Is the DPRK looking to liberalize their economy or will they keep their socialist economy?

What is the single most important foreign policy concern of the DPRK other than national defence. Specifically. Like is there a specific supply or material they are banned from importing they really need? Something we can put pressure on our governments to allow in?

If I have hypothetical PHD Research that I’d like to conduct in the DPRK, what would be the best way to do so and what are some first steps?

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?

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?

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.

• 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? 🍫🍬🍭

I would like to ask if they have any good jokes that no one outside of the DPRK would get.

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

How many hours do people work each week, and do factory workers work the same hours as office workers?

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?

• 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?