Founders of several crypto projects reportedly ask job candidates to express a critical opinion about Kim Jong Un as a quick screening technique.

How the screening works

Interviews include a question that invites candidates to say something negative about Kim Jong Un, testing willingness to criticize the North Korean regime.

According to Tokensales, hesitation, refusal, or evasive answers are treated as potential indicators that the candidate may be tied to North Korean hacking groups.

Rationale behind the method

Project founders use this approach as a fast filter amid a reported rise in fraudulent or hostile applicants allegedly linked to North Korean cyber actors.

Teams say the test is intended to reduce onboarding risks by identifying individuals who avoid criticizing Pyongyang for ideological or operational reasons.

Limitations and practical concerns

Recruitment specialists note that using a single cultural or political question can produce both false positives and false negatives and should not be the sole screening tool.

Legal, ethical, and diversity implications mean such techniques require careful consideration and supplementary verification measures during the hiring process.