A Kim Il Sung University graduate has surprised his friends by prioritizing career prospects over his long-term romantic relationship, Daily NK has learned.
“University students about to graduate face a crucial crossroads in their lives. Those from the provinces who study in Pyongyang often dream of establishing themselves in the capital, creating a significant dilemma about whether to stay or return home,” a source in North Korea told Daily NK recently.
The source shared the story of a student (referred to here as Kim), who recently completed his studies at North Korea’s most prestigious university.
Kim grew up in challenging circumstances with his widowed mother in Chongjin, North Hamgyong province. Despite their financial hardship, his academic dedication earned him admission to a provincial school for gifted students and eventually to Kim Il Sung University.
Upon arriving in Pyongyang, Kim was struck by how dramatically different life in the capital was compared to his provincial upbringing. While focusing on his studies, he began envisioning a successful future in the capital.
During his university years, an older student introduced Kim to a younger woman (referred to as Jeong), a fellow university student from Pyongyang. Their secret relationship flourished over three years.
Jeong’s father worked as a regular employee at a Pyongyang machinery factory, while her mother supported the family by running a market stall.
Although Kim considered marriage, he realized that given both families’ financial situations, the only benefit would be securing permanent residence in Pyongyang—likely leading to ongoing financial struggles.
“A provincial man marrying a Pyongyang woman doesn’t guarantee success,” explained the source. “Even in Pyongyang, advancement typically requires the woman’s family to have money or connections. Otherwise, couples remain among the capital’s struggling class. And in Pyongyang, one small mistake can get you expelled to the provinces. Avoiding that fate requires influence.”
Kim understood these realities well. While living in Pyongyang is an aspiration for most provincial students, practical considerations weighed heavily on his mind.
During a January visit home for winter break, Kim confided in his mother, who urged him to pursue social advancement and prosperity in the provinces rather than poverty in Pyongyang. She offered to arrange an introduction to the daughter of a prominent local official.
This prospective match had graduated from a vocational college specializing in light industry and worked as a technician at a food plant. Given her respected family background, Kim recognized that marrying her would provide significantly more stability and advancement opportunities than he could hope for in Pyongyang.
After careful consideration, Kim chose the promise of provincial prosperity through marriage into an influential family over continuing his three-year relationship with Jeong, which would likely result in a lower-class Pyongyang existence.
Kim’s decision divided his friends. Some supported his pragmatic choice, arguing that prosperity in the provinces outweighs struggling in Pyongyang. Others expressed disappointment that he had abandoned a genuine romantic connection for practical advantages.
“Some friends suggested he could have found a way to survive in Pyongyang and said they would think twice before giving up Pyongyang citizenship,” the source added. “In North Korea, marriage extends beyond emotional connections—it’s a critical decision that determines your future living standard and social position.
March 13, 2025 at 06:00AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)