From: lexfridman
North Korea, often referred to as the “hermit kingdom,” is shrouded in mystery and secrecy, with little information making its way out of the country. The regime, historically led by the Kim family, employs a sophisticated system of propaganda and control that impacts every facet of life, from the personal beliefs of its citizens to the portrayal of the regime on the global stage.
The Arduous March and Famine
From 1994 to 1998, North Korea experienced a severe famine, resulting in the death of somewhere between 600,000 and 3 million people [00:00:27]. This period of mass starvation was termed as the “Arduous March” or the “March of Suffering” by the North Korean propaganda machine. The use of such terms exemplifies the regime’s control over language and narrative, as words like “famine” and “hunger” were banned to avoid any implication of governmental failure [00:01:31].
Control Over Information
North Korea stands out as one of the few countries with no internet access for the general population, and even the existence of the internet remains unknown to most North Koreans [00:05:32]. The regime employs a strategy akin to totalitarian regimes, controlling all means of communication to maintain its grip over the population. This control is so pervasive that the citizens are often unaware of the hardships they are enduring compared to the outside world.
The Seongbon System
The seongbon system in North Korea is a family caste system that classifies people into 50 different classes, determining an individual’s status even before birth [00:50:14]. This system, which is steeped in Marxist-Leninist ideology, ensures perpetual division and control, echoing historical manipulations and propaganda techniques used by regimes to maintain power.
The Juche Ideology
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, North Korea developed the Juche ideology, emphasizing self-reliance while maintaining a communist framework [00:51:46]. This philosophy functions as a tool of control, dictating that citizens must take care of themselves yet remain utterly dependent on the regime, which positions itself as the sole provider and protector.
Human Rights and Repression
The regime’s control mechanisms extend to severe human rights violations, with reports of extreme measures such as public executions and labor camps being commonplace [00:36:30]. These actions not only punish dissent but also serve to instill fear, ensuring compliance and suppressing any thoughts of rebellion.
The Role of Fear and Indoctrination
Fear is a fundamental tool used by the regime to ensure control. From a young age, citizens are indoctrinated to view the Kim family as deities, which instills both reverence and fear [01:03:35]. This psychological control is so profound that many North Koreans truly believe they live in a socialist paradise, even as they suffer from oppression and deprivation.
Conclusion
North Korea remains an enigma, defined by an unmatched level of state control and propaganda. The regime’s ability to maintain such tight control speaks to its effectiveness in influencing thought and perception. The story of North Korean propaganda is a reminder of the power and danger of unchecked totalitarian systems.