Life in North Korea is characterized by a pervasive system of totalitarian control, economic hardship, and extreme isolation from the outside world. The government, led by the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the dynastic rule of the Kim family, dictates nearly every aspect of citizens’ lives.
Political Environment and Ideology
North Korea is officially a “dictatorship of people’s democracy” guided by the state philosophy of Juche, or “self-reliance,” which has replaced Marxism-Leninism as the guiding ideology. The political system is built on centralization and a profound cult of personality surrounding the Kim family (Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un).
The WPK maintains absolute control, and political dissent is nonexistent. The state utilizes a vast network of surveillance and informants to monitor citizens’ activities and ensure loyalty. Political offenses are met with severe punishments, including arbitrary arrests, detention, and forced labor in extensive prison camps (kwanliso).
Daily life is heavily intertwined with political obligations. Citizens participate in regular “life self-criticism” sessions where they reflect on their behavior and criticize others, based on the teachings of the leaders.
Human Rights and Freedom of Information
The human rights situation in North Korea is widely reported as dire. The government severely restricts fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and movement.
Censorship and Surveillance: Access to information is strictly controlled. All media outlets are state-owned and serve as tools for government propaganda. Radios and televisions are pre-set to receive only government frequencies, and tampering with them is a serious crime. The internet is inaccessible to the vast majority of the population; only a select few elites have access, while others are limited to a heavily controlled national intranet called Kwangmyong.
Freedom of Movement: North Koreans face severe limitations on internal movement and are prohibited from traveling abroad without strict government permission.
Punishment and Fear: The government maintains control through fear, utilizing arbitrary punishments, torture, and public executions. Even minor criticisms of the regime can lead to imprisonment, often of entire families, in political prison camps where forced labor and malnutrition are systematic.
Economic Conditions and Daily Life
North Korea operates under a centrally planned economy, which has historically struggled with chronic shortages, particularly of food and electricity.
Economy and Shortages: The economy is largely state-controlled, with limited market allocation. Years of underinvestment and resource misallocation, exacerbated by international sanctions and significant military spending, have resulted in a struggling industrial sector and frequent food insecurity. While semi-private markets have emerged to some extent, the state maintains a firm grip on key economic activities.
Work and Austerity: The standard of living is low for most citizens, and daily life is austere. Typical working hours are structured, including regular breaks and mandatory “self-criticism” sessions. Chronic electricity shortages mean that streets are often completely dark after sundown.
Agriculture: While the agricultural sector has seen some increase in production, it still fails to meet the needs of the entire population, contributing to ongoing food shortages.
Social Norms and Culture
North Korean culture is heavily influenced by Confucian values emphasizing respect for authority, loyalty to the state, and collective interests.
Social Hierarchy and Loyalty: Loyalty to the leadership is paramount. Public behavior is highly regulated, and conformity to societal norms is essential. Public displays of affection or dissent are strictly prohibited.
Cultural Expression: Cultural expression, including literature, art, music, and dance, is heavily censored and utilized for political purposes, often focused on themes of revolution and the heroism of the leaders.
Family Life: Traditional patriarchal practices are prevalent, and domestic violence is reported. While men and women are expected to marry and have children, even family life is influenced by the state, with couples often expected to demonstrate loyalty to the leaders during marriage ceremonies.
In summary, life in North Korea is dominated by the state’s ideology and control. Citizens live under constant surveillance, face severe human rights restrictions, and navigate an economy characterized by scarcity, all within a culture that prioritizes absolute loyalty to the ruling regime.