“North Korea - Pyongyang” by Roman Harak, CC BY-SA 2.0
Imagine living in the world’s worst lockdown.
Two years ago when the [[pandemic::when a disease spreads worldwide]] began, you probably had a difficult time adjusting. At least you could read books, watch movies, chat with friends on the phone, and surf the internet.
Now imagine a different kind of lockdown - one where you’re not allowed to do any of those things. Ever. That’s life in North Korea.
What can North Koreans not do?
North Koreans aren’t allowed to use the internet. They aren’t allowed to watch TV shows or movies. People who are caught watching them are sent to prison or killed.
North Koreans aren’t even allowed to [[criticise::To point out someone's faults or mistakes.]] their Government. They have to loudly cheer and praise their Government. They’ll get in trouble with the police if they don’t.
The Government even decides what hairstyles people can keep. Most North Koreans are also very poor and can’t afford to eat properly.
How did life in North Korea get so bad?
Life in North Korea became this horrible in 1948. That’s when the Kim family took over ruling the country. The Kim family was able to come to power in North Korea because the Soviet Union (modern-day Russia) helped them.
How come life in South Korea is so different?
Though South Korea is right next to North Korea, it’s a totally different country. It’s a [[democracy::A country where all the citizens have the right to vote for the government they want.]], just like India.
South Korea is a rich country that’s known as the Hollywood of the East. Its music, movie, and fashion industries are celebrated around the world.
How are North Koreans surviving in this nightmare?
The North Korean Government spies on all its citizens to make sure everyone is following the rules. Fortunately, North Koreans are [[survivors::A person who continues to live, despite facing many difficulties.]] who know how to make the best of a bad situation.
They carry movies and TV shows from across the borders of South Korea and China in tiny pen drives.
Every year, thousands of North Koreans escape and come to China or South Korea. They tell us all about the harsh living conditions there. That’s how we know how bad life is in North Korea.
Quick Revision
North Korea is like living in a never-ending lockdown — no internet, TV, movies, or free speech.
People can be jailed or killed for watching foreign shows or criticising the government.
The Kim family has ruled since 1948, with help from the Soviet Union (Russia).
South Korea is completely different — it’s a democracy, rich, and famous for its music, movies, and fashion.
The government spies on everyone, but many North Koreans secretly watch South Korean shows using pen drives.
