Censorship in North Korea

North Korea has some of the strictest rules about what people can see, hear, and read. The government controls almost everything, including newspapers, TV, and the internet. Because of this, North Korea is near the bottom of a list that measures how free the press is in different countries.

All the news in North Korea comes from one place that the government controls. This news often talks about the leaders of the country and shows them in a very good light. The leaders make sure that only certain information is shared, and they do not allow many different opinions or ideas to be spread. This means people in North Korea do not get to see many different sides of stories or learn about what happens in other parts of the world.

Impact of censorship

In North Korea, the government controls all media to keep people following its rules. This control starts from a very young age, shaping how children see their leader. Only certain books and shows are allowed, limiting what young people can learn.

The United Nations has noted that these rules stop people from thinking freely or expressing themselves. Journalists also face big risks because they are not allowed to report news independently. The government makes strict laws to control all information.

History

Kim Il Sung (Leader from 1948–1994)

Kim Il Sung was an ordinary man named Kim Sung-ju. He became a leader in 1948 and ruled until 1994. His time was marked by strict rules and control over information. During his rule, all media in North Korea were run by the government. Radios and televisions could only show approved channels.

1946–present: The Korean Central News Agency

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) started on December 5, 1946. It is the main news group for North Korea. The KCNA shares the views of the North Korean government with the world. It publishes news in several languages and often shares messages supporting the government's leaders. The KCNA has many workers who must follow strict rules to share only the government's messages.

Kim Jong Il (Leader from 1994–2011)

Kim Jong Il became the leader after his father Kim Il Sung died in 1994. He continued the strict control over information that his father started. He allowed some people to get cell phones and DVDs, but these were often used to share information secretly.

2004–2008: Cell phone ban

The North Korean government tried to stop people from getting information from outside the country. In 2008, a company from Egypt helped start a mobile phone network called Koryolink. Only certain people could use it, and the government watched closely to make sure people only got approved messages.

Kim Jong Un (Leader from 2011–present)

Kim Jong Un became the leader in 2011. He has kept very strict control over information in North Korea. Journalists must follow the rules of the government and share only positive messages about the leader. Those who break these rules can face serious trouble. The government also punishes people who try to share outside ideas or culture.

Radio and television censorship

Further information: Radio jamming in Korea

In North Korea, radios and televisions can only receive government-approved channels. These devices are locked and sealed to prevent changes. Trying to change the channels to watch or listen to outside broadcasts is against the law. Officials often check these devices to make sure they follow the rules.

Only some important people can use cellphones and the internet. Most people can only watch and listen to programs made by the government. These programs always praise the country's leaders. Even the songs on TVs and radios focus on supporting the government. Some people, especially in cities, find ways to watch South Korean shows and movies using small portable players or USB drives, even though it is not allowed.

Journalism

North Korea is near the bottom of the Press Freedom Index rankings made each year by Reporters Without Borders. For many years, it was close to the worst possible ranking among all countries. In some years, it was the very worst, and in others, it was just one place above the worst. This shows that it is very hard for people in North Korea to get news that is free and open.

Internet policies

Further information: Internet in North Korea

In North Korea, most people cannot use the global internet. Only some high-level government workers and foreigners are allowed to do so. Most universities have a few computers that are closely watched. Regular citizens can only use a special online system called Kwangmyong, which is controlled by the government. This system is separate from the rest of the world's internet, so it is hard for others to see or change what is on it.

Since 2014, North Korea has had a special Android-based tablet computer called Ullim. This tablet watches what users do, saving information about the apps they open and the websites they visit. It only lets users see certain approved content and does not allow access to outside sources. As of 2022, most people with mobile phones still cannot use the global internet and are limited to the country's own online system. Only a small group of important people in the military and government can access the wider internet.