoric resonated with the people who lived under Japanese rule, making it popular with Koreans still dealing with discrimination in Japan.
                          • North Korea actively courted Koreans in Japan, to the point of creating some solid propaganda about how awesome it was. Kim Il Sung wanted that sweet, sweet Yen.
                          • Japan collaborated with North Korea on this, actively encouraging them to leave.

                          [–]EugeneBYMCMB 12 points13 points  (0 children)

                          Oh, thanks!

                          load more comments (1 reply)

                            [–]hefomofi 6 points7 points  (2 children)

                            I am the Eggman. I am the Walrus. :)

                            [–]GavinZac 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                            a capitalist society works on the desires of a human being - being able to move freely, meeting whoever I wanted.

                            To be clear, this is not a component of 'capitalism', but a respect for human rights.

                            load more comments (2 replies)

                              [–]lethargicwalrus2 38 points39 points  (6 children)

                              What was most surprising to learn once you got out?

                              [–]KangCholHwan[S] 147 points148 points  (5 children)

                              When I crossed the river, I came to a village, and when they served me dinner, I was shocked to see that there was so much food! And in South Korea, when I was buying a toothbrush, there were ten types of toothbrushes. Which one did I have to choose? I just couldn't believe that there were so many varieties of the same product that served the same function.

                              [–]MildlyRacy 13 points14 points  (3 children)

                              You should see our selection of dildos, you would be shocked

                              [–]JimmyKwong 11 points12 points  (0 children)

                              Ours or yours?

                              load more comments (2 replies)

                                load more comments (1 reply)

                                  [–]jaggedcream 111 points112 points  (15 children)

                                  What are a few things you think the world needs to know about North Korea?

                                  [–]KangCholHwan[S] 231 points232 points  (14 children)

                                  I think the North Korean government is a dishonest organization. People need to understand that any form of aid sent into North Korea will just benefit the regime and will never reach its people. For example, there is a church that gathered money to build a university and school, the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology. It is now being used for cyberterror in other countries. When you see the news, you see people cheering for the government, but that is all a lie. Former Russian prisoner Nathan Sharansky, author of the ‘The Case for Democracy’, writes that while he was in prison in Russia, he came to the conclusion that people in repressive regimes will play a double life. On the outside, they will support the government, but on the inside they are filled with doubt. This will lead to violence. I highly recommend you to read this book.

                                  I like this book because it explains the power of democracy. This book was well received by the Bush administration, but I’m not sure if Bush understood the book fully. But I think Sharansky presents his ideas well.

                                  [–]allpregnantandshit 24 points25 points  (1 child)

                                  In response to this, do you think this sort of repression would ever lead to an organization amongst the masses in North Korea? Would there ever be a violent uprising, or are people too afraid and controlled by the regime?

                                  [–]jaggedcream 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                                  From what I know about the situation, the government in NK has restrictions on travel so that citizens need permission to go anywhere and other restrictions make it near you impossible for them to network or gather in groups.

                                  [–]Mellowpear 12 points13 points  (3 children)

                                  Russian prisoner Nathan Sharansky, author of the ‘The Case for Democracy’, writes that while he was in prison in Russia, he came to the conclusion that people in repressive regimes will play a double life.

                                  I recommend "The Captive Mind" by Czeslaw Milosz. He discusses a concept called "Ketman," the act of paying lip service to an authoritative regime while maintaining personal opposition as a form of survival, in the context of post-WW2 Poland under Stalinism. Seems very applicable to the situation right now in North Korea.

                                  [–]Jackwagon1130 54 points55 points  (2 children)

                                  Sneak dissin' George Bush...

                                  [–]sap91 37 points38 points  (1 child)

                                  That's that shit I'm fine with

                                  [–]Y_orickBrown 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                  That's that shit you do like?

                                  [–]Muffikins 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                                  Do you know about the Liberty in North Korea group? Someone from their organization did an AMA recently and I've been heartbroken learning how things are over there. LiNK helps refugees escape NK and China etc, and get them ready to have normal lives again.

                                  load more comments (4 replies)

                                    [–]doctorish 65 points66 points  (6 children)

                                    What is your feeling about the tourists who go to North Korea? Are you upset that they might be giving money to the regime?

                                    [–]KangCholHwan[S] 111 points112 points  (5 children)

                                    Tourism as a whole should continue in North Korea, but people should question the standards and restrictions given in the tourism programs. People like Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller did not do anything wrong. They were only punished for taking pictures in North Korea. Tourists can make a positive impact on North Korea, but they must not abide by the restricting regulations imposed by the government when they are there. The government should allow tourists to express themselves freely and say whatever they want. In that way, tourists could positively influence North Korea. But then there are tourists who come back and say they saw the power and greatness of the regime? Then I think something is wrong. Tourism should be an ongoing process for people to come back and talk about North Korea. But one thing I don’t like is when people go look at the Mass Games people and think that is is a great achievement of the government. They don’t take into consideration the human rights violations and the hardships people go through to produce this type of show.

                                    [–]cobex 37 points38 points  (5 children)

                                    When you first arrived in China how did you learn the language? Were there people in China that helped you get on your feet? What kind of work did you do to support yourself? What do you think is the best way to help those who are defecting today?

                                    [–]KangCholHwan[S] 85 points86 points  (4 children)

                                    After you cross the Yalu river, there are a lot of Korean ethnic Chinese, so language was not so much of a problem. I met an ethnic Korean Chinese who helped me in China. It is not that necessary to speak the language. When I crossed the river, I reached the house of a Korean ethnic Chinese who thought I was a tourist. When he found out I wasn’t, he wanted to report us. But then I met another person who spoke Korean and bought my ticket to go to Shenyang, where I met another friend who helped me go to Beijing, and then I went to Dalian. There I met a Chosun friend who helped me get a boat ticket to Seoul. So there were three people that helped me get to China.

                                    When I was crossing over from North Korea, I went into China with a certain amount of money, so it kept me going. While I was in Dalian, the person looking after me was a person who smuggled snakes into South Korea because it is a delicacy there. There were so many snakes, and they needed to be looked after. I took care of the snakes in return for accommodation and food. It made me wonder why people thought snakes were a delicacy when in the political prison camps, we ate snakes because we didn’t have anything else to eat. It was a hard concept for me to understand.

                                    The best way to help defectors is for governments to pressure China to let defectors enter South Korea. For example, Obama could raise the repatriation issue to China. In the case of the South Korean government, the defector and human rights issues always get sidelined and do not get the necessary spotlight. If this doesn't happen, there isn’t much of a way in which the North Korean government .. If North Koreans are able to come to South Korea freely, they can pressure North Korea. Another way to help defectors is by providing funds to rescue defectors. There are certain costs for rescuing defectors through brokers. The security has gotten stricter in North Korea and China, making defection difficult. At a moment, funding has only come from civil groups. If financial support was given at a governmental level, it would make this a lot easier.

                                    The best way is to work on a governmental level. However, it is becoming harder to rescue defectors. The next best thing is to send information into North Korea to make change from within. This is why the North Korea Strategy Center is carrying out the work we do because helping defectors is getting harder and harder.

                                    [–]KirkUnit 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                                    I went into China with a certain amount of money

                                    What value is North Korean money in China, or did you somehow acquire Chinese currency in North Korea? Or do you refer to some other meaning of money?

                                    [–]cobex 5 points6 points  (1 child)

                                    thanks for answering questions Im sure are in your book, Ill have to read it to get the full story (just learned of this AMA yesterday). Whats the best way for an average American to to push this agenda with our government? Do you think something like the Kony 2012 campaign (if you are familiar with that) would work in this situation?

                                    [–]KangCholHwan[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

                                    Firstly, on a governmental level, there should be efforts to re-attempt financial sanctions, and pressure China to stop repatriating North Korean defectors. On a civil, individual level, average Americans can support the various activities that are being undertaken right now by organisation’s like mine, the North Korea Strategy Centre (NKSC), to send and disseminate outside information and media into North Korea. If we look at the wave of democratization in the Middle East, people being awakened to the circumstances in their own country in comparison with other foreign countries, brought about a true call for democratization. The work that we do at the NKSC, including media dissemination into North Korea is an in important part of achieving this.

                                    [–]johnmal85 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                    This is one of the best answers right here. It sounds like it was quite the journey!

                                    [–]KingCole18 17 points18 points  (3 children)

                                    What are your thoughts on organizations such as Liberty in North Korea?

                                    [–]KangCholHwan[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

                                    When LiNK was first formed, I was very active with them. I used to go to the U.S. and participate in their activities. I think it is a good organization, and it is great that all the young people are working with LiNK to work on North Korea human rights. I’m actually very good friends with Hannah Song, the CEO of LiNK.

                                    [–]Muffikins 4 points5 points  (1 child)

                                    I read the AMA and have been following them ever since, my Sun Mu graphic shirt just came in and it's so cozy. I also got some LiNK stickers I'm going to spread in my downtown area.

                                    [–]DontThrowOpisAway 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                    Good on you.

                                    [–]thisguystaint 25 points26 points  (3 children)

                                    How long do you think North Korea will continue to exist as a totalitarian state?

                                    [–]KangCholHwan[S] 41 points42 points  (2 children)

                                    If the Kim Dae Jung administration hadn’t instated the Sunshine policy, the regime could have changed, and North Korea could have taken a different path. There are a lot of people that think this way. North Korea would have had no choice but to go through economic reform like the Chinese model. But once again, North Korea is going through a political and economic crisis, and it will have no choice but to change. The authorities have started to release prisoners and made several high-level visits to South Korea. This shows that they are desperate for international attention in order to receive help to stabilize the regime. However, if the international community continues to support them, then the regime will be able to sustain itself. Let’s just wait a couple of years. If the international community and South Korea are patient and allow North Korea to continue its ways, it will have no choice but to change. It is also important now that the North Korean citizens change. We should make sure that any help given to North Korea reaches its people.

                                    [–]MCA2K 13 points14 points  (1 child)

                                    Hi Mr. Kang, thanks for doing this. a few questions.

                                    1. How realistic is unification?

                                    2. How does the average N. Korean feel about China and Russia and their influence?

                                    3. How interested in helping the North is the average South Korean?

                                    4. How involved in the reunification process are the chaebol corporations (Samsung, LG, Hyundai, etc.)? I can't help but feel they're salivating at the land grab/cheap labor/emerging market the North may sometime provide.

                                    5. When North Korea plays South Korea who do you root for?

                                    [–]KangCholHwan[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

                                    Unification is possible and realistic. North Korea cannot be economically independent and they need the help of the South Korean government. The South Korean government has spent so much money in response to the threats of the North. Given China’s economic growth, South Korea should invest in unification with the North for economic benefits. The market will expand and benefit both sides. Both North and South Korea should not continue debating; they should start planning for unification. The Kim dynasty will not last forever.

                                    An average North Korean is not interested in China or Russia, but is only worried about whether or not they have enough to eat. Perhaps the elite would have an opinion on China and Russia.

                                    There is a sense of apathy in South Korea regarding North Korea.

                                    Many South Koreans companies or “chaebol” see North Korea as a way of making money after the North Korean regime changes. Lately, companies are thinking of profit, yes, but they are also analyzing the environment in which they do their business, including the human rights conditions of that place. However, I think the South Korean companies now are thinking of returns and profit and not so much how they will actually help the North Korean people.

                                    In the 1990s, Samsung used to give about $500 USD to defectors but this has stopped with the Sunshine policy. However, they should reestablish their support to the defector community. I wish the South Korean companies could think in terms of beneficial investments for North Korea.

                                    My father-in-law used to be a football coach in North Korea, and my wife supports the North Korean team. So I have no choice but to support that team!

                                    [–]mastermyownmind 10 points11 points  (1 child)

                                    안녕하세요! I'm South Korean, living in Atlanta, USA for 5 years and attending high school.

                                    I have several questions.

                                    Having moved after finishing elementary school in South Korea, I was exposed to many perspectives and stands on North Korea. In South Korea, as much as the North was our enemy, they were still our brothers with whom which we share blood with. Our end goal was to reunite peacefully. Over here, North Korean government is viewed as something that has to be eliminated and defeated. People are unable to understand the cultural aspect of this issue. I believe that is a big part of spreading awareness about what's really going on. The general public's ignorance about the Korean Peninsula is quite surprising. It's not rare for me to get the question that goes something along the lines of, "Which one's bad, North or South?" To them, South and North Korea are just another countries that are far away from them and don't impact them directly.

                                    How do you think this will change once the North Korean government falls?

                                    I've read somewhere that the western countries prefer the tension in Korean Peninsula for economic and political reasons. What's your opinion on this?

                                    And finally, recently I've read the book "Escape from Camp 14". You were quoted in there. After reading the book, one question came to my mind. Is there hope for North Koreans? I'm not only talking about now, but also after the government falls. They are significantly undereducated and will have hard time adjusting to the rest of the world. What do you think will happen?

                                    Thank you. It's from stories from individuals like you that truly make me appreciate what I have. 고맙습니다!

                                    [–]petite-valkyrie 19 points20 points  (5 children)

                                    Sorry if my questions seem ignorant; I haven't gotten the chance to read your book yet. It's been on my 'to read' list for a long time now.

                                    Do you have any concerns for your safety as a high-profile North Korean defector? Do you feel safe living where you are? If so, when did you start feeling truly safe/are there any concerns you still have about being targeted by the North Korean regime?

                                    Thank you very much.

                                    [–]KangCholHwan[S] 52 points53 points  (4 children)

                                    I feel I’m safe here. But the North Korean government keep making statements that they will kill me. I’m not threatened by it, but the lies they say about me do offend me. Fortunately, the South Korean police is keeping me protected.

                                    [–]petite-valkyrie 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                                    Thanks so much for your reply!

                                    I would imagine that's the least that North Korea would do, threaten. I'm very glad to hear that you feel safe and that the South Korean authorities are keeping you well protected. I can only imagine the hardships you've endured simply to tell us your story and live a (hopefully) comfortable life

                                    Thank you for that. I hope you continue to stay safe.

                                    [–]itsmyotherface 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                                    What do they say that is lies?

                                    load more comments (2 replies)

                                      [–]JamzzG 26 points27 points  (8 children)

                                      What do you want the outside world to do to try to improve the situation?

                                      [–]KangCholHwan[S] 57 points58 points  (7 children)

                                      While I was living in North Korea, I remember listening to the radio, which changed my life. I started seeing North Korea through a different lens. When I defected and came to South Korea, I was able to see so many things. It made me wonder, why are North Koreans not able to listen to such good music and watch these movies? I realized that the government was trying to stop information from reaching its people in order to sustain its regime through propaganda and the cult of adoration. I think that bringing this type of media into North Korea will empower a peaceful movement and silent change in North Korea.

                                      [–]cobex 20 points21 points  (3 children)

                                      If a person in North Korea is caught with media from the outside can they be punished?

                                      [–]KangCholHwan[S] 44 points45 points  (2 children)

                                      In my own experience, I listened to the radio for two years in North Korea with my friends. I knew that I could get punished or sent back to a political prison camp, but nonetheless, I had a thirst for freedom and interest in the South Korean youth. The yearn for freedom is increasing. So I think it would be the same for North Koreans, that they will be eager to learn about other things. Of course, there are people who are punished, but also many who bribe their way out. Also, the North Korean system is not functioning properly. Everybody is watching foreign media, and it is impossible to catch and punish everyone. It is inevitable, or else they would have to imprison everyone in the country! So it is so important to continue to send information on a larger scale.

                                      [–]Butthole__Pleasures 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                      also many who bribe their way out

                                      What a very capitalist move

                                      they would have to imprison everyone in the country

                                      They certainly seem to put a lot of effort into doing that currently

                                      load more comments (1 reply)

                                        load more comments (3 replies)

                                          [–]oh_horsefeathers 41 points42 points  (5 children)

                                          Food is notoriously scarce for many in North Korea, and I can't even imagine the rations inside a prison camp. That being the case, what's your favorite meal you've had since you've been outside NK?

                                          [–]KangCholHwan[S] 40 points41 points  (4 children)

                                          In China, it's Naengmyeon (cold ice noodles) and lamb skewers. In South Korea, steak and beef. The reason why I particularly like beef is because in North Korea, people are given beef from cows that were worked hard for 20 years, so they were as tough as tyres to eat. In North Korea only members of the very privileged tier of society are provided with beef, most ordinary citizens don’t even taste beef.

                                          [–]kgtx 10 points11 points  (3 children)

                                          What is a typical meal for an average North Korean citizen?

                                          [–]Do_You_Feel_That 24 points25 points  (5 children)

                                          What's your favourite Korean food?

                                          [–]KangCholHwan[S] 118 points119 points  (4 children)

                                          Naengmyeong! It's a Korea traditional ice noodle soup. Also, I do love baby back ribs with beer.

                                          [–]Keisaku 53 points54 points  (0 children)

                                          Also, I do love baby back ribs with beer.

                                          Welcome to THE world.

                                          [–]My_usrname_of_choice 12 points13 points  (0 children)

                                          Best answer in any AMA hands down

                                          [–]BigBroHo 3 points4 points  (1 child)

                                          KANG LIKES TO CRACK OPEN A COUPLE OF STEVEWEISERS

                                          [–]NYgiants34 14 points15 points  (2 children)

                                          Thank you very much for doing this AMA, If you could say one thing to the guards and the people who held you what would you say?

                                          [–]KangCholHwan[S] 57 points58 points  (1 child)

                                          I don’t think the guards are there because of their own choice. It was because the government forced them to be there. I don’t think they are all bad. I think many of them have recognized the situation, and they are not to blame. When North Korea opens up, I think the guards that helped the prisoners could be forgiven. But of course, there are others that purposely violated others and were murderers. Those people should be punished, and I don’t think I could forgive them. They should have a sense of conscience and admit to their wrongdoings.

                                          [–]comaplata 23 points24 points  (1 child)

                                          Thank you for the AmA. How are prisoners treated inside the camps? Is there really a lot of murder and rape by the guards. Second, Is there any kind of underground movement in North Korea that would be willing to start a revolution and overthrow the regime? I feel if there was, they would receive a ton of support from other countries.

                                          [–]KangCholHwan[S] 37 points38 points  (0 children)

                                          The authorities established political prison camps to segregate the people that they considered not able to live in North Korea. For example, those who helped the South Korean military, dissidents, and Christians. Now there are defectors. The process of interrogation is very tough. People are beaten and left to starve or die. Because of economic difficulties, they are using the prisoners for forced labor in mines or on the field. The reason these camps exist is to get rid of these people who are in opposition to the state. A lot of the things that people describe about these political prison camps are true. You cannot imagine all the atrocities that occur, such as rape and torture.

                                          [–]jjake101 30 points31 points  (2 children)

                                          1. If you could return to North Korea and do one thing, what would it be?

                                          2. Have you read the book (or seen the films) '1984' by George Orwell, What did you think of it?

                                          3. If the two Koreas unify under a democratic government, would you return to the north?

                                          4. How do you think North Korea would react if a defector became president of South Korea? Do you think it's possible?

                                          5. When you were a prisoner, what was it that motivated to find a way to get out?

                                          [–]KangCholHwan[S] 68 points69 points  (1 child)

                                          One thing… hm.. When I go back, I want to visit the political prison camps and do an objective investigation of all the things that are going on there. I want to find out all the top secrets and look at the key perpetrators of all the human rights violations that have occurred in North Korea.

                                          I haven’t finished the book, but from what I read, I saw what an authoritarian regime could be like.

                                          In terms of unification, I think the German example is something Korea could follow. Some people feel that a federal system with North and South Korea is the way to go about it, but when I look at the elites in North Korea, they do not have the ethical basis to be able to rule a federal state. In the German unification, however, the West state “took in “ the East. South Korea then can go into North Korea and teach democratic values. Of course, if North Korea opens, I will go in and work for its democratization.

                                          (Translator here, Mr. Kang chuckled at this next question)

                                          If a defector was to become President, I feel that North Korea would fall apart very quickly. Currently, I don’t think this is possible, at least in the short-term, but under a unified Korean peninsula, I think this is possible. For example, German president Angela Merkel is originally from east Germany.

                                          While I was in the political prison camp, I saw so many people die, but nobody in the world knew of this situation. Somewhere inside of me, I thought I needed to tell the people in the world. It wasn’t my main reason for defecting from North Korea, but I always had this on my mind.

                                          [–]apleaple 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                                          It wasn’t my main reason for defecting from North Korea

                                          Seriously you don't have to say defect, say escape that is what really happened the damn place is like a country sized prison from what you have said throughout this thread.

                                          [–]comaplata 18 points19 points  (5 children)

                                          Could you describe your escape?

                                          [–]KangCholHwan[S] 22 points23 points  (4 children)

                                          My route started from Pyongyang. I went from Pyongyang to Hyesan by train and then I crossed the Yalu River to Yanji, where I stayed for a month. Then I went to Shenyang for 3 months and then Dalian before I arrived at South Korea. The full details are in the book, including all of the people that I met.

                                          [–]boatliker88 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                                          thats some steve mcqueen great escape shit

                                          [–]FightingCommander 6 points7 points  (1 child)

                                          Dude, Steve McQueen didn't make it out.

                                          load more comments (1 reply)

                                            [–]Junigole 12 points13 points  (2 children)

                                            Thank you so much for doing this AMA. I just read The Aquariums of Pyongyang last week. Finding out that you were going to be answering questions was a pleasant surprise.

                                            I have so many questions, and I know there's not enough time for all of them.

                                            What do you think about the reported closure of Yodok camp? What do you think motivates the closures, and if it is to host sham inspections, will it fool anyone? Excuse me and ignore if this one is too personal, but do you have any news about your sister?

                                            [–]KangCholHwan[S] 16 points17 points  (1 child)

                                            Thank you for your questions! Since the international community has pressured North Korea to close their political prison camps after Kim Jong Un succeeded, Kim began trying to close political camps and change them into detention facilities. He tried to shut down the political prison camp in Hyeoryong at the same time as Yodok. After the purge of Jang Sung Taek, the people who were purged have risen, ending the plan to dismantle the camps. Over 10,000 were taken into political prison camps.

                                            If it hosts a sham inspection, will it fool anyone? Even if they allow the international community in, they will not show the political prison camps. Recently, I saw a satellite picture of the location of the camp, and everything is still there. They will just show regular prisons, but only for show. If they do decide to show it, it would signify a huge change in North Korea’s attitude.

                                            Until 2011, I was in contact with my sister, I used to send her money, who was in Hamgyung South Province. But then a State Security Agent framed his sister attempting to defect, and she disappeared from that point. In 2012, I filed a petition to the UN to find his sister, but I haven’t heard any news.

                                            [–]Junigole 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            Would detention centers be less severe than political prison camps?

                                            [–]Well_thats_Rubbish 7 points8 points  (1 child)

                                            Does Kim Jong Un have any real power? Do the generals just use him as a figure head?

                                            [–]ExileStrongman 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            I can reply to that. Yes, he does have real power, much more than the generals have.

                                            [–]JamzzG 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                                            What was the most effective part of their propaganda that you believed about the outside world?

                                            [–]astrowalker 7 points8 points  (1 child)

                                            Thanks for doing this AMA! Your story is very inspiring. Some people can struggle to accomplish even the most basic goals in life. Is there any advice you would like to give us about overcoming adversity?

                                            [–]dinobot100 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            This is a great question.

                                            [–]LasVegasBlvd 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            • What was your normal day-to-day life like?
                                            • What did they feed you?
                                            • What was the worst thing they did you while you were there?

                                            [–]usualsuspect02 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                                            What is something positive in North Korea that most of the rest of the world is unaware of?

                                            [–]RespectableDecadence 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            Thank you for the AMA! A few questions:

                                            • Do you believe that there's any chance the totalitarian state and current dictatorship of North Korea could be challenged by a violent revolution, and if so could that revolution topple the regime?

                                            • Do you think at this point, or at some point in the future, military intervention by an outside nation may be necessary to deal with North Korea?

                                            • Some are concerned that if North Korea were to implode or were to be toppled by an external force, the majority of the population would be unable to cope with the modern world and the country wouldn't be able to stand on its own since much of its populace may be uneducated or unskilled. Do you believe this is a valid concern, or is this a naive misconception?

                                            [–]deeperdownunder 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            How do south koreans feel towards north koreans like yourself who have escaped ?

                                            [–]ricoza 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            Do you think an invasion of North Korea can lead to a good outcome?

                                            [–]shakeszilla 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            What was the best thing you had to eat after you escaped?

                                            [–]sam_wise_guy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            Do the people there actually believe that North Korea won the world cup?

                                            [–]lilkhobs 8 points9 points  (1 child)

                                            What was your dream when you were in there? What did you want the most?

                                            [–]KangCholHwan[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

                                            When I was young I wanted to be a pilot; then I wanted to become an astronomer.

                                            [–]olywater 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            What kinds of things did you do on your down time, if there was any to be had?

                                            [–]misternuge 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                                            What, if anything, can Western nations do to effect any sort of positive change in North Korea? That recent UN report made it sound like a holocaust in our lifetime. But North Korea seems too isolated for the West to significantly intervene. Do you think it needs its own Arab Spring?

                                            [–]Cainedbutable 3 points4 points  (1 child)

                                            How do you feel about people visiting North Korea as a tourist? Do you think it's good for the country or do you feel it it is damaging?

                                            [–]KangCholHwan[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                                            Hello! I answered this question below. I hope that answer will suffice!

                                            [–]mochi_crocodile 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                                            -Sometimes it feels like all defectors have been to a prison camp and escaped from there. Can you give a guess what percentage of North-Koreans lives or has lived in these camps? Once in the camp, is there any hope to get out (after a certain amount of time?)

                                            -How does the education in North-Korea compare to for example South-Korea?

                                            -Do you think the situation in North-Korea is improving little by little (through efforts such your NGO)? Or do you think the only chance is to wait for a sudden inside or outside revolution?

                                            [–]LuciaCassandra 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Would the military defend NK or would they welcome a group of rescuing mercenaries? In your opinion of course.

                                            [–]4kylewilson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Hello Mr. Kang Chol-hwan,

                                            Thank you for doing this AMA. My question is, "What is your happiest memory, and why?"

                                            [–]KarmaNeverSleeps 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            How do the people of North Korea honestly feel about the west?

                                            [–]PopsicleIncorporated 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            I haven't seen anyone post this yet, but how did you escape from North Korea? I've read your Wikipedia article, but there isn't much information on anything besides the physical escape. What was going on emotionally? Spiritually? Mentally?

                                            [–]fantasticbombasticc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            I have read on North Korean defectors in South Korea. How they are treated like second-class citizens, most are physically short (malnutrition) and small so they usually can't get a job or blend in with the society easily, abused and underpaid at work places. It is almost similar to what undocumented immigrants experience here in the States even though the context is different. What is your organization doing to address that? Are there funds being allocated to the defectors? Do they have ways to communicate with their families? How is the South Korean government handling this? Do you think they are doing enough? Thank you so much for doing this AMA and giving light to life before and after defection.

                                            [–]spazz4life 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Thanks for doing this AMA! You are awesome.

                                            I heard once that North Korea has (had?) a large population of Christians and churches before the Kim regime took over. Is this true, and did the church survive? What were the "crimes" of some of your fellow inmates?

                                            [–]dasruski 1 point2 points  (3 children)

                                            What are your some favorite activities to do in S.Korea? And we know the bad, is there much in terms of fun or good activities for the average North Korean?

                                            [–]elguapador 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            This is not a question (as so many good questions have been asked), but I just wanted to be another voice of support.

                                            Living in China has certainly made me rethink my preconsceptions of those living under autocratic rule. I'm sure you will always feel a strong attachment to your homeland and I truly hope you can achieve some real progress in your lifetime.

                                            One question: other than your own and 'a case for democracy', what other non-fiction titles would you recommend?

                                            [–]thatmusicchick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            I just turned in a paper focusing on China and North Korea. The prompt was: "Analysts often argue for the necessity of the North Korean regime to adopt “Chinese style” market reforms. Describe how China's more open economy has influenced its political system. In your view, can North Korea follow China's path and combine a somewhat liberalized form of authoritarian control with increased economic freedom? Why or why not?" Do you think that North Korea can and will begin to open up trade with the global market or do you think that the regime will continue to try to achieve self-sufficiency like they say that want to? It was really interesting learning about North Korea in class, I am so glad to hear that you are so open about your experiences and choose to share them with the world.

                                            [–]seajellie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Your book and interviews have affected me greatly.

                                            What was former president Bush like?

                                            You are truly an inspiration and I take any opportunity I get to educate people of your plight (and those who have had similar struggles). Just the idea that you will know of my comment makes me smile. Keep being an amazing and strong person!

                                            [–]phrackage 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                                            What can I do as an individual to help? I understand you're bringing media into North Korea which almost certainly is high on the list - so here is 175000 bits towards that /u/changetip .... But what else can we do?

                                            [–]bloodslide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Briefly, how did you manage to survive? What kept you going?

                                            [–]yoelle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Can a coup d'état realistically happen in North Korea any time soon? Do you think South Korea or China will eventually do anything about North Korea or would an uprising from the NK citizens need to happen first? Is it possible for the Kim dynasty to extent to the next generation without change?

                                            [–]gtargui 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            When you arrived in South Korea, was it overwhelming for you? Did you experience 'culture shock'?

                                            [–]mcath19 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Hi Kang Chol-Hwan,

                                            Thank you so much for doing this AMA! You are an inspiration!

                                            After writing a research paper on North Koreans living in China, I believe that China plays a huge role in the North Korean situation. I have two questions for you:

                                            1. Do you feel like China is rendering or helping the people of North Korea and why?

                                            2. What steps would you like to see China to take in order to aid North Koreans?

                                            Best luck to you on all your endeavors! I look forward to see what you accomplish in the future!

                                            [–]Deniz105 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Do North Koreans understand and perform sarcasm?

                                            [–]kyleguck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            I am sorry, I am drunk, I know it is ten hours past you seeing this but, The aquariums of Pyongyang was a book I read and owned since I was 12 (my mom loved the book, and I followed in suite). I don't know where to begin and have so many questions. I guess I wanted to say, that your book was a modern day "How the Other Half Lives". You never inspired me, nor motivated me,but you shed light on the darkest aspects of the "other half" of the global political spectrum. Anything from you would me amazzing as a response to this. I have your book and can send you proof. You're book touched me and made me and my mother rethink things, idk, it would be an honor I guess to get just an "Ok" from you. I have read your book 13 times in the last 9 years. It impacted me profoundly and I cannot describe.

                                            [–]BenyaKrik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Serious question: is crystal methamphetamine really commonly available? I keep reading stories that North Koreans do crystal meth, and it isn't particularly stigmatized.

                                            [–]ReleaseTheKragle 5 points6 points  (3 children)

                                            I couldn't imagine what you had to go through.

                                            What is your favorite flavor of Ice Cream?

                                            [–]KangCholHwan[S] 24 points25 points  (2 children)

                                            When I went to San Francisco, I had Bi-Rite ice cream. It was amazing. There is also this Japanese ice cream in Pyongyang that NK elites used to eat that was also quite good. But nothing can beat the Bi-Rite ice cream.

                                            [–]cookingboy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            Bi-rite IS amazing!

                                            [–]ReleaseTheKragle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Thank you for answering :)

                                            [–]Gohagan 2 points3 points  (1 child)

                                            How do the prisoners passed the time?. I am sure it was a agonizing to be in there, what were your cell conditions like?

                                            [–]itsmyotherface 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                            Not OP..but no cells at this camp.

                                            Families live in one-room huts, with a stove, a single lightbulb and almost no furniture. Single men and women live in dormitory type housing..only no furniture. There is no running water to any of it.

                                            ETA: Unless you're thinking of punishment cells, which are a hell unto themselves.

                                            [–]itsmyotherface 3 points4 points  (1 child)

                                            Thank you for doing this AMA. I have read your book numerous times.

                                            Many of these questions will ask for you to speculate, I hope thats okay.

                                            1) Do you believe that peaceful unification of Korea is possible? If so, what would it take politically, socially, and otherwise?

                                            2) What is your opinion as to the cases of Kenneth Bae and other American hostages? What is the agenda of the North Korean gov't in these cases?

                                            3) How do South Koreans react when they hear who you are/your story? From what I've read, there seems to be some denial about how bad things really are for North Koreans.

                                            4) What do you think of the North Korean press showing Kim Jong Un in a "weaker" state (holding a cane)?

                                            5) Are you still affected by the brainwashing from your education/the camps? (Americans are evil, etc). How did it affect you to learn that many of the things you were taught simply are not true?

                                            6) Is there fear among the defector community of assassination by the NK government?

                                            7) What question do you wish people would stop asking?

                                            8) If you could say one thing to the entirety of North Korea, what would it be?

                                            [–]burnice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            I believe all three american prisoners have been freed and sent home, two just last week.

                                            [–]jstrydor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                                            What was it like when you first learned that all of the propoganda you heard in North Korea wasn't true? Also, when you were in NK, did you and your family believe all of the propoganda, or were there times where you knew what you were hearing was a lie?

                                            [–]NorbitGorbit 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                                            What was food rations like in prison? Which N. Korean food besides naengmyun do you think should be popular outside NK?

                                            [–]doctorish 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            The food ration bit is covered in the wiki entry

                                            "It was a life of hard labour, thirty percent of new prisoners would die. And we were so malnourished, we would eat rats and earthworms to survive."

                                            [–]DarthTarkin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Would you consider the North Korea to be an threat to the rest of the world? Or are they contained? What was your daily life like there?

                                            [–]Vigilaance 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                                            After escaping what was the biggest change in life outside of North Korea? It seems like everything must seem so new and different after leaving a place like that.

                                            [–]Gladiat0r52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Do people really get sucked into the personality cult of the latest leader? I recently did a report on this and I am really interested to see if I was right. Thanks a ton, and have a nice day.

                                            [–]feldamis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What did you experience inside the prison? Is it exactly how the media portrays it?

                                            [–]thebrandster1985 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What was the culture shock like when you saw what the reality of the world was like beyond the warped version that North Korea is subjected to?

                                            [–]one_of_a_kind_ 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                                            Do you think the people in the outside world actually understand what is going on behind the borders? Everybody knows its terrible, but actually understand the true extent of what is going on? What do you think S. Korea and others could do better to improve things? Thanks!

                                            [–]KangCholHwan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                            Because just saying things has no visual effect or impact, those outside of North Korea can’t really get an understanding or know about what is going on inside North Korea. For example, if there is an earthquake or tsunami somewhere, there is a visual impact that we can see. We can understand and see how horrible it is. However if we think about Auschwitz, it wasn’t believed until it appeared before our eyes. In the same sense, there are so many aspects of North Korea that are very difficult for us to believe without seeing them ourselves. The Korean government and the international community have a lot of work to do with regards to North Korea, but in reality there isn’t enough being done right now. Supporting rescues of defectors, disseminating media into North Korea, applying pressure to China, these activities can be supported actively by the South Korea government or other governments, but it still looks like there is really not interest (from the governments).

                                            [–]nlcund 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                                            Do you have an aquarium?

                                            Also, what do you think about efforts by "progressive" groups to restrict leaflet balloon launches?

                                            [–]Anablue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What was a typical day like for you in prison camp ?

                                            [–]malvarez97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            How did you feel about the regime while at camp? Did you believe they were doing the right thing? Did you ever believe you had the right to be punished? Did you believe they could see what you were thinking as some other survivors from DPRK have described?

                                            [–]jimanri 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            hello kang! first, wow, horrible experience, would you say that it can be compared to be in a nazi concentration camp?

                                            and my second question, i heard that in NK people watch movie/tv from outside NK (illegally of course) and they said that some thing, like go to a fancy restaurant cant be possible becouse nobody have that much money, can you relate?

                                            [–]alephe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Do you believe that a peaceful reunification is possible? What do you think is the most likely scenario for reunification? Do you think that there could be another Korean war in the near future? What can I personally do to prepare for the reunification of the two Koreas?

                                            [–]brycon2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            This is something that isn't really asked to people who lived in extremely terrible places but what is your favorite memory from when you lived in North Korea?

                                            [–]Junigole 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What has become your favorite "luxury" or creature comfort since defecting?

                                            [–]LabyrinthMaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What do you think about people demanding human rights to criminals, such as murderer or rapist?

                                            [–]btafaii 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            First off, thank you for answering questions about one of the most marginalized groups in the world.

                                            Given that the DMZ is one of the most heavily mined/defended borders ever, will it's existence be the largest challenge following a reunion of North and South Korea, with the need to be disassembled, or will other challenges be more problematic (e.g., the rest of the world ignoring the Korean holocaust, North Koreans finding out that the Kim necrocracy was a massive hoax, etc.)?

                                            [–]catsandicecream 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            How do you feel about the fact that publicly expressing symptathy for north koreans is illegal in south korea? Or that expressing opposing views on the reasons for the division of korea is also illegal?

                                            [–]TonyLokes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            I've read the Aquariums of Pyongyang and thought it was a very interesting read. Is there anything about North Korea that you might miss still or that you liked? I see that adjusting to life in a new country wasn't a challenge for you, but it has been for some other defectors.

                                            [–]Bifferer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Does the average North Korean citizen believe that South Koreans are enemies? What about their perceptions of the US and other countries?

                                            [–]CisternaChyli 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Will the Kim family fall? What will it take for NK to gain freedom?

                                            [–]booradley0000000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Do you feel that reducing the economic gap between the North and South is a precondition for reunification? And if so, how can the gap be reduced, given Pyongyang's goal of regime stability?

                                            [–]buckeyeredwing02 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            How did you view the U.S. while living in North Korea?

                                            [–]Greyrat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Hello Mr. Kang, I read on your wikipedia page that you haven't been able to contact your family since your escape. Have you been able to get in touch with anyone in North Korea, like old friends?

                                            [–]Symposia 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Thank you for doing this AMA! I've enjoyed reading your answers so far.

                                            Do you feel the international community is doing enough to pressure North Korea into changing its attitude to human rights?

                                            [–]Aesir0x 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Hi Mr. Kang, thank you for doing this AMA. I have two questions.

                                            1. What was some of the biggest and most obsurd propaganda that they told you in North Korea that isn't that widely known?

                                            2. How does it feel knowing that your family is still back in North Korea?

                                            Thank you Mr. Kang.

                                            [–]illuminatedowl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What can people do outside of North Korea to help shift the tide of oppression for North Koreans? I often feel helpless about what I can do as an ordinary citizen (American). Thank you for your bravery.

                                            [–]johnmal85 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Thak you for doing this. In another question you answered that some guards you can see forgiving, but there are some people who you may never forgive. Do you believe that Generals and Leaders should be held responsible for crimes against humanity and potentially war crimes?

                                            [–]Clutch_Punk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Firstly, thanks for doing this ama. Secondly, what was it like getting used to south Korean life compared? I'm guessing you had a bit of culture shock.

                                            [–]Nexus_Cannon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            When was the last time you had an alcoholic drink? Assuming that is something you do? Not sure of the customs you hold.

                                            [–]MarchonDC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What's your favorite kpop group?

                                            [–]halfbakedlogic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            If you could pick one person to rule North Korea as a democratic state.. who would you choose and why?

                                            [–]SpinningDespina 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What small things, if anything, made you happy in the day to day life in the prison?

                                            [–]adaichman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            How dangerous was your escape? How exactly do you come in contact with someone willing to take the risk of helping you escape from a prison camp?

                                            [–]sdfghs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            How big is the chance that their will be a huge riot or revolution in NorthKorea?

                                            [–]schmitzel88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Have you ever met Shin Dong-hyuk? If so, how did it go?

                                            I read his book last year and it was haunting -- I look forward to reading yours soon!

                                            [–]ConnaX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Were you or your family ever servilely harmed during the ordeal? What was average day life like? (it's okay if you don't want to mention things)

                                            [–]StunnedGoofy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Why was one thing that shocked upon entering South Korea?

                                            [–]thatstonerbitch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Thanks for doing this AMA. The average western person feels completely helpless when speaking of North Korea, what can we do to help? What information can we spread to the general public?

                                            [–]quackersRIP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            In what ways are the North Koreans influenced or indoctrinated by the government? I would like to better understand how misguided beliefs are formed.

                                            [–]CelphCtrl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            From what i understand, children are taught some ludicrous things. Do you think future generations will become sheltered and ignorant of the world?

                                            [–]iwazaruu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            I mean, come on, Pyongyang isn't THAT bad, right? I'm not joking. I went there one time. To be honest, it seemed on par with some low-level cities in China. The quality of life isn't so horrendous in Pyongyang, is it?

                                            [–]Roamingkillerpanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            Despite all of the hardship you have been through, what is your happiest memory?

                                            [–]chiarabaraldo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            First, thank you for your answers. I am studying humanitarian aid to North Korea. I would like to know: 1 What was the impact of the famine on your everyday life? How did your life change? 2 Should international community continue to help North Korea? How does external aid help North Korea? 3 Which are today the greatest needs of North Korean people? Is humanitarian aid coherent with these needs? What should be bring and developped by the international community to improve North Koreans life? 4 Will North Korea be able to change? Does it really want to?

                                            [–]Amongus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            How the hell does this AMA only get 190 comments?!

                                            [–]MostlyFartless 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            I only have one question really, what can I do to help?

                                            [–]hawking_fan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                            What is the primary force. (Be it military or otherwise) that keeps the North Korean population in check? What's stoping a massive rebellion from happening?

                                            load more comments (55 replies)