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chapotraphouse @hexbear.net
MohammedTheCommunistPalestinian [he/him] @hexbear.net

Questions for DPRK diplomat

Look ,personally I want this to be perfect ,to include every single detail not mentioned about the DPRK in the west ,also no I’m not gonna tell you how I have contact with a DPRK diplomat ,please ask sincere questions and remember this is a DPRK diplomat, not a citizen so there is stuff that they can’t answer and stuff that they aren’t allowed to answer

If my friend from the DPRK replies ,I will update you but this is for someone else ,I’ve acquired a lot of important info on the DPRK that I want to share with all of you and this is so that it could be perfect ,please ask good questions

214 comments

  • If I may burden you with one more curiosity of mine. It's related to @infuziSporg@hexbear.net final question:

    In the DPRK what is the people's and the states view on mental diagnoses like Autism, ADHD, Schizophrenia and depression and those that "suffer" from them?

    I'm curious to know wether they're even acknowledged (it's not every country that treats mental health with the same attitude as physical health.) and if they are, how the people who have it are treated. Are they outcasts (lots of places that care for mental health still finds it "shameful" and will look down on someone with a diagnosis), are they expected to be able to do the same work as all other physically fit people, are they even allowed to work, do they have to live in asylums? Stuff like that.

  • This is a more personal question: is there any quotes or phrases that personally inspires him? Things that boost personal morale to push through difficult situations?

    • Yes he did tell me one

      “Similarly I thank you for your kind words and it is encouraging to see support for the just cause of nations .

      In trying times all person's true to a just cause must remember President Kim Il Sung's quote of "The oppressed peoples can liberate themselves only through struggle."

      Like the Korean people, the Palestinian people have fought a decades long struggle against the powerful forces of imperialism. Like the DPRK, the Palestinian people still survive despite the treacherous actions of the nefarious powers. By keeping a straight focus on the struggle have and will continue to survive against the imperialist's most evil plots.”

  • I'm curious about public transit and how it compares to transit in my city. We have a small metro/subway (3 lines) that runs at 10 minute intervals during peak times and 20 minute intervals otherwise. Some of the stations have been renovated recently to make them more uncomfortable to wait at as a way to discourage people who are homeless from using them as shelter. This includes removing the doors from heated waiting areas and only turning the heaters on during the peak ridership times.

    We also have buses but with the same issues, service isn't frequent enough, the coverage is not good, and they remove "problem bus shelters" to force homeless people elsewhere.

  • I've heard some stuff about the DPRK having a beer brewing renaissance of sorts over the past decade. What's the most popular styles of beers and are there any unique kinds of beers that are hard to find elsewhere in the world? (Similar to how Norway has some unique styles of farmhouse ales that use a yeast that's unique to the region).

  • You are so incredibly cool for doing this.
    I've got a few.

    I would like to know what the biggest "culture shock" in meeting the west/westerners has been for the diplomat. Like what do they find "weird" about us? Could be simple things like I find it weird a lot of Americans don't take off their shoes indoors.
    What is something they often want to ask foreigners, but, for one reason or another, can't? (Out of politeness)

    What can I as an average westerner do to help North Korea? I am by no means wealthy by the standards of my country, nor am I influential, but I still have free time and a few resources at my disposal. I would love to know what actions I could take that would help North Koreans - or just in general be helpful. I have done volunteer work before, and am looking to begin on a new project soon, so looking for insight. I imagine they will have an insightful perspective. (Feel free to answer this one yourself too Mohammed.).

    In their eyes, how do they feel about tourists coming to North Korea? I know I've lived somewhere with a lot of foreign tourists and I've seen the city depreciate. That is mainly due to capitalist profit-seeking, but still. I'd love to hear their thoughts on tourism.

    Edit: Sorry, a bit more. Would it be possible for me to work for and in the DPRK? Would they even want that?
    And finally, where would he recommend I look to learn more about the DPRK? I am very curious about the nation and it's people, but it is difficult to find good sources and to separate fact from fiction. Even academics regularly lie or fall for lies here.

  • This is his first response

    “Hello Comrade.

    For the past week, and proceeding into this week I have been busier with work than typical. This means I have less time than typical for discussions.

    In the upcoming days, work will clear and with it an increase in time for discussions.

    However, thank you for creating a questionnaire in the site Hexbear. This will certainly help with our outreach activities and I will gladly answer as soon as time permits.”

  • He has answered the questions regarding food

    When I asked him if he could answer the other questions he responded by saying

    “Not currently, every question requires an answer with depth. An answer I cannot adequately provide under my current work circumstances.

    It will need to sit for later in the week but I will be able to answer in the upcoming days.”

  • What is the typical breakdown of household energy consumption, by fuel/power source? I know of historical Korean innovations like the ondol; does the revolutionary government have an emphasis on energy availability and energy efficiency in villages and neighborhoods?

    What would an average person's plate look like, if it contained the daily 2300 kcal or so? I'm thinking about the CIA reports in the 1970s of caloric intake in the USSR compared to the US, noting that it was slightly higher overall but that large proportions of grain and potatoes (and to a lesser extent, dairy) boosted it to that point. Are there any food items or agricultural products that are a strong part of the DPRK's economy such that they are familiar to everyone? Are there any foods that need to be rationed or simply produced less?

    How does the broader culture in the DPRK approach nature and ecology? (I know this is a broad question; answer it however you feel is meaningful.)

    I have seen outlines of history textbooks from the DPRK and I was impressed. Do students in secondary school (or even primary school) have part of the curriculum dedicated to informatics/programming/computer science? How common is it for young people in the DPRK to be preparing for careers in programming, networking, cybersecurity, and electronics?

    Is there a broad awareness in the country of learning disabilities and "mild" psychological disorders? How are mentally ill or mentally disabled people treated?

  • My question would be is to ask 'If representatives from the international departments of communist parties from around the would wished to reach out and a establish fraternal connection to the international department of our comrades of the Workers Party of Korea, to whom and where should should we work to reach out towards?"

    • “I recommend to Alaskball to contact their nearest DPRK embassy. That is a diplomatic question.”

      But alaskball is American ,how will they contact the embassy

      “That is a more difficult situation. The UK embassy would be the easiest to reach for an English speaker in America.”

  • Is there anything an American can (legally) do to support the DPRK?

    What are elections like in the DPRK? What was the last election [DPRK diplomat] participated in?

    • “Americans and all individuals in capitalist countries can support the DPRK through promoting the truth of the DPRK on the internet. This can be done by spreading factual information to combat Western propaganda or supplying counter arguments to Western propaganda. Additionally, if enough motivated individuals are found a pro-DPRK event could be arranged.

      In DPRK elections citizens arrive at their polling station and receive their voting card and then cast their ballot. I last voted in the 2023 elections.”

    • This is not from the diplomat but my friend Kye told me that Kim Jung Un won the popular election and that he was a minor at the time so he couldn’t vote ,when I asked him how do they know that the elections are legitimate they told me that there are polling stations in different places in the country to see

  • Does the DPRK in any way fight against the western anti-DPRK insane propaganda? Aside from the officials' statements, which I don't think have much effect. My impression is not much. I look at China where the anti-propaganda effort is ramping up. Including the new visa-free regime for so many countries (Belarus did it first). I know that the DPRK is working on some resorts, but that seems to be targeted at friendly counties like Russia. But the tendency seems to be that the westerners live so poorly now, that it could be beneficial to just open up a little. So why not?

    • They answered

      “In accordance with the Juche ideology the DPRK does not place great concern as to the Western nation's view of the DPRK. Those who are interested in finding the truth will seek it or perhaps even work to spread the truth within their own nation.

      The DPRK does not wish to compromise the ultimate goals of the revolution in a desire of appeasement toward the West.”

    • They’re trying to ,but every time they make an account on western social media they get westerners being dumbasses and ruining everything

  • In the west, television, videogames and social media have been the primary pasttimes that occupy people when not working. Mon-Fri most people come home from work, cook, then engage in one of these for the rest of the evening. What are the pasttimes of people in the DPRK?

    • “Koreans enjoy the same activities as any other people enjoy, time with family and friends, playing sports, walking outdoors. A specific popular amusement is karaoke.“

      • Ooooo I really want to ask where they go for karaoke. Whether it's like a local pubs thing like the UK, specific karaoke facilities like Japan, or just friend's houses.

    1. What is the general attitude in DPRK with regards to comics, animation, folk tales? Are they mainly seen as vehicles only to show morality to children, or are they seen more as applicable to a wider audience and acceptable for adults to partake in? I'm aware of The Boy General / 소년장수 being popular among both adults and children, but I was unsure if that was just an exception to the rule or not.
    2. Are there any aspects of other AES countries that you would like to see implemented in DPRK in the future? e.g. infrastructure, transport etc.
    3. Childcare in America and other western capitalist countries is very expensive. What is childcare like in DPRK? Do children have free school meals (and if so what is included?), textbooks, uniforms etc.? Do you have to pay a fee at all, or is everything provided by the government? I've heard it's the latter with regards to textbooks and uniforms, but I'd really like some confirmation.
    • What are their thoughts on BRICS and the move towards multipolarity? Do they believe it can successfully challenge American dominance? Do they believe it can have a positive impact on the world?
    • Has the desire for Korean reunification been completely abandoned or is the recent shift in policy more a recognition of reunification being a far and distant goal rather than something that can be realised on a shorter scale?
    • In the best of all possible worlds, what relations would Korea like to have to the west, both political and economic relations but also personal relations between Korean and western individuals.
    • What does Koreans think of the way Korea is depicted in the west? Does it make them sad or angry or do they laugh at it?
    • What jokes do Koreans tell about the west?
    • Do people also feed wild animals like birds and squirrels for entertainment over there? Is it common, or is it looked down upon? 🍚🐦
    • How open and friendly are strangers in the DPRK? Are people generally loose or are they more reserved in public? 😐🎭🤡
    • Is COVID still taken seriously? Like Zero COVID? (Mask requirements, sick leave from work, quarantines) 🦠😷
    • What is the best snack, chocolate bar or candybar in DPRK? 🍫🍬🍭

  • Btw everyone here so far had their questions asked ,tomorrow by 11 o’clock in my country ,I should have at least one of these questions answered

    Something to remember is that this person can’t answer some questions due to the nature of the DPRK

  • How is the consumer electronics proliferation in Democratic Korea? Meaning what % of the people have access to mobile phones, laptops and desktop computers? How about home appliances like fridges, vacuums, etc. Is there a rural-urban gap?

    How integrated is marxism-leninism in school education? Is everyone required to understand the fundamentals of marxism/dialectical materialism?

    1. how do people inside the DPRK regard the recent turmoil in south korea?
    2. how relevant do people inside the DPRK see the conflicts in the middle east, ukraine to their own national security? And do they feel that their affinity with russia/china/iran has increased or decreased in the last 10 years?
    3. In the last trump presidency, there was a meeting which appeared to be PR. How did people inside the DPRK regard the last trump presidency, and how do they feel about the incoming one?
    4. How has the relations of DPRK with Cuba changed since the new south korean embassy?

    • Here is his answer

      “The people of the DPRK are aware of the constant political chaos in the puppet ROK. They are also aware of the immense corruption stemming form capitalism in the ROK, and as such the frequent political unrest in the South is rightfully seen as product of the unjust system of leadership.

      The Korean people see the numerus global conflicts as an extension of the war of the working peoples against the capitalistic oppressors of all people. This means to secure the revolution in the DPRK, the revolution must also be secured abroad. The DPRK's relations with its fellow nations fighting the U.S. has only improved in the past decade.

      No comment about Donald Trump.

      The DPRK continues to see Cuba as a critical ally in the global revolution.“

    • Something interesting they told me is “ Hello comrade.

      I’ll respond to the comment of the DPRK being less devoted than others nation’s.

      The DPRK is honest about that fact that development is less than that of the South or the United States, however, they purposefully hinder the DPRK’s industrial and human development by unjust sanctions.

      In the face of such crimes the Korean people’s will to survive is momentous and telling. Despite the imperialists best efforts the DPRK stands strong.

      Furthermore, the DPRK is honest that investment in the nation has been uneven. That meaning investment from the government has been focused on industrial areas compared to rural areas. However, Respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un pledged to rectify this wrong and put the impetuous behind rural development.

      The DPRK is honest in the fact of the state of its development.”

      During the talk with my friend (not the diplomat) ,he states that he hopes trump would end all the ongoing wars in reference to the war in Gaza and the war in Ukraine and when I asked them ,he told me that he thinks trump will focus on their technology while “we” in reference to me and him can deal with Israel

      Btw this is all still not answered ,I’m telling you what I already know ,there’s still more to learn

      I haven’t asked the question about Cuba but when I mentioned it ,the diplomat told me that the DPRK is proud to stand by Cuba as an ally and my DPRK friend told me it’s his favorite communist country so it doesn’t seem the embassy changed their views that much

      Not to mention they don’t seem to hate South Korea at all tbh ,they know it’s an American occupation but besides that ,they don’t hold much hostility

      Keep in mind ,I will update you tomorrow Inshallah

  • Before the pandemic I learnt of some friendly visits of European and North American socialists and communists to the DPRK. Have these types of visits resumed? Are they fruitful for the DPRK and, if so, in what way?

    • Here is your answer

      “The DPRK intends to reopen to Western tourists in 2025. Tourism is effective in bringing revenue to the DPRK, as well as educating tourists on the truth of the DRPK rather than the Western propaganda that is most persons only knowledge of the DPRK.“

      • thank you so much for the answer! That's wonderful to hear that the DPRK is reopening to Western visitors. Seeing is believing, as they say. I look forward to reading the rest of the answers in this thread

  • I just don't know enough about the dprk to ask a salient question. And all I want to know is how much I can relate to the citizens. There was that, if memory serves (and I don't think it does), Iraqi woman who said famously "you have more in common with an Iraqi citizen than you do with an American billionaire."

    So I'm curious about their entertainment consumption. Do you use the Internet? Do they watch One Piece? Do you have forums where people post memes? Do you play video games? Do you get access to international friends (clearly you do in some capacity to know Mohammed)?

    • “Average persons across the globe, in Iraq, France, Brazil, Mexico, have more in common with the citizens of the DPRK than any billionaire. This is because the capitalistic elite do not understand what it is like to live a normal life where everything is granted at whim. Practically all average citizens across the globe are united in the struggle to live happily in an oppressive world whether they understand that or not.

      The DPRK has its own internet that is inaccessible to outside users. Western media is not available on this internet. From my position I am an exception in my ability to use Western internet.“

    • Well this is a diplomat/official ,not a normal person ,they are a normal person but their job is to be on the internet and while I don’t know ,I think there’s more North Korean than we think on the internet

      From what I know ,their life is more like people in the 50’s in America and other places in the world ,they have movies (Soviet movies) and their own cinema ,they have their own comic books named “Kurimchaek“ ,they have literature ,they go out to the park ,beach etc

      Tbh their life is like people in the USSR , they have movies ,comics ,nice places to go to ,free housing (even for foreigners who are staying there 😭)

      But I think they don’t have social media ,my friend Zuhair ,the one who introduced me to the North Korean in China ,Zuhair told me that Kye (that North Korean) was not used to social media

      I don’t know if they have video games or can read manga form Japan because Japan is a country they deeply despise they do have their own comics

      • But I think they don’t have social media

      • I don't know how much you keep up with it, but America banned Tiktok for a couple hours. It made the alternative Chinese social media, Xiaohongshu, the #1 app in the app store. Because we're talking about America, the class consciousness is small at best, but there was a little bit of solidarity and comradery shared between American citizens and Chinese citizens.

        I just think, wish, and hope that there's be some intersection of media consumption between America, China, and North Korea. If we all thought Spongebob memes were funny or we all thought Chinese dragons were awesome that would mean something to me. We would feel that solidarity and comradery extend somewhere that the American government deeply despises.

  • I actually have one from a dumbass debate/argument I had in a comment section on TikTok like 2 months ago; Are citizens allowed to choose their job/career and are they forced to work?

    I know this sounds dumb and I think I know the answer but after having probably the dumbest argument ever, I realize it's actually a blind spot for me. Or, if you could just give me some general info on employment in the DPRK, that would be great.

  • I've just harassed someone to sticky this for you.

    If you can will you put this in c/ama when you do post answers with a link back to the questions thread? We can throw up a site sticky for it.

  • What is the honest opinion of the DPRK people (or the present leadership) about Kim Jong-il, especially with regards to his relationship with China?

    Was he justified in his hatred for China, or did he screw up an important relationship?

    • Sorry I forgot to answer this one but it was just as I expected

      “ The DPRK fully supports Chairman Kim Jong Il's actions during his leadership.”

    • I know the diplomat likes Kim Jong Il and my friend from the DPRK liked them all ,though He does seem like the most controversial person of the three

      Kim Il Sung being the most popular

      Here’s the thing when I asked them on how they view Mao Zedong ,they told me that he had fights with him as well as Khrushchev over de stanlization which Kim Il Sung opposed ,when I told them that people in most of the world view Mao as someone who opposed de stanlization ,this is what they said

      I’ll give you it from the beginning

      “Hello and thank you for your question.

      In the 1950's Mao Zedong and Nikita Khrushchev came to odds with President Kim Il Sung over De-Stalinization. Mao Zedong made veiled threats of ousting President Kim Il Sung over the issue and that soured the DPRK-Chinese relationship.”

      I replied “ That’s what makes me wonder , from what I know the DPRK sees Stalin as a great leader right? ,I might be wrong and that’s how Mao saw it which is why I don’t get what his problem was with the DPRK

      As for Khrushchev ,didn’t he also have problems with the DPRK ?

      So what did the DPRK do when it came to “De-Stalinzation” ,did it refuse de stanlization or did it accept it ??

      That’s my question”

      He replied

      “Yes. That is correct Stalin is seen as a great leader in the DPRK.

      Chinese and Soviet agents together attempted to overthrow President Kim Il Sung over ideological disagreements stemming from the President’s rejection of de-Stalinzation. President Kim Il Sung was opposed to this sudden shift in ideology and did not follow the Soviet line.

      The event is called the Second Arduous March which occurred in 1956 if you wish to learn more about the specifics which occurred.”

      I replied “ What I don’t understand is that in the west and in the world in general ,Mao was seen as someone who rejected de-Stalinization ,so why and what was his disagreement with President Kim Il Sung over ?

      Did Mao at the time accept De Stalinization ?”

      He replied and gave an extremely interesting answer

      “While Mao Zedong and China was opposed to de stalinization they did not want to fully split from the USSR and enter hostile relations. The attempted removal of President Kim Il Sung was an opportunity for Mao Zedong to demonstrate he was not in favor of abandoning relations with the USSR.”

      He continued later “In reference to your previous question the DPRK, being a nation in a constant struggle for survival maintained a straight course in keeping relations with its neighbors, however DPRK policy would react to whichever the USSR or China seemed more likely to fight for Korean independence if necessary.

      However border disputes in the late 60’s deeply soured DPRK-China relations for the coming years.”

      So tbh I don’t wanna hear any more conversations on who was wrong in the sino Soviet split ,if this is true it’s clear it was absolutely the USSR’s and mainly Khrushchev’s fault, the sad thing is Brezhnev did try to fix relations with Mao ,but Mao was of the deep end at that point in his life

      He still hasn’t answered your question btw ,this is just me saying what I have been told from him and my other friend

    • Sorry, second question, regarding Juche ideology: has the view of the Juche ideology that “men shall prevail over nature” been adjusted given that the harsh climate of Northeast Asia requires the DPRK to spend 20% of their GDP annually just on agriculture alone, and had often caused unpredictable outcomes to crop yield, most notably the disastrous weather effects of 1994-1996 and the great famine that ensued?

      What is the DPRK position on climate change? Do they think that the warming climate in the north will be beneficial to them (geopolitically and economically) or will the unpredictable effects of climate change bring further uncertainty to the country?

      • I am not knowledgeable about North Korea other than dumb western propaganda which I believe to be mostly false because they lie about everything else, but nowhere is safe from climate change and everywhere it is a risk. One of the biggest factors of climate change is the changes in the jet stream are going to make weather completely unpredictable and extreme. For example, a heat wave in northern Canada and a foot of snow in Louisiana US.

      • What is the DPRK position on climate change? Do they think that the warming climate in the north will be beneficial to them (geopolitically and economically) or will the unpredictable effects of climate change bring further uncertainty to the country?

        Not a substitute for a direct answer, but while researching various minister positions in the DPRK a while back, I found that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has done work in the North. An excerpt from them on climate change and Korea:

        The DPR Korea is seriously affected by climate change. During the last 100 years, temperature changes have affected rainfall patterns and brought frequent occurrences of extreme weather including floods and droughts, which in turn impacted on socio-economic development and people’s livelihood.

        The occurrence of frequent natural disasters, mostly caused by erratic and often extreme climatic conditions have significantly contributed to making agricultural production unstable and, hence, to insufficient food supply and national food insecurity in DPR Korea. Natural disasters have the effect of negative impacts twice on food and agricultural sector since these not only damage the crops in the current year but also the infrastructures and material basis for production in the subsequent years. Their impacts last long and, in many cases, extra budgets are needed for rehabilitation.

  • If you would like to set up an ask me anything post with yourself as a facilitator or with the diplomat on an account I would be happy to help you.

    What is their favourite local food/dish?

    • “I can answer the personal question immediately.

      I enjoy potato dishes. Ttŭdŏguk is a favorite.

      I like the hamburger due to the contrasting textures and flavors of the meat and bread, especially when grilled to different variations.

      I personally dislike pizza as afterword I do not feel my personal best.”

      They answer their favorite local dish and their favorite and least favorite intentional food

      I still can’t believe they like burger lol 😂

    • Here’s the thing ,the diplomat is only available at a certain time during the day in my country (Palestine) and the end of the day (afternoon) in Korea

      So it’s a bit tricky but they do always answer which is a good thing

      • Posting a questions thread (like this one) then following up with a separate answers thread in c/ama is perfectly adequate for a situation like that.

        If they want to do a live ama that can also be facilitated with a set date/time. We can limit it to a certain amount of time and push it before hand. The benefit of this is it can also be shouted about elsewhere comrades gather which can draw in more participation.

        Also worth mentioning to them that we could go further and do it with someone else too if they're willing. The floor isn't just open to the diplomat I think there's a lot of different amas that people would be quite interested in.

        The questions then answers format in separate threads is probably less daunting and also easier to screen out questions they can't answer (or don't want to) without causing a scene though.

214 comments