Culture
Information related to the North Korean culture and culture in North Korea
The intertwined histories of the two Koreas, and what the future holds – Ep. 313
Victor Cha and Ramon Pachero Pardo discuss their new book and share anecdotes from their time on the peninsula
November 1, 2023
How North Korean neighborhood watch groups do dirty work of keeping cities clean
Groups notorious for spying on citizens also mobilize residents for tasks ranging from collecting trash to cutting grass
October 27, 2023
State media review: North Korea promotes new smartphones at local trade shows
An in-depth analysis of cell phone industry revival, claims of good harvest, criticism of US weapons in Ukraine and more
October 26, 2023
How North Korean cinema betrays simmering resentment of country’s nouveau riche
2011 film uses story of a factory manager demoted to cobbler to critique rise of grassroots capitalism in country
October 25, 2023
Film review: ‘Beyond Utopia’ vividly depicts North Koreans’ efforts to escape
Documentary uses cell phone footage to provide rare look at life inside DPRK and the people suffering there
October 23, 2023
Primaries in Pyongyang? Decoding North Korea’s electoral reforms
New law does little to make elections free, but allowing two candidates marks small step toward greater citizen input
October 23, 2023
State media review: North Korea says US ‘disguising’ Israel as a ‘victim’
An in-depth analysis of statement on Hamas-Israel conflict, Potemkin elections, athlete interviews and more
October 19, 2023
North Korea’s rapidly changing media landscape – Ep. 311
Tatiana Gabroussenko discusses how state media portrays Kim Jong Un, plus reports that Hamas is using DPRK weapons
October 18, 2023
North Korean athletes to skip Asian Para Games over anti-doping ruling
Organizers say DPRK made decision after being told athletes could not compete under their flag
October 17, 2023
Ask a North Korean: Do North Koreans believe in God?
A DPRK escapee writes about the fatal consequences citizens face if they are found to worship the wrong religion
