North Koreans tell BBC they are stuck and waiting to die - BBC News

Summary

The script reveals the dire situation in North Korea under Kim Jong-un's rule, where the country has become an 'information black hole' since sealing its borders during the pandemic. Secret communications with insiders depict a society on the brink of starvation and extreme repression, with people risking execution for survival. The regime's focus on nuclear development over welfare has led to widespread discontent, and the pandemic has provided a pretext for heightened control, potentially setting the stage for long-term totalitarianism.

Takeaways

• 🏴 The Kim family has ruled North Korea for over 70 years with a tyrannical grip, causing extreme hardship for its citizens.
• 🛃 North Korea's strict border closures during the pandemic have led to a severe lack of information about the internal situation, deepening the 'black hole' of knowledge about the country.
• 🎭 The regime uses animations and actors to illustrate the experiences of those risking their lives to expose the unfolding disaster within the country.
• 🚫 The punishment for watching or sharing foreign videos is severe, with the risk of execution, reflecting the extreme repression faced by the people.
• 🥶 Desperate struggles for survival are reported due to low food supplies, with people dying from starvation, a situation not seen since the 'Arduous March' of the 1990s.
• 🛑 The border closures have not only stopped the movement of people but also cut off vital trade, leading to a shortage of food and medicine.
• 🏭 The North Korean government's focus on developing nuclear weapons at the expense of its people's welfare has exacerbated the suffering.
• 🏙️ Pyongyang residents also face food shortages, indicating that the crisis is widespread and not limited to rural areas.
• 🚫 Increased surveillance and harsher punishments for those caught consuming foreign media or attempting to flee the country have intensified the climate of fear.
• 📉 The loyalty of North Korean citizens to the regime is reportedly waning, with discontent growing due to the lack of basic necessities and the ongoing focus on weapons development.
• 🌐 The COVID-19 pandemic has provided Kim Jong-un with an opportunity to tighten control, suggesting a long-term impact on the people's freedom even after the borders reopen.

Q & A

How long has North Korea been ruled by the Kim family?

North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family for over 70 years.

What measures has the North Korean regime taken to control information?

The regime has imposed a complete blockade on information, using security services and field tactics to maintain control.

Why did North Korea seal its borders at the start of the pandemic?

North Korea sealed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but this also led to a significant reduction in information coming out of the country.

What is the current state of food and medicine supply in North Korea?

The supply of food and medicine is critically low, with people starting to die due to lack of resources.

How does the border closure with China affect North Korea's economy?

The border closure with China has cut off trade, stopping vital supplies of food and medicine from entering North Korea.

What is the situation like for North Koreans trying to smuggle goods from China?

Smuggling has become much harder and more dangerous, with increased crackdowns and stricter monitoring by officials.

What are the consequences of North Koreans being caught smuggling or attempting to escape?

Being caught smuggling or attempting to escape can lead to harsh punishments, including execution.

How has the North Korean government justified the suffering of its people?

The government justifies the suffering by blaming hostile powers and the need to develop nuclear weapons for protection.

What is the impact of the border closure on North Koreans' access to foreign media?

The border closure has limited access to foreign media, and sharing foreign videos can lead to severe punishment, including execution.

What are the sentiments among North Korean people towards the regime and their current situation?

Many North Koreans are filled with discontent and feel betrayed by the regime, with some even hoping for a war to bring change.

How does the script describe the current period in North Korea in comparison to the past?

The script describes the current period as particularly oppressive, even more so than in the past, with a new era of repression potentially lasting for decades.