Censorship in North Korea

North Korea has very strict rules about what people can see, hear, and read. The government controls almost everything, like newspapers, TV, and the internet. Because of this, North Korea is near the bottom of a list that measures how free the press is in different countries.

All the news in North Korea comes from one place that the government controls. This news often talks about the leaders of the country and shows them in a very good light. The leaders make sure that only certain information is shared, and they do not allow many different opinions or ideas to be spread. This means people in North Korea do not get to see many different sides of stories or learn about what happens in other parts of the world.

Impact of censorship

In North Korea, the government controls all media to guide how people think and behave. This control begins when children are very young, influencing their views of their leader. Only specific books and shows are permitted, which limits what young people can learn.

The United Nations has pointed out that these rules prevent people from thinking freely or sharing their ideas. Journalists face serious risks because they cannot report news on their own. The government enforces strict laws to manage all information.

History

Kim Il Sung (Leader from 1948–1994)

Kim Il Sung was a man named Kim Sung-ju. He became a leader in 1948 and ruled until 1994. During his time, there were many strict rules about information. All media in North Korea were controlled by the government. Radios and televisions only showed approved channels.

1946–present: The Korean Central News Agency

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) started on December 5, 1946. It is the main news group for North Korea. The KCNA shares the views of the North Korean government with the world. It publishes news in several languages and often shares messages supporting the government's leaders. The KCNA has many workers who must follow strict rules.

Kim Jong Il (Leader from 1994–2011)

Kim Jong Il became the leader after his father Kim Il Sung died in 1994. He continued the strict control over information that his father started. He allowed some people to get cell phones and DVDs, but these were often used to share information secretly.

2004–2008: Cell phone ban

The North Korean government tried to stop people from getting information from outside the country. In 2008, a company from Egypt helped start a mobile phone network called Koryolink. Only certain people could use it, and the government watched closely.

Kim Jong Un (Leader from 2011–present)

Kim Jong Un became the leader in 2011. He has kept very strict control over information in North Korea. Journalists must follow the rules of the government. The government also punishes people who try to share outside ideas or culture.

Radio and television censorship

Further information: Radio jamming in Korea

In North Korea, radios and televisions only show shows approved by the government. The devices are locked so people cannot change the channels. Trying to watch or listen to broadcasts from outside is against the law. Officials check these devices to make sure they follow the rules.

Only a few important people can use cellphones and the internet. Most people can only watch and listen to government-made programs. These programs always praise the country's leaders. Even the songs on TVs and radios support the government. Some people try to watch South Korean shows and movies using small devices, even though it is not allowed.

Journalism

North Korea is near the bottom of the Press Freedom Index rankings made each year by Reporters Without Borders. This means it is very hard for people there to get free and open news.

Internet policies

Further information: Internet in North Korea

In North Korea, most people cannot use the global internet. Only some government workers and foreigners are allowed to. Most universities have a few computers that are watched. Regular citizens can only use a special online system called Kwangmyong. This system is controlled by the government and is separate from the rest of the world's internet.

Since 2014, North Korea has had a special Android-based tablet computer called Ullim. This tablet watches what users do and only lets them see approved content. Most people with mobile phones still cannot use the global internet and are limited to the country's own online system. Only a small group of important people can access the wider internet.