A child is born in North Korea…
But the moment he’s born, he is already labeled a traitor.
North Korea is known as one of the strictest countries in the world—
and some of its laws are so extreme, they’re hard to believe.
For example:
Elections are held… but there’s only one candidate to vote for.
If you don’t vote—you can be jailed.
TVs have only one channel—and you can’t change it.
In this country, you might not only be punished for committing a crime…
but even for thinking about one.
Welcome back.
Until 1945, Japan ruled Korea for 35 years.
After World War II, Korea was divided into two parts:
North Korea (influenced by the Soviet Union)
South Korea (influenced by the United States)
In 1948, Kim Il-sung became the leader, and the country was named the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
But democracy… never really existed there.
In 1950, the Korean War began between North and South Korea.
Even after the war ended, no peace treaty was signed—
which means technically, both countries are still at war today.
Power in North Korea has always stayed within one family:
Kim Il-sung
Kim Jong-il
And now Kim Jong-un
Each ruler has enforced strict laws to maintain control—
using fear and punishment to suppress the population.
Let’s look at some of the most unusual rules:
In 2024, restrictions were placed on sunglasses and wedding dresses.
Public stations play speeches from the Kim family instead of music—and silence is mandatory.
Watching South Korean dramas or Hollywood films can lead to labor camps.
These measures are meant to prevent “ideological contamination.”
There is no real internet.
Instead, citizens use a closed internal network called Kwangmyong, fully controlled and monitored by the state.
Even calling someone abroad without permission is illegal.
All media—TV, radio, newspapers—are controlled by the government.
Private media simply doesn’t exist.
Content mainly includes:
Praise for the ruling family
Anti-foreign propaganda (especially against the U.S.)
The government even controls personal appearance:
Only approved hairstyles are allowed
Jeans, dyed hair, and flashy clothing are banned
Even certain foods are restricted:
Hot dogs (seen as American influence)
Some South Korean dishes
Travel is also restricted.
You need official permission to move from one city to another.
Passports are only given to elites like government officials.
Ordinary citizens cannot leave the country.
Nothing truly belongs to the people:
Land
Homes
Businesses
Everything is owned by the state.
Religion is effectively banned.
Although some churches exist, they are mostly for show.
Practicing religion can lead to imprisonment.
If someone speaks against the government…
Not only that person—but their entire family—can be punished.
This punishment can extend up to three generations.
So even a child born years later can be labeled a traitor.
Surveillance is everywhere.
Informants live among ordinary citizens.
Even thinking against the government can get you reported.
Every week, people must attend self-criticism sessions.
They publicly confess mistakes like:
Not praising the leader enough
Hiding someone’s wrongdoing
Being influenced by foreign culture
Others then criticize them openly.
Voting is mandatory—but meaningless.
There is only one candidate.
So why vote?
Because it’s not an election…
It’s a loyalty test.
North Korea also has a parliament called the Supreme People’s Assembly,
but it only approves decisions already made by the leadership.
Citizens must memorize ideological principles praising the leadership.
Even a small mistake while reciting them can lead to punishment.
All TVs are pre-set to state channels like Korean Central Television.
Changing channels is illegal.
Even bicycles must be registered and licensed.
Foreign logos on clothes are banned.
Tourists are also heavily restricted:
Must stay with guides
Cannot freely interact with locals
Cannot take photos without permission
Devices like phones and computers are allowed—
but constantly monitored.
Even USB drives are checked.
One of the most shocking systems is called Songbun.
From birth, every citizen is classified into one of three groups:
Core (loyal families)
Wavering (neutral background)
Hostile (suspected disloyal families)
Your entire life—job, status, opportunities—depends on this classification.
Utilities like electricity, water, and gas are rationed.
Military service is mandatory for around 10 years.
Crying during leaders’ death anniversaries is expected—
or your loyalty may be questioned.
Every home must display portraits of the leaders—and keep them clean.
Children are taught to memorize speeches from a young age.
Even the calendar is different.
North Korea uses the Juche calendar,
which starts from 1912—the birth year of Kim Il-sung.
North Korea remains isolated for two main reasons:
Fear that exposure to the outside world could spark rebellion
International sanctions due to its nuclear program
Much of this information comes from defectors who escaped after 1953,
along with satellite monitoring and smuggled footage.
This is a country where control defines life—
from birth… to death.