North Korea Confidential

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Private Markets, Fashion Trends, Prison Camps, Dissenters, and Defectors illustrate the complexities of North Korea, a society under a violent dictatorship led by a single family. The regime's relentless pursuit of nuclear arms often leads to military clashes with the wealthier, liberal South, while the majority of the population is forced to participate in a "theater state" that neglects their wellbeing. The collapse of this anachronistic system in the 1990s resulted in a devastating famine that claimed countless lives but also transformed the lives of survivors. A lawless market economy emerged, replacing state employment and allowing dreams of trade and profit to flourish, despite the oppressive control of the Korean Workers' Party. This new society is increasingly influenced by outside information, spurred by the popularity of k-pop and the spread of video-carrying USB sticks. The book delves into the realities of modern North Korean life through seven engaging chapters, featuring interviews with experts and a diverse range of sources. It offers an insider's perspective on North Korean society, drawing from experiences of ruling family members, defectors, diplomats, NGOs, and cross-border traders, revealing the horror, innovation, and humor that coexist in this intriguing nation.