The Closed Country

Restrictions and surveillance in North Korea are prevalent, as visitors must adhere to strict regulations and accept unreasonable limitations. These include prohibitions on bringing a Bible or wearing politically sensitive attire. Tourists are subjected to close monitoring, with strict rules against photographing military facilities or leaders, and are required to be accompanied by guides at all times. North Korea maintains a firm grip on foreign tourists, displaying increased suspicion and closely scrutinizing their actions. The circumstances surrounding Otto Warmbier's arrest, trial, and subsequent death remain shrouded in mystery. Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, solidifies his authority by ruthlessly eliminating influential members of the regime. Surprising those who underestimated him, Kim Jong-un swiftly silenced critics and removed powerful figures within the government. He employed strategic propaganda and implemented extreme measures to establish authority and retain power. Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are honored through grand statues and monuments.

Visitors are required to purchase flowers and place them in front of the monuments but are prohibited from taking photographs. Guides are present to ensure proper respect is shown, and visitors are permitted to film the statues only after bowing. Kim Jong Un spent his adolescent years in Switzerland. An anthropometric analysis confirmed his identity. He enjoyed a somewhat privileged lifestyle with his own apartment and basketball collectibles. Kim Jong Un embraced Western culture and initiated changes in North Korea's economy and entertainment sector. He attended a concert in Pyongyang with his wife, breaking tradition by introducing the first lady, and implementing economic liberalization that led to modernization in North Korea. He publicly expressed his love for U.S. basketball, invited Dennis Rodman to Pyongyang, and introduced Swiss-style facilities such as ski slopes and entertainment venues. Kim Jong Nam was fatally poisoned with a VX nerve agent at an airport by two women acting under the direction of four North Koreans. VX nerve agent is a potent neurotoxin that guarantees death with a single dose. The assassination of Kim Jong-Nam with VX poison at an airport. The meticulous planning and execution of the assassination point to North Korea's involvement. Two women have been arrested for carrying out the attack, and their defense claims their innocence. Kim Jong-un has solidified his control and is now focusing on military power.

Following the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, Kim Jong-un has emerged as the sole successor to the Kim legacy. He has strengthened his authority by launching missiles and developing nuclear weapons, projecting an image of invulnerability. Kim Jong Un's control extends to the education system and surveillance. The government tightly controls and monitors the education system, with cameras installed in every classroom and strict attendance monitoring. Children are expected to excel not only academically and in sports but also in music and arts, all while being constantly exposed to propaganda. A revolutionary museum showcases the portrayal of the US army's brutality towards North Korean civilians, and all school children must visit. The museum exhibits graphic scenes of atrocities, including mutilations and the use of newborns as footballs. Even children find motivation to fight against the US army after witnessing these images. The visitor guide avoids questions about the US recognition of the massacre and emphasizes that the US Army is North Korea's biggest enemy. The tension between North and South Korea remains at a heightened state, as there is a substantial military presence in the region. The number of North Korean soldiers at the border surpasses that of South Korean and American soldiers. The leadership and military strategy of Kim Jong-un are widely perceived as a significant threat. The North Korean population has limited interaction with the outside world, and their access to the internet is closely monitored and restricted. Merely 0.5% of the population has internet access, primarily consisting of the wealthiest and most influential individuals. While email communication is permitted, it is subject to monitoring, with messages carefully scrutinized before being sent. Pyongyang exercises strict control over its citizens and employs orchestrated propaganda campaigns. The city is immersed in propaganda, with posters and portraits glorifying the leaders prominently displayed. Kim Jong-un actively promotes increased tourism to showcase a society that appears uniform and subservient.