Are public executions on the rise in North Korea? The Hermit Kingdom seeks to curb cultural influence from South Korea

A report prepared by the South Korea Ministry of Unification has said that public executions in North Korea are on the rise. This has yet again highlighted the absolute disregard for human rights by the hermit kingdom. This report is the second annual report which has been prepared based on the testimonies of defectors from North Korea. The laws are vague and people get executed for even petty crimes. The country has in recent times, actively sought to curb cultural influence emanating from its southern neighbor. One recent public execution was that of a 22-year-old in the South Hwanghae province in 2022. His only crime was listening to 70 South Korean songs and sharing three movies.

Attempts to curb cultural influence from South Korea:

The Government of North Korea seeks to strictly curb all forms of cultural influence from its southern neighbor whom it terms as a “puppet of the west”. Access to Internet which is considered to be a fundamental human right for many is restricted to only elite members of the society and only in certain areas of the country after close scrutiny. There are also restrictions on consuming content from foreign media. The country seeks to maintain its influence over its population which enables it to continue its rule, termed ‘authoritarian’ by many analysts.

Also Read: Will asteroid 2023 DW hit Earth on Valentine's Day in 2046? Know what NASA and ESA have said about its possibility

The violation of these laws can result in punishments ranging from labor camps to death. North Korea also severely punishes its citizens who seek to flee abroad or communicate with foreign nationals.

Death Penalty:

The punishments are severe in many cases when the offender is caught. There are death penalties for petty crimes such as stealing rice and other agricultural products; and stealing of copper and other factory products. Though North Korea has termed the use of death penalty and public executions as rare, Human Rights Watch as termed them as a move to deter would be criminals.

Also Read: US Hurricane tracker: Beryl tropical storm may become Category 3 Hurricane. Weather forecast, landfall time, area

Information warfare:

South Korea has in recent times sent balloons carrying propaganda against the North, hoping to influence its population. North Korea has responded by sending back balloons with thrash and garbage to South Korea.

FAQs:

When did Korea split?
The Korean war took place from 1950-53. It was after this that the country split into North Korea which is supported by China and Russia and South Korea which is supported by the US.

Are there state approved hair cut styles in North Korea?
The state has approved certain styles and all citizens need to adhere to one of these styles. There are penalties for not following it.