Wu Yang is a first-year graduate student at the University of Toronto where he is completing a Master of Global Affairs degree, along with a Collaborative Master's Specialisation in Contemporary East and Southeast Asian Studies. He previously completed a Bachelor's degree at the University of Toronto, majoring in Political Science and International Relations and minoring in History.

Wu's interest in North Korea initially stemmed from curiosity about the country's extreme isolation, and this interest eventually became intertwined with others in foreign affairs and political thought. Visits to South Korea on diplomatic missions gave him a glimpse into how North Korea's presence continues to loom large in the region despite its isolation, and he is also keenly passionate about the role of ideologies in political communities and their relationship with human rights, believing that ideological developments play an important part in justifying repression. Having prior research experience on China, Wu hopes to learn more about China's relationship with North Korea and its role in North Korean human rights issues.