We recently had a missionary come to speak at our church, who had made it into North Korea as a 'tourist'. Hearing of the oppression first hand was chilling. On the train in from China, all the tourists had all electronic items removed and itemised (down to serial number apparently). All memory cards were checked on the way out for images that were not to be removed from the country. While inside, they were accompanied 100% of the time. There was zero free movement. They were taken to a school to see how wonderful the NK education system was, but apparently it was clearly staged for the day. He also spoke about workers being escorted from home to work, and then back again. The oppression is total. As is the darkness at night-time, when electricity supplies are rationed.
If NK is ever opened up, we (the developed world) desperately need a plan to help the people there cope with a new free world. They have no concept of the 21st century outside NK...I personally believe that China should (temporarily) adopt NK for a generation. While China is no perfect state, I honestly believe that full immersion into a modern western style world is something NK would struggle with...but maybe that's pessimistic. But for now, I just feel for the population there, who know only poverty while the Kims enjoy the trappings of luxury.
Last edited by NWSRG; 24th Dec 2017 at 17:40.