Diane Sawyer Answers Your Questions on N. Korea

Oct. 23, 2006 — -- Throughout Diane Sawyer's time in North Korea last week, hundreds of viewers e-mailed the "Good Morning America" anchor with questions.

Even Sawyer's fellow "GMA" anchors were eager to find out about her trip.

Today, Robin Roberts asked, "What was their reaction to you?"

Sawyer: The little kids were truly startled, I think. The adults were surprised, but a couple of things would happen. They would say almost uniformly, "America is our enemy. Why would America want to hurt us."

At the same time, individually, personally, they smiled. They were gracious. They would thank you for talking to them at the end. We went into their homes. Whatever they had to eat, they could put it out and give it to you.

That same thing that happens around the world. When you're face to face, actually talking, you're just human beings in a room together. Everyone recognizes that.

And yes, I did look into the refrigerator. I think that was an American thing to do!

Chris Cuomo asked what about the experience got to her the most.

Sawyer: Again, this is a hidden world -- a world that has not been penetrated by many journalists. We're at a crucial time when we have to try to understand the way they see the world. … Whatever move we make, it has to be made with some wisdom.

Yes, they see the world through Kim Jong Il and through their leadership, and they're educated to that from the very beginning.

At the same time, we have to ask ourselves if there's a way to relate in human terms. That's what it boils down to.

Sawyer also answered questions from viewers.

Sharon Marr from Fort Worth, Texas, asked: "What are the grocery stores like in North Korea and do people go to the store for most things or grow their own?"

Sawyer: A lot of people grow their own food. It is a 95 percent controlled economy. Again this is a socialist state -- it's a collective, and they grow their own food. It's very difficult for a lot of people out in the country. They were worried about the drought, whether that will increase malnutrition.