North Korea: Like Nowhere Else: Two Years of Living in the World's Most Secretive State

Lindsey Miller's photographic exploration of North Korea offers a vivid picture of communities under police surveillance and challenges misconceptions about the country. She lived in Pyongyang for two years, granted remarkable freedoms, and witnessed the headlines during a period of military tension. However, it was the connection with individuals and their families that delivered the real revelations of North Korean life, leaving her utterly changed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: September Publishing

North Korea, a country often shrouded in mystery and misconceptions, has been the subject of numerous documentaries and books, but until now, it has been largely unexplored through the lens of photography. However, in 2018, Lindsey Miller, a Westerner who had lived in Pyongyang for nearly two years, embarked on a photographic journey to capture the essence of North Korean society. Her journey took her beyond the headlines and into the heart of the country, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of government surveillance and control on the lives of its citizens. Miller's photographs offer a unique perspective on North Korean life, revealing the hidden humanity of a society often portrayed as monolithic and repressive. One of the most striking aspects of Miller's photographs is the way they paint a vivid picture of communities kept under the close grip of police surveillance. These images capture the daily routines of North Koreans, from the morning commute to the evening meal, and reveal the extent to which the government monitors and controls their every move. Miller's photographs also challenge some of the wider misconceptions about North Korean society. For example, many people believe that North Koreans are all brainwashed and indoctrinated by the government, but Miller's portraits of individuals and families show that there is a great deal of diversity and individuality within the country. She met people who were passionate about their work, who loved their families, and who had a sense of humor and creativity. Miller's photographs also highlight the impact of the country's economic isolation on its citizens. North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, and its citizens are subject to strict economic controls and shortages. Miller's photographs show the daily struggles of North Koreans, from the long lines at the grocery store to the lack of access to basic necessities such as food and medicine. Despite these challenges, Miller's photographs also reveal the resilience and strength of the North Korean people. She met people who had overcome incredible hardships and who had found ways to thrive in the face of adversity. Miller's photographs are a testament to the hidden humanity of North Korea, and they offer a unique perspective on a society that is often misunderstood and misrepresented. They remind us that behind the headlines and the propaganda, there are real people with real lives and real stories. As Miller herself says, "North Korea is a country that is full of contradictions, but it is also a country that is full of hope and possibility." Her photographs provide a glimpse into the lives of North Koreans and offer a glimpse into the future of a country that is slowly but surely opening up to the world.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 176 x 196 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912836802