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April 23, 2026Apr 23, 2026
Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: What do North Koreans do on the weekend?

A defector writes about spending Saturdays at self-criticism sessions and the boredom of rest days

“Ask a North Korean” is an NK News series featuring interviews with and columns by North Korean defectors, most of whom left the DPRK within the last few years.

Readers may submit their questions for defectors by emailing ask@nknews.org and including their first name and city of residence.

Today’s question is about rest and leisure in the DPRK.

Rose — who was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until she defected in 2019 — writes about what happens during the weekend, “comradely love” and lack of motivation during the workday.

Got a question for Rose? Email it

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