Buzz
The recent detonation of a multi-kiloton nuclear device at P'unggye by North Korea has captured global attention. To better understand the nation behind this event, here are ten intriguing facts about North Korea.
1. Its military is one of the largest globally.
Although the scenario depicted in the 2012 remake of Red Dawn is far-fetched, North Korea boasts an enormous military force. The country enforces mandatory military service as per its constitution, which declares: "Protecting the homeland is the highest duty and privilege of its people. Citizens are required to defend the nation and fulfill military obligations as mandated by law." With approximately 1.1 million active-duty personnel, North Korea's military ranks as the fourth-largest worldwide. Additionally, its reserve forces, numbering 8 million, are the most extensive on the planet.
2. Bringing a 'killing device' across its borders is strictly prohibited.
Sophie Schmidt, who recently visited North Korea with her father, shared a detailed account of her journey. Customs regulations require declaring items such as 'killing devices,' 'exciters,' 'mobile phones,' and 'all forms of publications.'
3. North Koreans are typically 1 to 3 inches shorter than their South Korean counterparts.
Daniel Schwekendiek, a professor at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, conducted a study on North Korean refugees. His research revealed a height difference of 1 to 3 inches compared to South Koreans, with the gap being most noticeable in children. "Pre-school boys in the South are about 4 cm (1.6 in) taller, and pre-school girls are 3 cm (1.2 in) taller," he noted. Martin Bloem, the World Food Programme's nutrition chief, linked this disparity to North Korea's inadequate diet, emphasizing, "Nutrition during the first two years of life plays a crucial role in determining height later on."
4. Kim Jong-Il was known as the 'Radiant Star of Paektu Mountain.'
While Kim Jong-Il was famously referred to as 'Dear Leader' by state media, North Korean journalists often employed more elaborate titles. These included 'Brilliant Leader,' 'Guiding Sun Ray,' 'Ever-Victorious, Iron-Willed Commander,' and 'Dear Leader, the perfect embodiment of what a leader should be.'
5. The current president has been deceased for decades.
Kim Il-Sung holds the title of Eternal President of North Korea, a position he assumed on July 8, 1994. Despite passing away 18 years ago, he remains the nation's leader, making North Korea the only necrocracy in the world.
6. The ruling family's influence is inescapable.
Educated North Koreans often attend Kim Il-Sung University, where they may study the Complete Collection of Kim Il Sung's Works, a 100-volume masterpiece. Sports enthusiasts gather at Kim Il-Sung Stadium, accessible via Kim Il-Sung Bridge. The Immortal Statue of Kim Il-Sung, one of 34,000 such statues across the country, stands as a testament to his legacy, alongside the Towers of Eternal Life in every town. Meanwhile, his son is said to possess the extraordinary ability to influence the weather based on his emotions.
7. Words fail to describe this situation.
In 2009, satellite images exposed the stark contrast between the luxurious lives of the Kim family and the harsh oppression faced by North Koreans. The images detailed Hwasong Concentration Camp, also known as Camp 16, one of the country's most infamous prisons. The Wall Street Journal reported it spans approximately 300 square miles and houses 20,000 political prisoners. Located near a nuclear testing site, the camp subjects inmates to forced labor, torture, public and secret executions, starvation, disease, and even infanticide for pregnant detainees.
8. The Kim family lives in luxury, as you might expect.
When not overseeing atrocities, Kim Jong-Il spent his time constructing lavish estates. He owned 32 properties, including beachfront villas and imposing mountaintop palaces. These residences were never returned to the public after his death, as he remains the Eternal General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. Among his indulgences was a gaudy poolside water slide for relaxation. The ceremonies honoring him and his father upon his rise to power cost an estimated $2.68 billion.
9. Kim Jong-un is intensifying the propaganda efforts.
Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and the First Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea—essentially holding every significant title. Referred to as the 'Great Successor' by state media, he is the world's youngest head of state, holds a degree in physics, and has a keen interest in long-range missiles and nuclear arms. Following his father's death, Kim Jong-un was proclaimed the 'supreme leader of the party, military, and nation, embodying the ideology, leadership, character, virtues, resilience, and bravery of the great comrade Kim Jong-il.'
10. North Korea operates its own intranet system.
Kwangmyong, North Korea's domestic intranet, allows citizens to access Kim-related content, news, an electronic library, and curated scientific materials. Unlike the global Internet, Kwangmyong is isolated, reflecting the nation's controlled information environment. The official online presence of North Korea declares, 'The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a true workers' state where all citizens are free from exploitation and oppression. Workers, peasants, soldiers, and intellectuals are the rightful masters of their fate, uniquely positioned to safeguard their interests.'
