North Korea appears to be going through another major turning point in its history. The government, while always reclusive, has decided to step up its self-imposed information blockade and dramatically reduce interaction with the outside world.

These developments began before the pandemic, but the outbreak of COVID-19 has only helped authorities to justify harsher measures and policies.

The last 25 years of North Korean history have, despite appearances, been a period of relative openness compared to the past. The border with China was remarkably porous. Chinese mobile phones made it possible for North Koreans in border areas to connect to