◆ Small resistance led by rebellious young people
Young people seem to be strongly opposed to the tighter control. To the young people who have seen South Korean or Chinese movies and T.V. shows and, therefore, are aware of foreign fashion, copying the styles they have seen on T.V. represents a small challenge for freedom. It is said that many young people go out at night to wear the clothes they like and show off their dyed hairstyles.
Meanwhile, however, those working for the ‘gyuchaldae’ have been given the authority to crack down on anyone who dresses out of the ordinary.
The reporting partner said, “The goal of the ‘gyuchaldae’ officers is to receive bribes. An acquaintance, who was caught wearing straight pants, was released only after promising to give over 2 kilograms of gasoline. The officers, of course, make demands for cigarettes, gasoline, and so on.
In the past, the authorities used to have intense crackdowns only during set time periods. Now though, these crackdowns remain indefinitely in place. Behavior deemed to be “non-socialist” is regarded as a hostile act, as it deviates from North Korean style. Residents’ complaints are becoming very serious.”
The Kim Jong-un regime aims to crack down on the domestic spread of South Korean culture and information, despite the conciliatory mood of inter-Korean relations created last year. (Kang Ji-won)
※ ASIAPRESS contacts its reporting partners in North Korea through smuggled Chinese mobile phones.
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Editor’s notes on North Korean reporters
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