Chun In-bum

North Korea, a relic of the Cold War, has evolved into a cult state centered around the Kim family. Despite its oppressive regime, the state's endurance into the 21st century is perplexing. The regime maintains its grip on power through a combination of brainwashing, terror and strict social control. Public executions and pervasive surveillance cultivate an environment of fear, ensuring blind obedience from the population. However, beneath this veneer of control, North Korean society is sustained by bribery and corruption, which permeate every level of life.

In response to this oppressive regime, some North Korean defectors and South Korean activists have taken bold steps to inform North Korean citizens about the outside world. They launch balloons filled with rice, one-dollar bills and informational leaflets, including copies of the Bible. These balloons are a lifeline, offering not only material aid but also glimpses of a reality beyond the regime's propaganda.

These innocent actions are a real threat to a brittle society like North Korea, which is based on lies and fabricated happiness. Only one other thing is more threatening to North Korea: loudspeakers and huge screens along the DMZ. In the past, the South would broadcast regular news and K-pop, while the North would broadcast very convincing........

© The Korea Times