North Korea: Behind Barbed Wires
Untouched by modernization, North Korea is a country we know little about. As American’s, we have access to almost anything we need. However, in North Korea, the population only has access to what the government thinks should be accessed. This cryptic communist country, has confined itself from Western Civilization. Despite the images that has been embedded into our minds, life in North Korea is not what the media portrays it to be. Since the end of the Korean War, the media has painted North Korea as an “axis of evil,” as well as an “outpost of tyranny,” though, this is not essentially what North Korea really is. North Korea has been an enigmatic country for decades. It is one of the few countries that still lives under communistic leadership. In 1905, Japan ruled Korea for a period of 35 years. After Japan’s conquer, Korea separated at what is known as the 38th parallel, where the U.S stationed in the South, and the Soviet Union in the North. Like a domino effect, the Soviet Union influenced the Northern beliefs, turning them into a communist country. With hopes of turning all of Korea communist, the North invaded the South on June 25th, 1950. In 1953, an armistice between both sides was agreed upon, with the North remaining communist. Under the rule of the North Korean founder, Kim II Sung, North Korea adapted the philosophy of Juche, also known as self-reliance, which did not allow outside influence. Instituted by Joseph Stalin, Kim II Sung remained in office for about 50 years, until his death in 1994. During his reign, there were many communistic changes. One big change was the calendar, where the year 1912, was marked as the “first year ever made,” as if there were no past. Known as the “hermit kingdom,” North Korea remained in isolated secrecy. North Korea separated itself from the rest of the world, leaving a trail of mystery of what lies behind the border of those barbed wires. The media is a powerful cartel that dictates what we know. The media has boundless domination over what we know, hear, and learn about the world around us. North Korea is one of the big topics the media controls, forcing us to believe basically anything we’re told. For many years, the media has told us that North Korea is country where it is hard to survive. It is understood in America that North Korea is run by striking fear into the hearts of the people. People go to jail for speaking against authoritative figures, so they must be wary of what leaves their lips. Starvation and financial issues are prominent, and many people die due to the hardships they face on a day-to-day basis. According to USAToday, “an average of 2 million North Koreans die every year due to famine.” With the depth of media control, it is becoming a struggle to find true, unbiased news about what is really going on in North Korea. The news gives North Korea an image that makes not only Americans, but the rest of the world have a sense of hate towards the isolated country. During Kim Jung Il’s rule, foreigners were not permitted into North Korea, unless for medical, or government related reasons. Many news reporters and journalists sne...