Growing up in North Korea, Kang Na-ra had never used the internet.

Even the privileged few of her compatriots who were allowed smartphones could access only the nation’s tightly restricted intranet. YouTube, Instagram, and Google were entirely alien concepts.

Today, Kang is a YouTube star with more than 350,000 subscribers. Her most popular videos have raked in millions of views. Her Instagram account, with more than 130,000 followers, boasts sponsored ads for major brands including Chanel and Puma.

She’s among an increasing number of North Korean defectors who, after escaping into South Korea, have made what might seem unlikely careers as YouTubers and social media influencers.

Dozens have followed a similar path in the past decade, their videos and accounts giving a rare glimpse into life in the hermit kingdom – the food North Koreans eat, the slang they use, their daily routines.