North Korea Confidential: Private Markets, Fashion Trends, Prison Camps, Dissenters and Defectors

Life in North Korea is explored in this book by interviewing experts and tapping a broad variety of sources to provide a startling insider's view of the secretive society. It reveals that ordinary North Koreans, poor and rich alike, enjoy listening to K-pop music and are addicted to South Korean TV dramas, in direct contravention of government dictates. Pirated foreign movies and shows are often smuggled into the country and sold.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 232 pages
\n Publication date: 06 October 2020
\n Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
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This captivating book by renowned journalists Daniel Tudor and James Pearson delves deep into the enigmatic realm of North Korea. Through extensive interviews with experts and a diverse range of sources, the authors offer a startling insider's perspective on the secretive society. The book explores various aspects of North Korean life, including:

Members of Pyongyang's ruling families: The authors gain exclusive access to members of the ruling Kim dynasty, shedding light on their lives, beliefs, and interactions with the rest of the country.

Defectors from different periods and regions: The book features firsthand accounts from defectors who have left North Korea, providing valuable insights into the political, social, and economic challenges faced by the people.

Foreign diplomats and NGOs with years of experience in the country: The authors interview foreign diplomats and non-governmental organizations who have worked extensively in North Korea, offering valuable perspectives on the country's political system, economy, and human rights situation.

Cross-border traders from neighboring China: The book includes interviews with cross-border traders who operate in the border region between North Korea and China, providing insights into the economic dynamics and the smuggling activities that take place.

Textual accounts appearing in English, Korean, and Chinese sources: The authors compile and analyze a wide range of textual accounts, including official government reports, news articles, and memoirs, to gain a comprehensive understanding of North Korean society.

One of the most intriguing revelations in the book is that ordinary North Koreans, regardless of their socioeconomic status, enjoy listening to K-pop music and are avid fans of South Korean TV dramas. This contradicts government directives that promote strict cultural isolation and ideological conformity. The authors also uncover the widespread smuggling of foreign movies and shows, including American, South Korean, and Chinese productions, which are often smuggled into North Korea and sold on the black market. These glimpses into the daily lives of North Koreans help to shed light on the country's complex and evolving society.

The book also provides an updated analysis of North Korea's political discourse, economic policies, and the rise and fall of optimism within the country since 2018. The authors touch on key events such as Kim Jong-un's meetings with Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in, and offer a detailed analysis of North Korea's political system, economic challenges, and the human rights situation.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the enigmatic and complex world of North Korea. Through a wealth of firsthand accounts, expert insights, and analytical analysis, the authors provide a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the country's history, politics, and society. The book sheds light on the lives of ordinary North Koreans, challenges faced by the government, and the ongoing efforts to reform and open up the country.

\n Weight: 278g\n
Dimension: 132 x 203 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780804852265\n \n