The Power Structure of North Korea

Amir Hamza Shaukat

North Korea is home to one of the world’s longest running dynasties. Three generations of the Kim family have ruled with total control, employing harsh repression and a right to privilege to secure elite and military support.

Kim Kong-un, the most recent supreme leader, appears to have managed his early years in power deftly, reorganizing the party and military organizations and speeding up the development of nuclear and missile weapons. Experts says Kim’s ties with elites will be tested as North Korea strives to expand its economy and open up to the outside world.

North Korea remained one of the world’s most oppressive countries in 2020.

As a result of the border closures and travel restrictions imposed to combat the spread of Covid-19, the country became more isolated than ever before.

All basic liberties, including freedom of expression, religion, conscience, assembly and association have banned political opposition, independent media, civil society and labor organizations.

North Korea media control

North Korea’s state media is tightly controlled. Korean central television is a TV channel run by the state and is widely seen by North Koreans. The network broadcasts news, documentaries and other shows that praise Kim Jong and his father.

Control on Radio

Radio and TV in North Korea are pre-tuned to government stations and radio stations. They are timely checked and registered by the police. Some North Koreans purchase a second radio set that is unregistered in order to listen to foreign broadcasts.

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 Newspapers print pieces in which they unfailingly hold the president in high esteem, revere him and glorify him as the great revolutionary leader. Journalists who do not follow strict laws face punishment in the form of hard labor or imprisonment, even for the smallest typing errors, only pro-regime news is allowed, whereas news on the country’s economy and political issues, as well as criticisms from abroad, are prohibited.

Internet Use Remains Restricted

North Korea’s internet connection is limited to a select group of the country’s elite who have acquired governmental approval. In the absence of a broadband network satellite internet coverage, which is offered in some tourist hotels, is the sole option.

Despite limited internet access within its borders, North Korea has been more active on the internet for international users, with official pages on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.