Widely known as an authoritative state, North Korea is strictly bounded by rules and restrictions including tight borders, forced labor, and strictly monitored market activities. Although a small portion of its constitution emphasizes the protection of rights, the government disregards these rights and prohibits almost all forms of expression. Due to this strict prohibition of rights, North Koreans can neither express ideas on media nor believe a religion according to their will.
For example, the government punishes all North Koreans who participate in market activities. Although trading in market is one of the very few ways for North Koreans to gain their necessities, it is not permitted in the country. More often, however, North Koreans are treated inhumanely even when they follow all of the government’s rules. For example, they are discriminated and divided unequally. People are divided based on their family backgrounds and political connections; the poor are the majority, and they are discriminated.
In order to make its citizens obey the rules, the North Korean government forces them to labor and threatens them through public executions. Due to this oppression, most North Koreans fear crossing the border into China. Very few have made this journey successfully, and currently, it is nearly impossible to cross the borders, especially due to the increased patrols and security cameras. Even several border guards, who were offered payment to help people escape North Korea, were executed by the government.
Restricted freedom
by Yunee Park