Man who escaped North Korea describes what happens if you buy a TV in the country

In North Korea, the regime maintains stringent control over information, ensuring that citizens are exposed solely to state-sanctioned content. Television sets sold within the country are pre-tuned to government channels, broadcasting continuous propaganda that extols the ruling Kim family’s virtues and reinforces the state’s ideology. This monopolization of media serves to isolate the populace from external influences and perpetuate the regime’s narratives.

Hyeonseo Lee, a North Korean defector, offers a compelling insight into this controlled environment. She recounts that in North Korea, there is only one television channel—a propaganda channel. This singular channel is designed to shape the perceptions and beliefs of North Korean citizens, presenting the nation as a utopia and its leaders as infallible. citeturn0search2

Despite these restrictions, some North Koreans seek alternative sources of information. Jung Gwang Il, another defector, recalls clandestinely watching foreign films like “Gone With the Wind” and “Speed” on a TV connected to a VCR. These secret gatherings allowed him and his peers to glimpse life beyond their borders, challenging the narratives imposed by the regime. citeturn0search1

Possessing or viewing unauthorized media is fraught with peril. Individuals caught with foreign content face severe penalties, including imprisonment in labor camps. Jung’s exposure to foreign media and interactions with South Koreans in China led to accusations of espionage. He endured nine months of torture and was subsequently imprisoned in the Yodok political prison camp, where he witnessed and suffered extreme hardships. citeturn0search1

The regime’s pervasive surveillance extends into private homes. Citizens are aware that their activities, including television consumption, can be monitored. This omnipresent scrutiny fosters an atmosphere of fear, deterring individuals from seeking or sharing unauthorized information.

In summary, purchasing a television in North Korea means acquiring a device that serves as a conduit for state propaganda. While some citizens clandestinely access foreign media to challenge the regime’s narratives, such actions are perilous and met with severe repercussions. The state’s unrelenting grip on information underscores its commitment to controlling the populace’s perceptions and maintaining its authority.