North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, and its government’s defiance of the international community has been a cause of serious dispute. It remains an enigma to the outside world, but beneath the facade of a oppressive regime lies a country with a rich cultural and creative heritage which is home to 25 million people. Here, we break down the reality of life in North Korea today, shed light on its culture and economy, and discuss its role in world affairs.
Systematic Repression
Since its establishment, North Korea’s government led by the Kim dynasty has been characterized by a rigidly hierarchical and hierarchical structure with an incredibly limited and for the most part large culture. It aims primarily to maintain complete control of its citizens through fear and intimidation, with human rights abuses being a common occurrence. Consequently, North Koreans have no rights to freedom of expression, speech, and even thought and travel outside the country, and most don’t have access to distant news or other forms of information flow.
Those who violate government regulations are harshly punished. State surveillance is pervasive, with informants embedded in every corner of society. The Supreme leader has the authority to imprison anyone, including the citizens of other states, at any time and in any place, and there are reports that those suspected of opposing the regime are being subjected to torture and extrajudicial killing.
Austerity Economy
North Korea’s economy is heavily regulated and relies heavily on government-controlled industries, state-provided services, and some agricultural production. Its centrally planned system means that the government maintains strict control over resources, prices and wages. As such, North Koreans have experienced long-term shortages of goods, low supplies of food, and limited access to healthcare, basic necessities, and electricity.
Additionally, the country’s system of centralised money issued by the state, combined with financial sanctions imposed by the international community, has resulted in a dysfunctional currency. This can be seen in the significant gap between the official rate of exchange and the unofficial, black market rate.
Vulnerable Endemic Population
In North Korea, poverty is pervasive, given the extreme economic hardships experienced by most citizens. Additionally, the country has a huge population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living with few or no basic rights, no access to education or healthcare, and often in unacceptable living condition.
International aid organizations are allowed to operate in North Korea, although the regime has tight control over foreign aid and limits access to those outside the country. This has made it difficult for aid workers to reach and advise those whose lives have been most affected by the austere conditions. In addition, the country experiences chronic food shortages, occurring due to a range of factors such as lack of resources, energy shortages, environmental degradation, and food production being heavily dependant on international aid.
Ambiguous International Role
Due to its defiant stance against the international community, North Korea is seen as a rogue state and has a reputation for strained relations with its neighbors, especially South Korea and Japan. However, the country has taken small steps in engaging in diplomatic talks with other nations. It has also made some economic reforms aimed at opening up the country to foreign investments, although the results of such policies remain to be seen.
Likewise, the Kim regime has threatened to set off nuclear tests and develop nuclear weapons, although it has recently suspended nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) testing and is starting to re-engage in dialogue with other nations. Some experts speculate that North Korea will fundamentally change in the future, especially with the ascension of North Korea’s current leader, Kim Jong-un.
Contentious Humanitarian Crisis
Humanitarian problems in North Korea have been the focus of increasing international concern in recent years. Humanitarian organizations operating in the country face numerous difficulties, including lack of access, lack of funding, and ambiguity over who is responsible for the situation. In addition, the government has traditionally been resistant to outside criticism, making it difficult for international aid to reach those most in need.
Although North Korea has suffered from food shortages and poverty for decades, the situation has become more urgent in recent years. Extreme flooding in 2016 damaged much of the country’s crops, exacerbating the already dire food situation. As a result, North Koreans have been significantly harder hit by food insecurity and other humanitarian crises.
Averting a Global Threat
Finally, there is concern that North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities could pose a serious threat to global security. Although the country has suspended nuclear and ICBM testing and is open to diplomatic talks, many in the international community remain deeply wary of the Kim regime’s proliferation ambitions. The Trump Administration has also increased pressure on North Korea over the issue.
The international community is working to avert the global threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and to encourage more constructive and meaningful engagement with the Kim regime. It remains to be seen if North Korea can transcend its controversial status and re-engage with the world.
Contemporary Political System
The present political system in North Korea is often referred to as totalitarianism, as it is an extremely controlling and oppressive government. Since its establishment in 1948, North Korea has been led by the hereditary Kim dynasty, with Kim Jong-un as the current Supreme Leader.
The citizens of North Korea may be subject to mass surveillance and highly controlled media, as well as strict rules and regulations. People are only allowed to express themselves within the constraints of what the regime allows and posts on digital platforms.
Despite the oppressive nature of the regime, there is some level of political plurality, with the government engaging in talks with other states and some of the more progressive members encouraging economic reform. Such efforts remain controversial and there has been no significant shift in the government’s human rights record.
Traditional Society
Historically, North Korea has been a traditional Confucianist society, with a heavy emphasis on familial hierarchy, moral education, and respect for the elderly. Although traditional values remain a part of society, the conflicting ideologies of communism and democracy have changed the dynamics of North Korean culture.
The government actively promotes the so-called “Juche” ideology, which is a type of nationalistic socialism designed to strengthen the regime’s control over the people. Under Juche, citizens are expected to put the regime and its interests first and the society is strictly regulated.
Despite the regime’s efforts to suppress traditional values, it has not done away with them. North Korean culture is still heavily focused on family and loyalty, and the traditional Confucianist values are still deeply held by some.
Censored Creative Expression
North Korea has a rich artistic heritage and continues to produce literature, music, art and even film. However, these forms of expression have become heavily censored and restricted by the government. Novels have been used to portray the regime’s preferred narrative and artists have had to conform to the state’s expectations to avoid censure.
In spite of the regime’s efforts, some creative works are able to slip through the cracks and reach a wider audience. This can be seen in the rise of underground literature and web-based journalism, which have allowed North Koreans to express their views more freely. Such works are still heavily censored, but they provide valuable insight into life in North Korea.
Living Conditions
Living conditions in North Korea are often dismal and full of deprivation, with reports of widespread famine, starvation, and malnutrition. In recent years, several natural disasters have only exacerbated this situation and led to further symptoms of malnutrition and mental health issues. Such conditions are especially prevalent in rural areas, as access to food and other resources is limited.
However, the situation is improving in urban areas, which have been the focus of efforts to improve living conditions. The government has taken steps to create a more sustainable economy and the population is benefiting from increased access to technology, fuel and electricity. This has been especially beneficial for the country’s youth who are much less likely to suffer from malnutrition and related conditions.
Foreign Investment
Foreign investment in North Korea has been limited, even though the government is increasingly looking to the international community for help in reforming its economy. There has been a small amount of foreign investment in the form of joint ventures and business opportunities, but most investors are deterred by the country’s restrictive regulations, embargo, and human rights abuses.
In addition, the significant risk of international political and economic sanctions further impairs foreign investment in North Korea. Foreign investors are unable to protect their investments or access the country’s financial and banking systems, significantly raising the risks involved. This has deterred many investors, but some are still willing to take the risk and engage in business with North Korea.
