chapotraphouse

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.

How are women treated in the DPRK? What about healthcare for women? Is abortion legal? And on healthcare in general, is it free? Are there limitations on the jobs that women do, possibly because of cultural norms? How about representation in the legislatures?

Does the dprk focus on science, and are they making innovations that perhaps the west does not know of? What about math, are there mathematicians in the DPRK and what do they research.

What about technology? Do they still use redstar os or is there a new one, or do they use western systems? Also do they have something like TikTok?

And others have asked this but what about music? A lot of music I can find from the dprk is genuinely really good but do they make music that isn't about their country?

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?

I would like to know more about North Korean art, both traditional and contemporary. What music do young people listen to? Where can I access to their cinema, music, painting, theater (with subtitles)?

How much interest does north Korea have in exposing foreigners to their culture? What is the government's policy on that matter?

Edit: I forgot about books. Anything Korean translated to other languages? Fiction, essays, etc.

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?

• 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?

Will the DPRK consider investments in the rebuilding of Gaza and is Pyongyang considering a concrete military alliance with Hamas akin to their relationship with Moscow?

are they hiring replacements for the american defectors who used to perform in their movies?

Can he tell us some good drunks to own the libs with? I am not being cute an actually allyop dunk powered by a DPRK diplomat would go hard as hell.

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.

Does North Korea have their own horror movies, and if so, can you tell us about some of them?

• 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? 🍫🍬🍭

What's one of the most popular foods that developed uniquely in the DPRK?

What is daily life like in the DPRK? I’m wondering how it compares to mine in the U.K., or European or Americans.

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

Is there such thing as choco pie black market? Apparently, from what I've heard, during inter Korean economic relations, some South Korean companies paid them North Korean workers that, because of DPRK regulations on wages, and the workers apparently sold it on the black market for money?

Note: lib source https://qz.com/emails/quartz-obsession/1157427/choco-pie-4

Can we have a meat, chicken, and meaty noodles recipe (so three recipes) unique to the DPRK please? I'll take even just one recipe if three is too much trouble!

EDIT: oooh, and a chicken bun recipe please! If I can only have one recipe please let it be this!

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?

Does North Korea have fictitional comic, movie or TV show superheroes akin to Superman, and if so, what's their name and powers?

1. Do you know much about transgender or LGBT issues?

2. Are there any transgender or LGBT organizations that we can write to in the DPRK? There are a lot of LGBT communists that would be very excited for this opportunity! (myself and much of hexbear included!)

3. Will you make an account on Hexbear? :P

Thanks again for being a globe trotter Mohammed