Life inside a communist country with a controlling dictator for a leader is not only suffocating and dangerous; it’s also vastly different from life in developed countries elsewhere across the globe.
Joo Yang, who defected from North Korea in 2010, did an “Ask Me Anything” on Reddit Wednesday and explained what it was like to leave the oppressive country and experience life in the outside world.
North Korean defectors have to escape the country covertly. Some of them were basically brainwashed by propaganda growing up — one defector who spoke to UK newspaper The Independent said she was raised to believe that Kim Jong-il was a god who could read her mind.
Yang joined her family in South Korea in 2011. An NGO helped her travel through a “modern-day underground railroad” to escape North Korea.
Here are some of the observations she made about life in North Korea versus life on the outside:
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Huge lock on Japanese public toilet door is true display of kind customer service
Demon Slayer Tamagotchi on sale now, preorders for 9 more types on the way
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
9+3=12? Nope, that’s wrong, says Japanese kid’s elementary school, thanks to “cherry calculation”
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at the Seria 100-yen chainstore in Japan?
New Studio Ghibli bedding sets are cool in all senses of the word
We check out the new apartment building construction site area that opened in KidZania Tokyo
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
9+3=12? Nope, that’s wrong, says Japanese kid’s elementary school, thanks to “cherry calculation”
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at the Seria 100-yen chainstore in Japan?
New Studio Ghibli bedding sets are cool in all senses of the word
We check out the new apartment building construction site area that opened in KidZania Tokyo
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Toyota City civil servant arrested for using government access to run a detective agency
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
How long does it take to order at all SEVEN Starbucks stores at this huge shopping mall in Japan?