Read, Watch or Listen

A UN human rights report reveals North Korea's intensifying crackdown on personal freedoms, including the execution of individuals for distributing foreign TV shows, particularly South Korean dramas. Surveillance has increased significantly since 2014, aided by new technologies. The report, based on interviews with over 300 defectors, details harsher punishments and increased executions for political and ordinary crimes since the COVID-19 pandemic. While some minor improvements were noted, the report concludes North Korea remains the world's most restrictive country.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.