What made North Korea so bizarre

Summary

This video explores the origins of North Korea's unique political system and the personality cult surrounding its leaders. It traces the nation's history back to Japanese colonization in 1910, its Soviet occupation post-World War II, and how these influences shaped the country's enduring militaristic and nationalistic ideology. The video also delves into Kim Jong-Il's 'military first' policy during a devastating famine in the 1990s, which continues to shape North Korean society. Despite the harsh realities of life in North Korea, many citizens remain loyal, influenced by a mix of propaganda, fear, and a deified leader.

Takeaways

• 😀 North Korea's political and social system is influenced by its historical roots in Japanese imperialism rather than Soviet-style communism.
• 😀 North Korea's nuclear program is a central component of its identity, which is bolstered by extreme nationalism and militarism.
• 😀 The legacy of Japanese occupation in Korea (1910-1945) has had a lasting impact on North Korea's sense of racial superiority and desire for a strong leader.
• 😀 After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, North Korea faced economic collapse and famine, with one in ten North Koreans dying from starvation.
• 😀 Kim Jong-Il introduced the 'Songun' (Military First) policy to maintain control over the population, emphasizing constant war threats and military priorities.
• 😀 The North Korean government’s propaganda surrounding its military threats effectively distracts both the public and the international community from its severe internal issues.
• 😀 North Koreans are indoctrinated to believe in the superiority of their race and the necessity of strong leadership to protect them from external threats.
• 😀 Despite the extreme poverty and human rights abuses, many North Koreans genuinely mourned the death of Kim Jong-Il in 2011, illustrating the depth of indoctrination.
• 😀 Even defectors from North Korea who experience the outside world often return to the country, showing the power of North Korea's propaganda and the difficulty of escaping the system.
• 😀 The international community's focus on North Korea's nuclear program often overshadows the dire human rights abuses and suffering of its people.

Q & A

What is the origin of North Korea's ideological roots?

North Korea's ideological roots trace back to the Japanese colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945. During this period, Japan tried to assimilate Koreans into the Japanese empire, promoting ideas of racial superiority and loyalty to the emperor, which influenced North Korean ideology even after Japan's defeat in WWII.

How did Japan's imperial ideology influence North Korea's regime?

Japan's imperial ideology promoted the idea that Koreans were a subset of the Japanese race and needed to rally behind Japan's imperial cause. This concept of racial superiority carried over into North Korean propaganda, where the country is told it has the 'purest' race on Earth and needs a strong leader for protection.

What was the impact of the Soviet Union’s collapse on North Korea?

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 cut off vital subsidies and economic support to North Korea. This led to a severe economic crisis, including widespread famine, forcing the North Korean government to adopt the 'Songun' or 'military first' policy to retain control and maintain loyalty from its citizens.

What is the 'Songun' policy and why was it introduced?

The 'Songun' policy, or 'military first' policy, was introduced by Kim Jong-Il in the 1990s to justify the prioritization of military spending over all other needs, including food. This policy was aimed at maintaining national security through constant militarization and fostering loyalty by convincing citizens they were always under threat from external enemies.

How does the North Korean government maintain the personality cult around its leaders?

The North Korean government maintains the personality cult by portraying its leaders as quasi-religious, god-like figures. Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il are depicted as the embodiment of the nation’s strength and purity, and their leadership is positioned as essential for the survival of the North Korean people.

Why do some North Korean defectors return to the country despite its extreme poverty?

Studies show that many defectors return to North Korea after seeing the outside world because they are deeply influenced by the regime's ideology and propaganda. The belief in the superiority of the North Korean system, combined with a sense of national duty and loyalty to the leader, can compel them to come back, even in the face of extreme hardship.

How does North Korea's government use external threats to maintain control over its population?

The North Korean government uses external threats, particularly from the United States and South Korea, to create a constant state of emergency. This rhetoric justifies the militarization of society and encourages citizens to prioritize military needs over their own welfare, which helps distract from the regime's internal failures.

What role do international concerns about North Korea's nuclear program play in the country's domestic politics?

International concerns about North Korea's nuclear program serve as a distraction from the regime's human rights abuses and economic failures. The external focus on the nuclear issue diverts attention away from the suffering of the North Korean people, allowing the government to maintain control and avoid external intervention.

What is the significance of the 1990s famine in North Korea’s history?

The famine of the 1990s, which led to the deaths of an estimated 1 in 10 North Koreans, was a turning point in the country's history. It highlighted the inefficiencies of the regime and forced the government to adopt the 'Songun' policy to maintain control, while also shifting blame to external enemies to justify its failure to provide for its people.

How does North Korea's isolation impact its citizens?

North Korea's isolation from the international community severely impacts its citizens, leading to widespread poverty, lack of access to basic needs, and human rights abuses. The regime's focus on military spending, combined with international sanctions, leaves the population vulnerable to economic collapse and political repression.