Since it’s propaganda I feel like we’ll never really know the life really is like in NK.
There is indeed a growing "middle class" thanks to the informal economy, born in the 1990s as a result of the collapse of the distribution system. However, the middle class has been tolerated by Kim Jong-un more than his father, so they are loyal to him since they want to maintain these "privileges."
I don't think North Koreans will get more freedom in a nearby future. Unless the regime collapses, which seems unlikely, nothing will substantially change.
Since it’s propaganda I feel like we’ll never really know the life really is like in NK.
North Korea doesn't have a "wall" like China, but their own intranet isolated from the rest of the world. It's comprised of only around 30 websites.
They can't freely download apps, either. They need to go to a physical app store in Pyongyang where they have the apps installed on their phones. And they also have their own operative systems for smartphones and computers, based on Android and Linux respectively.
Internet is free and open in China if you compare it to North Korea.
Thank you so much for this detailed and amazing article! I'm currently watching Crash Landing on You and I'm loving…
Thank you! ^^
The portrayal of North Korea in Crash Landing on You is not really accurate. It's basically a romanticized and "southkoreanized" depiction of the country. Still, it's very interesting... :D
I'm looking forward to watching the movies, perhaps some of the dramas. I hope MAL considers adding them to their…
They used to have an accessible online database of dramas and films along with info about them a year ago. North Korean sites often come and go.
Now only some North Korean sites provide info about actors and directors to promote the films, but mostly in Korean language. Also, most people don't know these sites and are not used to navigate them (search engines or tools are often not reliable...). The most feasible alternative would be to check the credits, or the back cover of the DVD.
All in all, it's indeed really difficult to find reliable sources when it comes to North Korean dramas and films.
Wow, great article -so much hard work went into this -- Thank you. I've watched some youtube videos of folk who…
You're welcome! Thanks to you for your kind words. I'm happy you enjoyed the article. ^^
For the record, you're not supporting anything made in North Korea by watching NK dramas and films on YouTube. It's not as if you purchased the original DVDs... And even if you did, that would barely make any difference in their economy or nuclear program.
Our links are only to YouTube. No legal streaming site would buy North Korean stuff due to international sanctions. UNSC resolutions 2270 and 2375 are very restrictive, and US and EU sanctions are even more restrictive.
I don't think North Koreans will get more freedom in a nearby future. Unless the regime collapses, which seems unlikely, nothing will substantially change.
They can't freely download apps, either. They need to go to a physical app store in Pyongyang where they have the apps installed on their phones. And they also have their own operative systems for smartphones and computers, based on Android and Linux respectively.
Internet is free and open in China if you compare it to North Korea.
The portrayal of North Korea in Crash Landing on You is not really accurate. It's basically a romanticized and "southkoreanized" depiction of the country. Still, it's very interesting... :D
Now only some North Korean sites provide info about actors and directors to promote the films, but mostly in Korean language. Also, most people don't know these sites and are not used to navigate them (search engines or tools are often not reliable...). The most feasible alternative would be to check the credits, or the back cover of the DVD.
All in all, it's indeed really difficult to find reliable sources when it comes to North Korean dramas and films.
It's actually one of my favorite North Korean films. You can find the movie on YouTube with English subtitles :)
For the record, you're not supporting anything made in North Korea by watching NK dramas and films on YouTube. It's not as if you purchased the original DVDs... And even if you did, that would barely make any difference in their economy or nuclear program.
Our links are only to YouTube. No legal streaming site would buy North Korean stuff due to international sanctions. UNSC resolutions 2270 and 2375 are very restrictive, and US and EU sanctions are even more restrictive.