10 Fascinating Facts About North Korea

North Korea is a country notorious for its nuclear threats, political tensions, and Kim Jong-un's authoritarian rule. Individuals who have successfully escaped or visited North Korea share fascinating insights into the country, ranging from fake villages to unbelievable stories about Kim Jong-un. Let's delve into some of these intriguing facts.

Leaflets to North Korea

Activists in South Korea often use balloons to send messages to North Korea. These balloons carry messages criticizing the North Korean government and are sent into the country. When the balloons burst, they not only release critical messages but also introduce information and news from the outside world into North Korea. In response, North Korea reportedly sent balloons filled with trash southward, including disgusting items like used toilet paper.

Propaganda Posters

North Korean streets often feature propaganda posters, a tool used by the North Korean government for propaganda purposes. These posters emphasize the greatness of Kim Jong-un and his family, and they frequently depict characters symbolizing South Korea and the United States in a violent manner. Through these posters, North Korean education systems instill idealized images in students, which can be seen as a form of brainwashing through education.

Propaganda is the act of manipulating public opinion with a specific intent to steer people's judgments and actions in a particular direction. It originally stemmed from the idea of spreading faith but has taken on a negative connotation associated with political regime propaganda since World War I.

Kim Jong-un's Amazing Talents

Various legends and stories about Kim Jong-un circulate within North Korea. Some of these narratives revolve around Kim Jong-un's incredible abilities and achievements. For instance, there are claims that Kim Jong-un does not use the toilet, and recently, a textbook included a story about him driving a car at the young age of three.

Lincoln's Letter

North Korea sometimes uses absurd publicity and propaganda to attract international attention. One example is the fabricated letter written in 2016, supposedly from President Abraham Lincoln to President Barack Obama. This incident suggests North Korea's attempt to intensify its criticism of the U.S. government and its president.

Unicorn Lair

In 2012, North Korea announced the discovery of a "unicorn lair" in Pyongyang. This announcement sparked various stories about the mysterious discovery within the country.

Fake Cheer Squad

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, it was revealed that North Korea's cheering squad was not composed of North Koreans but thousands of Chinese actors paid to attend. This event is interpreted as a sign that the North Korean government does not allow its citizens to travel freely and uses cheering squads at international events as a way to promote North Korea's image to the outside world.

Socialist Godzilla

Kim Jong-il of North Korea had a keen interest in films and kidnapped renowned South Korean film director Shin Sang-ok to produce movies with socialist themes for North Korean propaganda. This 1978 incident of kidnapping a foreign director by North Korea is well-known. Director Shin Sang-ok attempted to escape and was sentenced to four years in prison, where he subsisted on a diet of rice, water, and salt. Later, he produced a film titled Pulgasari, based on Godzilla.

Ambitious Hairstyle

North Korean citizens reportedly choose their hairstyles from a catalog with 28 different styles. Kim Jong-un's hairstyle, referred to as the 'ambitious hairstyle,' is popular within North Korea. Following this hairstyle is seen as an act of imitating their leader.

North Korea's Time

In 2015, North Korea adopted its own time, "Pyongyang Time," which is 30 minutes ahead of standard world time and is used exclusively within the country. Additionally, their calendar system indicates that 2023 is Juche 112, where the year count begins with the birth year of Kim Il-sung, the first leader of North Korea.

Fake Village

The Peace Village located within the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a significant site that spans the border between South and North Korea. However, it is a secluded area with no inhabitants, making it a peculiar place seemingly built solely for appearance. Speculations suggest that this village might be a tactic to lure South Korean defectors.

North Korea remains a politically closed-off country, shrouded in mystery and possessing many unique characteristics. These stories offer intriguing insights into North Korean culture and society.