THREAD 🧵
TOP TEN LIES ABOUT NORTH KOREA
This thread will debunk 10 myths about the DPRK.
TOP TEN LIES ABOUT NORTH KOREA
This thread will debunk 10 myths about the DPRK.
#1 - “DPRK banned jeans!”
Reality: Jeans have never been illegal in the DPRK but remain an uncommon sight due to issues importing necessary materials under sanctions. However, the DPRK used to export jeans in partnership with the Swedish brand “Noko Jeans” from 2009 until 2011.
Reality: Jeans have never been illegal in the DPRK but remain an uncommon sight due to issues importing necessary materials under sanctions. However, the DPRK used to export jeans in partnership with the Swedish brand “Noko Jeans” from 2009 until 2011.
#2 - “DPRK executes people for watching foreign films!”
Reality: Pyongyang's International Film Festival was founded in 1987 and held once every 2 years until 2019 when it became annual. This event has been open to all countries since 2002 and remains public.
Reality: Pyongyang's International Film Festival was founded in 1987 and held once every 2 years until 2019 when it became annual. This event has been open to all countries since 2002 and remains public.
#3 - “DPRK has no cars or traffic!”
Reality: Most citizens in the DPRK depend on public transport for travel but domestic car production has started. Also, most photos of empty roads are taken from the “re-unification highway” which leads to the closed DMZ border and thus empty.
Reality: Most citizens in the DPRK depend on public transport for travel but domestic car production has started. Also, most photos of empty roads are taken from the “re-unification highway” which leads to the closed DMZ border and thus empty.
#4 - “DPRK executes women for wearing make-up!”
Reality: Make-up has also never been illegal in the DPRK. In fact, this one is easy to debunk, given the existence of salons in Pyongyang and a cosmetics industry e.g. Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory has operated for 70+ years.
Reality: Make-up has also never been illegal in the DPRK. In fact, this one is easy to debunk, given the existence of salons in Pyongyang and a cosmetics industry e.g. Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory has operated for 70+ years.
#5 - “DPRK has mandated haircuts for men!”
Reality: Various hairstyles exist in the DPRK with no precise mandate or selection. However, this does not stop mainstream media from reporting 15 or 23 or 30 mandatory haircuts based on a barbershop example board.
Reality: Various hairstyles exist in the DPRK with no precise mandate or selection. However, this does not stop mainstream media from reporting 15 or 23 or 30 mandatory haircuts based on a barbershop example board.
#6 - “DPRK banned religion!”
Reality: 40% in the DPRK consider themselves religious - around 10 million people. Moreover, Article 14 of their constitution guarantees freedom of belief and service as demonstrated by the presence of Chondoists, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims etc.
Reality: 40% in the DPRK consider themselves religious - around 10 million people. Moreover, Article 14 of their constitution guarantees freedom of belief and service as demonstrated by the presence of Chondoists, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims etc.
#7 - “DPRK won't let people leave!”
Reality: By 2019, the DPRK had 120,000 citizens working and studying abroad. However, after later sanctions, most got repatriated by host states. In 2023, many citizens still struggle to travel abroad given these extensive and harsh sanctions.
Reality: By 2019, the DPRK had 120,000 citizens working and studying abroad. However, after later sanctions, most got repatriated by host states. In 2023, many citizens still struggle to travel abroad given these extensive and harsh sanctions.
#8 - “DPRK banned foreign music!”
Reality: Firstly, the DPRK has aired K-pop concerts which included bands like Red Velvet and other South Korean artists. Additionally, the population is able to access foreign music, including the Beatles, via public libraries.
Reality: Firstly, the DPRK has aired K-pop concerts which included bands like Red Velvet and other South Korean artists. Additionally, the population is able to access foreign music, including the Beatles, via public libraries.
#9 - “DPRK has only one TV channel and news lady!”
Reality: Upon further inspection, it becomes obvious that Ri Chun-hee, the famous news anchor, is not the only anchor in the country and that multiple channels exist - this will only shock the most fanatical liberals.
Reality: Upon further inspection, it becomes obvious that Ri Chun-hee, the famous news anchor, is not the only anchor in the country and that multiple channels exist - this will only shock the most fanatical liberals.
#10 - “DPRK is a one party dictatorship!”
Reality: Today, the DPRK has 3 parties which form a united front led by the WPK in the Supreme People's Assembly. However, the WPK remains the only ruling party that represents the majority of the population.
Reality: Today, the DPRK has 3 parties which form a united front led by the WPK in the Supreme People's Assembly. However, the WPK remains the only ruling party that represents the majority of the population.
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