North Korea is often called the world’s most secretive nation. The country’s largest city, Pyongyang, is also the country’s capital. Since 2011, dictator Kim Jong-un has led the authoritarian regime.

History

When World War II ended, Korea was divided. Reigned by Soviet leaders in the North, the United States claimed hold on the South. Elections on both sides were to be held in 1948 but then-leader Kim Il-sung told communist authorities to forbid the United Nations from accessing the north. By the end of 1950, two new nations had been established. The DPRK was formed in the north, with the support of the USSR. The Republic of Korea was established in the south and led by President Syngman Rhee. 

In mid-1950, the Korean War started, lasting until 1953 when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed. North Korea followed the ideology of Stalinist Russia and kept the strict communist agenda that neighboring countries later denounced. Today, relations between the north and south are still fragile and tensions remain high between North Korea and the Western world.

Life in the DPRK

Accurate reports and footage of life in North Korea are hard to find. External media is generally restricted to Pyongyang, tourists are directed by guides and are only allowed to visit certain areas.

Around 25 million people currently reside in North Korea. Permission must be granted to travel, TV and radio are set to state-run channels and citizens cannot access the internet. Those who express their disagreement towards the government or try to escape are put in labor camps, prison and sometimes killed. 

Propaganda is heavily used. Posters and statues of Kim Jong-un and his predecessors are found throughout Pyongyang. Three ideals for 2021: “Single-hearted unity,” “the people are God” and “self-reliance,” are depicted in current propaganda. The leading party – Workers’ Party of Korea – hopes the directives will enhance loyalty to the party. They indicate much of the same policy that has been reiterated for decades: North Korea relies on North Korea. But those outside the country know this is not true as the nation is heavily allied with China. 

Although the people live without freedom of movement, speech and access to internet resources, the country has some amenities. Water parks, fast food outlets and market stalls have all been photographed in use. However, these luxuries aren’t generally found beyond the capital. 

Military and Nuclear Power

Abiding by a “Military First” ideology, North Korea has amassed the world’s fourth-largest military. Whilst the size of the country’s nuclear stockpile is unknown, one report estimates that their nuclear weapons have the capabilities to reach the U.S. mainland. 

On Jan. 14, a military parade took place. Weapons and military equipment were displayed for the people to see and applaud. Kim Jong-un reportedly spends around 13-23% of North Korea’s GDP on defense, one of the highest defense budgets worldwide. In a country where 60% of the population is said to be in poverty, this is a vast amount of spending.

Human Rights

Human rights are limited. International findings that depict human rights violations are often ignored by Kim Jong-un and other members of the government. Citizens follow a fearful level of obedience, with an understanding that a step out of line can result in serious punishment. Freedom of expression, movement and religion are all banned under the regime, as are independent media and trade unions. A United Nations Commission of Inquiry report from 2014 found that murder, enslavement, rape, imprisonment, torture and forced abortions have all been committed by the regime.

Famine and Poverty

Reeling from the collapse of the Soviet Union and economic failings, in the early 1990s, North Korea entered a famine. The regime blocked food shipments entering the north-eastern region as a way to ensure there were enough resources for the capital. “No food deliveries were made to that region for 2 and a half years,” said Andrew S. Natsios, author of ‘The Great North Korean Famine.’ While no accurate number has ever been declared, many estimate millions died as a result of the famine. 

Today, the situation isn’t much better. When seeing images and videos of stacked shelves from Pyongyang, it is easy to assume the country’s food shortage has improved. The truth is that the DPRK is one small step away from a humanitarian crisis. 

The secretive state hasn’t been excluded from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. After closing their borders, they temporarily suspended trade with China and ceased international medical and food aid from entering Pyongyang. Unification Minister Lee In-young said, “We are watching North Korea very carefully with concern that there might be a humanitarian crisis.” 

Economic hardship has become a direct result of the government’s response to the pandemic. In July, the UN’s World Food Programme reported that around 40% of the population are facing food shortages. International sanctions have shrunken North Korea’s economy and the pandemic response seems to have exacerbated what was already underway. 

As North Korea continues to expand its nuclear arsenal, current sanctions imposed to dissuade them from doing so are clearly not working. Larger cooperation with the United Nations, intervention, stricter sanctions and accountability should take place as a response to North Korea’s crimes against its people.