Podcast
Questions and Answers
The Workers' Party of Korea is the only political party in North Korea that holds power.
The Workers' Party of Korea is the only political party in North Korea that holds power.
True
North Korean citizens can freely travel abroad without any restrictions.
North Korean citizens can freely travel abroad without any restrictions.
False
All citizens of North Korea have unrestricted access to the global internet.
All citizens of North Korea have unrestricted access to the global internet.
False
In North Korea, wearing jeans is encouraged among women.
In North Korea, wearing jeans is encouraged among women.
Signup and view all the answers
The state controls all media in North Korea, presenting information from an objective perspective.
The state controls all media in North Korea, presenting information from an objective perspective.
Signup and view all the answers
The 'Arirang' gymnastics show is a mass event that showcases North Korea's strength and unity.
The 'Arirang' gymnastics show is a mass event that showcases North Korea's strength and unity.
Signup and view all the answers
North Korean citizens are allowed to have multiple channels on television.
North Korean citizens are allowed to have multiple channels on television.
Signup and view all the answers
Participation in state-sponsored parades is voluntary in North Korea.
Participation in state-sponsored parades is voluntary in North Korea.
Signup and view all the answers
Citizens of North Korea have the right to choose their hairstyles freely without state intervention.
Citizens of North Korea have the right to choose their hairstyles freely without state intervention.
Signup and view all the answers
Ordinary city-dwellers in North Korea are allowed to own and drive cars.
Ordinary city-dwellers in North Korea are allowed to own and drive cars.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Political System and Personality Cult
- North Korea is governed by the Workers' Party of Korea, led by Kim Jong-un, who wields absolute power.
- The country fosters a strong cult of personality centered around the Kim family, originating with founder Kim Il-sung.
- Statues and portraits of the Kim family are ubiquitous in public areas; their biographies and philosophies are emphasized in education.
Travel Restrictions
- Citizens are subject to severe limitations on travel, requiring government permission for both domestic and international movement.
- Strict controls are enforced on entry and exit from the country, with minimal contact permitted between locals and foreigners.
No Internet and Censorship
- Ordinary North Koreans lack access to the global internet; they use a domestic intranet system called "Kwangmyong," which hosts state-sanctioned content.
- All foreign media, including literature, music, and films, faces rigorous censorship, restricting access to diverse information.
Clothing and Fashion
- Appearance in North Korea is regulated by government rules; citizens must adhere to approved clothing styles.
- Women are often restricted from wearing jeans, while men are mandated to maintain specific haircuts.
- Official attire featuring national symbols or leader images is compulsory during certain state occasions.
State Control of Information
- Media, including radio and television, operates under strict state control, promoting propaganda that embellishes the nation's achievements and military prowess.
- News coverage emphasizes purported successes in military and economic realms, despite discrepancies with actual conditions.
Holidays and Mass Events
- North Korea hosts grand parades and mass gatherings that celebrate state ideology and leadership.
- The "Arirang" gymnastics festival is a notable event featuring thousands of participants, showcasing national unity and strength.
- Social stratification influences access to privileges; for instance, average citizens are prohibited from owning or driving cars.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the intriguing aspects of life in North Korea, a country known for its closed society and distinct political system. Learn about the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, the absolute power held by its leader Kim Jong-un, and the prominent cult of personality surrounding the Kim family.
