Pedro Pardo, an AFP photographer, has managed to capture rare scenes from North Korea, offering a rare glimpse into the daily existence within this secluded nation. Between February 26 and March 1, Pardo photograph a country shrouded in secrecy and governed by the doctrine of “Juche,” or self-reliance.
These visuals present a North Korea seldom seen by outsiders; they depict a grim reality contradicting the propaganda that usually finds its way out of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). In a country that promotes self-sufficiency and independence from the outside world, the images highlight the severe economic and social challenges faced by its citizens. One photograph poignantly shows North Korean soldiers working on the border, while another reveals the austere North Korean city of Hyesan. The photos also showcase the government’s attempt to instill pride and loyalty among its people, with a sign in Chunggang reading, “My country is the best,” alongside portraits of former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il reminding citizens of the ruling dynasty’s enduring influence.
North Korea’s enforced isolation under the rule of Kim Jong Un has led to significant economic hardships. Despite the nation’s rich propaganda, the economy struggles, and many citizens face extreme poverty and food scarcity. According to the CIA, North Korea remains “one of the world’s most isolated and one of Asia’s poorest” nations. This stands in stark contrast to the slogans promoting unity and revolutionary ideas, such as the one in Chunggang declaring, “Let’s unify the party and all society with the revolutionary ideas of comrade Kim Jong Un!”
The dire situation in North Korea has pushed an estimated 31,000 North Koreans to defect to South Korea since the 1950s, with numbers increasing recently due to the “worsening conditions in North Korea,” as stated by the unification ministry in Seoul. These conditions, exacerbated by the pandemic, have led to even more stringent border defenses against defection.
Relevant articles:
– Bleak images show snapshots of daily life in the closed world of North Korea, Yahoo News UK
– Bleak images show snapshots of daily life in the closed world of North Korea, Yahoo News UK
– Bleak images show snapshots of daily life in the closed world of North Korea, Business Insider, Mar 24, 2024
– Inside North Korea: bleak photos capture rare glimpse of life in closed-off hermit nation, South China Morning Post, Mar 25, 2024