It is not easy for journalists to write original stories about North Korea. The state news agency pushes out pro-regime messages and foreign journalists allowed into the country find their movements heavily restricted.
When the Guardian’s Tania Branigan travelled to the country in October she had to wait for three days for a film permit, with subsequent filming policed by “friendly but strict guides”.
But as the country’s borders become increasingly porous, we are learning more about its society, economy and culture than ever before.
NK News, partners of the Guardian North Korea network, say that the region of Yanbian – where China meets North Korea, just a stone’s throw from Russia – is a key destination for journalists wanting to understand the country.
In a new initiative NK News are crowdfunding to send an investigative reporter to the region and they want you to help shape what they’ll cover.
What do you want to know?
Maybe you want to find out more about the role of religious groups helping North Korean escape, or you have a question about the increase in travel across the border from China, North Korea’s only significant ally.
Or perhaps you’d like an update on the drugs trade, reported to revolve around the state-sanctioned production of crystal meth?
Please vote on the angle you are most interested in using the poll below, and if you any other ideas feel free to suggest them in the comments below.
