Pyongyang calling: we spent a week in North Korea

In rare footage inside the North Korean capital, the Guardian gained an insight into what daily life is like for its citizens. Escorted by government minders at all times we were invited to visit a nursery, zoo, swimming pool, funfair, parks, factories, festivals and more, but were left questioning if anything was real. After returning to the UK, Emma Graham-Harrison reflects on what it's like spending a week immersed in a personality cult
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#northkorea #pyongyang #insidenorthkorea #pyongyangcalling

[@geoffdb8118]

I'm addicted to North Korea documnetaries .. the atmosphere of that place is so indescribably strange

[@dr.shubhamchaudhari8008]

Geoff DB Everything is so skeptical about North Korea

[@lillylazer429]

I am too for some reason. I find it fascinating. Not that I would want to go there. I'm really curious and I wonder if indeed that they put on a show. I watched some other documentaries and in those ppl didn't want thier pic taken, no selfies or IPhones, The ppl were not as friendly. I think its the elite who get to go to nice water parks and fun fairs. Live better than the average person. Funny that they are taught America is evil but they will take both American currency and the Euro..Hopefully one day they will break free from the ridiculous leaders and thier bs. Many things will change. They can make so much money if they get over the paranoia and open up and cater to travel. They are surrounded by Japan sea, why not make it a destination for sufers. Beachfront shops and a boardwalk. This leader is selfish and he doesn't care about The ppl. He's overweight and the ppl are thin. Even the military men are thin and malnourished. They don't even have proper farming equipment for farms. The ppl deserve so much better.

[@wilddog3820]

I was addicted - and went. And I've been buzzing ever since. It was an amazing experience. And I'm still soaking up NK docos!

[@floydbaldwinjr1038]

I would really love to see the dancing and live music performances in person. Idk what to think about the scripted environment but it could be worse. I'm really digging the songs played near the end on the party boat. If anyone can find the names or artists, please let me know haha seriously

[@DJChirpzTV]

same here

[@subsonicwoofer5183]

"Do you speak English" Man : *NO*

[@nirajdevkota1545]

Deutsches Wulf 😂

[@justinnamuco9096]

He knows one word

[@justinnamuco9096]

Borax Kid does knowing five words or so make you a fluent speaker of the language. He only needed 2 words, speak and English. Heck, even the word English would be enough for him to say no

[@samuelrs5138]

North Korean children raised in the capital are actually taught english in school

[@memyself1176]

@@justinnamuco9096 NORTH KOREAns are the BEST KOREANS

[@joncoda365]

Wait, so they are taught by their leaders that North Korea is the most powerful country in the world? Don't they know that the United States is actually the most powe.... wait a minute...

[@garethhancock8525]

You said wait a minute and that was ages ago, way more than a minute

[@ElCSB]

USA is genocide get your facts right.

[@jackdickinson5678]

China

[@justsomerobotickrabwithint9326]

@Christian Brandstetter Are you saying the US is worse than North Korea?

[@realdy]

By "global" research made by North Korea, China turned out to be the happiest and most successful nation in the world, and North Korea took the 2nd place. Their evil enemy South Korea was 152nd, and USA however, was 203rd countries in the world, claiming that half of their population are homeless and have no food but pigeons on the street because of evil capitalism. This "trustable" research claimed that most South Korean kids cannot even afford their kindergarden education so they have no choice but going out and polish US soldiers' boots and get paid with hersheys chocolate. They also claimed that every South Korean men including 9 yr old kid were forced to build Lotte World Tower(4th tallest skyscraper in the world) and had to donate 50% of all their incomes to their government and US military.

[@ricardo7308]

North Koreans: *breaths* Rest of the world: *SHOCKED*

[@elvinl.490]

It is real ?

[@iiillliiill5917]

401 likes and only 1 reply ???

[@HovanCarlo]

@@iiillliiill5917 406

[@hunt3r214]

Lol

[@christinagaller4374]

We are not shocked. We know they are acting lol

[@wilddog3820]

Interesting but as stated in the film - it was only Pyongyang. I had 8 nights in NK in May 2018 but only 4 in Pyongyang and the others in each of 4 different places. And in fact it was the travelling between places that really showed the starkest contrast with the capital - and it really was chalk and cheese. But I appreciated the video - so thanks for providing some great memories and good comments.

[@abigail7579]

How different were the cities???

[@davidaikman1920]

I suppose without asking the questions, the answers were all around you if you knew where to look. Which was probably everywhere.

[@naberville3305]

Seems to be a common comment about NK. But I imagine the contrast between the financial center of any major US city and it's outer slums is worse

[@srspanksalot4501]

@@naberville3305I’m happy to defend NK on the many exaggerations and misconceptions, but NK is VERY poor, they are way more poor than even Cuba, they have been under devastating economic oppression for decades. I would image the average rural citizen is more poor than the average rural American. The difference I think is that they get hospitals and food and shelter, we don’t.

[@catinabox3048]

@@srspanksalot4501 There's been stories from NK defectors and they've said that the hospitals are a gimmick. You have to purchase the meds and supplies yourself (which hospitals in other countries come equipped with) to get treatment, which most cannot afford since they're not paid much for their work if at all. Surgeries are not done in a clean environment and there is no anesthesia. There are limited treatment possibilities for more difficult conditions. Maybe it's better than zero medical care, but it's not great. I'm not sure how food distribution works in NK, but plenty of defectors have said that they were starving enough to be eating rats off the streets to stay alive, and that they barely even feed their soldiers.

[@GC-jb1kp]

I’m gonna b honest, there’s nothing special about this video, it’s got some good visuals but the information is super basic, and the story is over dramatized

[@angelikadepelika3758]

I don’t like this style of documentary. The narator should be added on later, while the documentary maker walks around and talks to people.

[@yeyri8304]

G C Facts..💔💔

[@lawrencewei3583]

Gacha MV stop spamming

[@mehhandle]

I'm sure your documentary will be much better.

[@ahf5471]

I want to go on the party boat......

[@deNIALL92]

I don't think the reporter gave a single unique insight in this whole documentary. A wasted opportunity

[@edwardlesetja988]

Bravo kim jong un 4 that 2017 display, 2019 now your 35 your almost there we all can't wait, why not loose that bread n take it like every man, wile you still here. you know how universe operate no crime goes unpayed....

[@DrDoinks]

edverts lezgart honestly, whenever any media outlet visits there, the video is almost identical. They see the same things and have the same extreme restrictions. It’s like every news channel taking the same tour, trying to find a unique way to talk about the exact same thing.

[@stevenmorris2293]

I don’t think she could . They only show you what they want you to see

[@addmin5487]

To be fair you can’t extract much from a guided tour.

[@anneeq008]

What did you expect? They can't do anything outside their regimented trips

[@michaelerwin8744]

I've seen other video documentation by Chinese tourists and they seem to be treated differently. Conversation with guide is more personal and open.

[@mistyshadows7209]

Michael Erwin I know exactly what you're talking about.

[@DArtagnan853]

They are more friendlier and open with most asians though..........

[@metaxoskolikas]

Its because they are chinese

[@LeechUFC]

That’s not a surprise though since China is their closest ally and America are their biggest enemy lol

[@rudyvanautreve3222]

Creepy after 1 week!!!!!

[@tradehut2782]

The entire narrative summed up. "We are happy" Narrator: "No you are lying" "I'm smiling" Narrator: "No you are faking it"

[@ahmedabbas6761]

I was thinking like that the whole video😂👍

[@marko1263]

Yep.

[@justinnamuco9096]

I mean they couldn't have been faking it at all, could they? 😂 srsly how do u know it's real

[@sleepy0]

@@justinnamuco9096 Innocent until proven guilty.

[@mae473]

Well, looking at it from the north korean defectors perscpective on the country, this woman who is narraring this video is pretty on point on her opinions. Kim is the leader and no one can or should question him.

[@desa3887]

9:14 The kid has New York Yankees logo on his hat IN NORTH KOREA

[@TheVCRKing]

His life would be over if Kim Jong Un saw it...

[@moogs05]

@@TheVCRKing that’s not true ..the dear leader loves the Yankees ..

[@firefirefire3277]

Well, at least on Kim Jong Un, he may hate America but not its sports. He's also said to be an NBA fan.

[@jimmyyaoharbin]

Read through the comments and am just happy that I wasn't the only one to find the narrator extremely biased and her constant effort to lead the viewers to her preset version of the country. Almost had a chill when thought I was defending the dictatorship. Phew.

[@wiki_salegax9660]

Joeys right hand squeeze yes but she wasn’t documenting the whole of North Korea, but just Pyeonyang. She could have mentioned that elites who show to be happy in the video are actually happy because they live in a fairly respected city. Instead she just dismissed that and said they’re purely faking it.

[@kjhfds98231]

Your Chinese so you're probably used to this sort of dictatorship.

[@limsanity1572]

이진혁 you’re korean so you must have escaped from the North Korean labour camps. What are you doing on KZbin? Go continue mining for the great leader!!

[@Nasty619foxdrankthewine]

I don’t like this journalist. She just randomly walks up to a snack kiosk thing, takes the shop keepers picture and walks off. The shop keeper is like ??? Just seems rude, miserable and dull. Sad, really. This woman is essentially representing us.

[@bonek6993]

Exactly, and they probably think, 'what more can this people do?' 'They need to be checked'.

[@grip2617]

Maybe she has a LBTG problem.

[@sstocket125]

That moment when North Korean People looks Much More Happier in this Video than the Journalist who never smiles lol

[@ktkska8886]

Americans just want to poke, poke, poke, dig, dig, dig knowing others don't want you to know. So, what if they get the real pictures of what's happening in North Korea to show it the world? The West will send their armies to liberate them? Go poke some more and dig some more and you will get yourself into trouble and get poked and get dug and your American government won't be able to save you. Otto Warm Beer is a lesson to all itchy backside Americans.

[@ktkska8886]

Just like when they see Singapore is so clean, the camera shows some people standing around and the narrator says, "Plainclothes policemen are watching". Americans just cannot accept that it is a Singaporean culture to keep their streets clean.

[@JohnKobaRuddy]

ktkska 888 and on top of that there are people who literally want a policeman on every street corner (not there own naturally) but when they don’t see a police officer on every corner they are disappointed and then when they show like a Chinese cop in tiananman square they behave like they’re oppressing everyone and that their police and somehow extra evil

[@humanityisdoomed3659]

@Dookie Howser some might feel so but I won't be surprised some are actually happier. Ignorance is bliss.

Because they are actually much happier. May Kim protect them from the degeneracy that affects the West.

[@wannago905]

She doesn't believe anything she saw and likes to talk about things she didn't see. Why bothered making the trip?

[@shehzadahmed6088]

Exactly

[@thinhvo3893]

Because if the tour is forcing you to see one thing in your country, it make you curious about other. If you go to any other country, you have an option for a tour guide or simply explore the local by yourself to see the real daily life of those people. Tour guide are often optional for people who does not know how country work or direction of the country. Here they are showing or forcing you to view a specific image of a country which make you wonder if any of this are real.

[@eleganzaitself6115]

What would you do if you were visiting the world's most right-wing ultra-nationalist oppressive scumbag nation? Report on it exactly as they want you to? Nice work! I would suggest you read 1984 by George Orwell, and in fact, any book published in a country not controlled by a revolting crime family (the "Kims") that needs to be removed and destroyed.

[@blahpunk1]

She discusses that exact question in the video.

[@sukiserjeant9110]

I am 100%korean ! She is telling the truth! North k always lie always never ending lies !

[@awesomeme8496]

That sound that they were making while drinking water...

[@creamcheese6236]

'Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh'

[@Nasty619foxdrankthewine]

Awesome Me It grated me. Enjoying it a little too much.

[@Enzo012]

That's the sound of revolution comrade.

[@xemy1010]

@@Enzo012 I love you for this comment. lol

[@ryanvargas4889]

SssSGuuuUUGH...

[@ginsengjin]

I feel like they should have sent someone with at least a basic understanding of Korean culture (South Korean) before sending them to do a piece on North Korea. It's true that the poverty in the rest of North Korea is feeding and supporting Pyongyang but just because they're guiding the tours, doesn't mean everything is an act. For example, the water from the wells (mineral water) is a cultural thing that is common in South Korea as well because the water is natural people think it's good for health. North Korea just put a "great leader" spin on it but it doesn't mean people drink it thinking it's "revolutionary water".

[@wonseokchoi4203]

What do you expect from westerners lmao. They only report on Asia to make it seem "weird" so they feel safe and superior in their dying shitass European continent.

[@800bass6]

what common in south korean is woman doing plastic surgery and barely legal young girls strip their clothes online for living. i respect how north korean women and young girls still respect their shame cultures.

[@jaymorningstar3650]

Not revolutionary water , you should say revolutionary-simidaaaa , LMFAO

[@Kegyetleneper]

@@Poon1312 the reason why right wing populism is on the rise is the totally incompetent left.

[@catch_me_if_you_can6596]

that was irony,idiot.the whole world is having tradition in drinking sacred water

[@MrJason005]

You should have learned a bit of Korean so you could understand what they weren't translating for you

[@alloomis1635]

no one is going to speak to a foreigner, beyond the official script. having korean is no asset. humanity sometimes goes off the rails, notably germany under the nazis.

[@MrJason005]

Well, no one is going to speak out of the intention, but if she hears something from the back alleys then knowing Korean would have been pretty useful, and she did sneak into some back alleys.

[@madilovell4816]

@@MrJason005 I do agree with you but just so you know, North Korea and South Korea do have many differences in their languages. It would take much more effort to learn North Korean with fewer resources. :)

[@thastayapongsak4422]

@@madilovell4816 if you are decent in Korean. It would be like a londoner listening to welsh accent. It doesn't have much difference.

[@pou603]

Communism's core value is so similar to the Concept of “Datong” in Chinese Philosophy created 2600years ago, Idea of the Common Good with everyone is organised and equal, but communism has harsher emphasis on military

[@minidinocannon4598]

The North Korean people in the footage look happier than this reporter can ever be

[@DArtagnan853]

Very true...these reporters think too highly og themselves..........

[@yahwehsonren]

Agree, this women full negatif not smile at all

[@brianhelmuth9414]

because this is a journalists tour. go outside the city into the rural countryside... and you'll see everything

[@VashtiPerry]

Violet Wong the people in the footage aren’t the only people in NORTH Korea

[@_vallee_5190]

It is a guided tor, moreover you are commenting multiple time. Begone bot.

[@neggas-]

*this journalist is creepy AF*

[@wolfqueenn6628]

How so

[@TheDropdeadZed]

She looks a bit like Skyler from breaking bad

[@SLAYER-nm5zw]

Also very ugly,typical feminist that oozes authority and pees standing up,marrying a beta male with money and screaming at him,you get the picture

[@melman7738]

@@SLAYER-nm5zw You don't need to be rude.

[@Abe_Hiroshi12]

@@SLAYER-nm5zw don't hit her with facts lol

[@esinbozdag391]

The reporter is so disturbing really. The way she talks, the way she looks give me more negativity than North Korea

[@mistyshadows7209]

🧜‍♀️-"Esin Bozdağ the Reporter is a feminist too."

[@jacksonreginald4735]

How

[@exessen1684]

Wtf are you talking about

[@douglasallen511]

You are correct, she is basically doing a hatchet job on a tiny tormented, tortured, persecuted country.

[@sonofadam7633]

She is so annoying like She discrebing things like Like she is a child

[@chrisp1961]

North Korea will never invite this reporter again. Ha Ha

[@vanshprajapati7010]

One vice reporter was indeed banned after 2 visits.

[@mistyshadows7209]

🧜‍♀️-"chrisp1961 So what and....."

[@sloppynyuszi]

vansh prajapati I think Shane Smith has been back since. If not his crew was behind the Dennis Rodman visits.

[@alekxu]

Or they will invite her one last time

[@lukroe2]

And if they do, she should better not come...

[@ThePakLife]

They should've sent a journalist who's based in South Korea or has in depth knowledge of Korean culture & language.

[@khust2993]

Western people knew everything about the world and how to run it, or so they say.

[@LordDavid04]

Maybe NK authorities wouldn't allow it?

[@thecapitalg]

@@LordDavid04 Yep, South Koreans are banned from the DPRK.

[@DHFORPM]

"Is all of this a show for me?" ... calm down lady, you are not that imporant. Leave those people alone already.

[@williamf3669]

But it is tho...

[@CarlosRivera-cz4pm]

There’s 3 other documentaries where people have said the exact same thing though

[@zeboraable]

I just returned from DPRK for the Pyongyang Marathon, (book thru Koryo Tours), One of the bus tours is to the border 160k from Pyongyang, so it is not true that you only see Pyongyang. One of the people on the tour noted that you go to into North Korea with a thousand questions and come out with two thousand.

[@minidinocannon4598]

Can we get a less biased journalist

[@mistyshadows7209]

🧜‍♀️-"Violet Wong STFU"

[@yeonmiparklies3344]

Violet Wong Exactly.

[@mistyshadows7209]

🧜‍♀️-"Yeonmi Park Lies Nope"

[@justincase5825]

There's just something about the Guardian that really grates on me. It's never reporting or journalism in the usual sense, it's always lecturing to you from a stuck-up and elitist perspective.

[@lenitaa7938]

Reality is hard for you to accept, it seems! She states what she observed! And she is correct! Also, Soviets did the same!

[@UsTheMusicTVOfficial]

Well said.

[@drinkpimptea]

well, of course! It is sponsored by the Rockefeller foundation. The same kind of video footage was about Kazakhstan, which is my country. They’ve shown the capital and some ultra remote village. It’s not even a village, there were just 3 houses staying in the middle of the desert 400km from any other place. And they were lecturing to you that the it so wrong and fake that the capital look basically like any big city with tall glass buildings and stuff. They called it fake and just a try to mimicry the west. Whereas that remote place I mentioned had no decent road to any of the nearby (400km) places. While the inhabitants of that place had a set of 3 SUVs which are suited to gravel road lol.

[@drinkpimptea]

I mean to say that Kazakhstan’s infrastructure fully incorporates it’s actual level of development, production and welfare, which is not quite bad frankly. But it was presented like if the capital was overhyped and all the investments gone only into that place leaving the rest of the country in poverty. Only due to mismanagement of the government. Which is not true. The capital has the same level of development as other cities in adjustment to taxes they produce. My city, where I come from is not the capital but it is far more developed than the capital almost in every institutional aspect, for it being the largest city-level economy, and is no worse than any other city of that level of production output throughout the world. But seeing the Guardian video would persuade you an absolutely different vision of what the country actually is.

[@anuraganand6053]

Mainstream media is not reports anymore its just opinions

[@mistayuto]

It's on my bucketlist to visit DPRK oneday. I love these documentaries, seen so many that I pretty much know the routine for tourists.

[@talkingben7489]

Otto warmbier said the same

[@worldview730]

You'd be better off in south Korea with your money wisely spent & enjoyed

[@maplemiles3381]

​@@worldview730 South is very rich and if they do united it will be under a South Korean government.

[@3noord3]

Not rare footage at all. There are tons of documentaries about North Korea that include these standard tours of Pyongyang.

[@jacobsmith5543]

Kim Jong-un ok Kim Jong

[@Malodaiofficial]

Is he real kim jong - un 😂😂😂

[@lillylazer429]

Lies Kim Jong Fat Boy

[@nathansage1209]

Thanks for clearing that up, Kim.

[@realamazingworld6756]

Thank you Marshal

[@anibalalvarado4162]

9:33 what a creepy way to take pictures to someone without permission and what a lack of respect from the reporter, so much negativity and ego. This tourist disrespectful woman is probably one of the reasons why they want to stay away from the world

[@tayfuntuna]

Just before this one, I watched another Pyongyang video (the comments were disabled on that one) in which the date was the leader's birthday. It's like the city is just a huge front, to portray a happy country to the foreigners, with a tour designed on such a schedule on rails where you cannot dig even an inch deeper. Just... Wow.

[@shailajanayak2091]

Nice videos. Tks.

[@overdose956]

I hate disabled comments. 95 percent of the time I dislike and don't even watch lol

[@HiItsPamela]

I'm not siding with anybody when I say this but, don't all countries or tours want tourist want to see a specific aspect of their country? I mean, you don't go to a foreign country and they welcome you with "hey, there are at least a million people starving out there, would you like to see them first?" They welcome you with beaches and stuff, but you can't assume that everything's just an act. It's not exactly the truth either. You don't actually believe that that's all the country offers, do you?

[@HiItsPamela]

Dookie Howser I can never be sure but some countries, or some agencies, have this package tour. This was what I was referring to when I said that they highlight a country's 'tourist spots'. Well, of course a tourist has freedom to choose a package tour or just go and see the country in his own terms.

[@iangabrielabarsosa4045]

well you can visit india at your own risk.

[@avibratz941]

@@HiItsPamela she didn't apply for a package tour tho

[@vorfreude4921]

The difference is tour guides. In NK, tour guides are with you EVERY DAY EVERY MINUTE EVERY SECOND. That’s not the case for other countries.

[@dreaming9to5]

@@HiItsPamela you cannot see NK on your own. You can ONLY go on a package tour with "tour guides" who are with you every second from the time you are dropped off at your hotel room at night to the time you leave it in the morning.

[@amulia1]

North Korean the Strongest country in the world? I don't even think North Korean can even beat Hawaii.

[@easneyeaz651]

Can't deny Pyongyang is a nice and very clean city. Notice people there don't smile when taking photos, even wedding photos.

[@worldview730]

That's because their not told or threaten to do so

[@thecapitalg]

Even here people used to not smile while taking pictures.

[@danniro8888]

10:29 that's a weightlifting shoe, it's supposed to be like that.

[@jjc4232]

She is desperately looking in north Korea for what she wants to see and hear. Not what is reality. Never thought of seeing things at face value?

[@lefyri6715]

It's hard to take those things at face value with north Koreas past tho

[@wibarm]

What exactly are these journalists trying to prove again and again? They go to North Korea and come back with this profound declaration that its a weird place. Everyone knows that already. So what is the point?

[@jameswon5497]

Interesting piece and look into Pyeongyang. But I am highly sceptical that the regime no matter how capable can mobilise thousands of people spontaneously at multiple locations just to put on a show for you. That is possibly being a little paranoid. I’m sure scripting is a real part of North Korean life, but maybe we just need to take a step back and accept that families going to the zoo is going to the zoo.. It feels that by colouring everything in terms of what we think North Korea is, we are forgetting that these are real people and not just figurines.

[@narendravarmapakalapati7235]

Exactly what I thought. Putting on a show across the city. For whom? A "Journalist" from The Guardin, meh!

[@ericcartmann]

There's actually not that many people and they do these tours on set days on a tight timeline. Most of the tours are pretty much the same, with the exception this was during a north Korean "holiday". Anyways dynamic or not, the people who are able to enjoy these "shows" are of the wealthy elite.

[@SrD1D0]

It's incredibly narcissistic to think that all of the crowds are staged for you. I'm not sure why this is such a persistent narrative about DPRK. It's a large city with a sizable elite, there's going to be people at the waterpark...

[@democracydignityhumanrights]

Not a show, but elites, probably showing their loyalty, but also their appreciation for their positions considering how lucky they are compared to the rest of North Koreans, and also just enjoying the holiday. If you notice a lot of the people are wearing party uniforms. If you live in the capital, you’ve been deemed special by the state. But yes if you go to Pyongyang it’s not a show, it’s their real life. Which is honestly more sad. If you get taken the country side (first of all you are lucky) you’ll possibly have a show put on you for you there. Which is more easy to pull off. But also people just want to act good because they want a reward, like an apartment in Pyongyang or an extra cigarette ration, depending on their status. North Koreans aren’t stupid, they know how their system works, no one has to make them put on a show, they’ll do what the state would want them to without prompting. Which again is more tragic really.

[@CorvoAttano]

hows it going Kim nice to see you on here

[@jacobtorres6098]

This is one of the better straight to the point docs I’ve seen

[@SuperGraficas]

Well, if it is staged, you should get them an oscar, a tony, and every award there is. Not even powerful hollywood could make such a spotless production with so many people.

[@cadeth100]

This reporter is so full of negativity

[@andreaslind6338]

North Korea is so full of negativity.

[@dodgechance4564]

It's a dictatorship where the majority of the population live in abject poverty and slavery... I don't think there is a great deal to be positive about.

[@theonetruelenny9883]

Is the reporter supposed to be joyful? The topic is North Korea if you don't remember.

[@ChristianJiang]

Pyongyang is such a beautiful city

[@DelonSerinoVlogs]

I'm just here, eating my popcorn, reading comments bombarding the journalist of how she's being too nosy and ask these "hard core" questions. Most of the comments below are actually right, she should have done a little research of ASIAN lifestyle, most specifically of the North Koreans.

[@kiDkiDkiD12]

North Korean's are secret, how can you find more about them

[@ChristianJiang]

@@kiDkiDkiD12 You can, don't worry ;)

[@margaretwilson8736]

I think she was assuming her audience was ignorant of the culture. Besides, its better when people from a culture explain their culture... when people have to guess, they add their own cultures bias. For example, the less emotive cultures (think Russia, China, Japan) were once confused for literally feeling less than the more expressive cultures. We could have worked passed this communication barrier much sooner if someone had just asked a Russian (or something) why they smile less than their Western counterparts. There are wonderful American documentaries about the world powers from right after WWII... the American bias in these documentaries distorts other cultures. Some great lessons you take from them are that the Britons are slow to adapt to change and use new technology (not really true, they're less consumer happy), that the French as very insular of their culture (again, not really), that Japan was ruled by an Emperor (a large misunderstanding about the military's power)... They're good documentaries, but the slant is obvious, the more you watch. Anyway, I hope this video encourages people to look into Korean culture and the history of North Korea... One of its founding principles (Japanese fascism) helps to explain a bit. It's a large part of why the North believes its rhe rightful leader of the entirety of Korea.

[@sahinyasar9119]

what was the hell right

[@danielalonzocarranza4780]

Delon Serino Go Airforce I guess...I dont need upper view Authority.

[@WedgieDealer]

12:16 so much emotions everyone is showing what a party!!

[@elizabethacom3451]

This documentary sounds really white.. Like colonialism mindset white.

[@snowlover26]

If you don’t speak Korean or don’t bother to understand the essence of the language, maybe send another white lady who wouldn’t give away that she knows what they’re talking about

[@wynstansmom829]

In 1984, the Air Force sent this white (and young back then) to South Korea. I lived there for one year and fell madly in love with the people that I met and the country that I saw. 감사해요. gomapseumnida. Korean People, you were wonderful to a young and a bit frightened little airman.

[@anons000]

I doubt that they divulge much when speaking in korean anyhow, and their attempts to avoid certain questions tell us all we need to know anyhow.

[@meowBlitz]

Wynstan'sMom whyd you write gamsaheyo but say gomabsymnida lololol

[@douglasfir306]

Despite some obvious lacks in North Korea's lifestyle respect western countries, you have to admit that it's amazing how they manage to do all they do with such sanctions and low income in general.

[@kimilsungia7507]

Thank you. It's all thanks to an amazingly efficient economic system, Juche.

[@lenitaa7938]

Think about it!! A Show City!! Probably took all the resources from the rest of the country! Also, special N Koreans do travel and do many secret, illegal deals for N Korea to bring wealth home to their leader! Involved in all kinds of enterprises!

[@drinkpimptea]

Imagine now how they’d might live WITHOUT sanctions. God bless North Korean nation!

[@lois101]

Their 1% looks like our middle class though

[@saeedvazirian]

@@lenitaa7938 So, just like Seoul?

[@harvelein]

8:15 Well North Korea is smart enough not to film vertically.

[@meowBlitz]

harv smarter than americans. its just their leader who isnt that smart... I think north koreans have the same iq levels as japenese and south koreans

[@realFlamefamm]

@@meowBlitz the Japanese have far more IQ than North Korea lol

[@meowBlitz]

@@realFlamefamm what does IQ have to do with anything?

[@realFlamefamm]

@@meowBlitz "I think north koreans have the same iq levels as japenese and South koreans" That was that you said

[@meowBlitz]

@@realFlamefamm oh, but what does the iq have anything to do with?

[@jmusic2024]

she never got rid of her colonial heritage, she has it in her blood!! Let them be, why are you judging asian cultures! All must be like her british dreams?

[@dafritz3566]

Germany: "Adidas" North Korea "Adibas" *Adolf Dassler want to know your location* Yes there shoe brand is called Adibas.

[@tamasihotang4708]

4:06 she is beautiful 🤩

[@kzh7324]

Yes🤝 对的🤝漂亮❤️ 俺も好き🤝

[@firefirefire3277]

And spoke perfect english too and yet, they included with subtitles when we can clearly understand what she's saying.

[@erickrcisneros]

I’ve heard literally the same few songs from N.Korea..... it’s called trot music I believe.

[@nikkotonolete761]

“Strange sole for a pair of sports shoes” lmaooo breh she was looking at a pair of lifting shoes

[@42cherr]

Koreans: we are trying to make the western shoes but better The reporter: North Korea is attacking America

[@xemy1010]

It's almost beyond belief how overdramatic this video is at times, even if it's delivered in dull dreary tones.

[@Cobnapint]

That's not how it came across to me. N.Koreans: We hate America but you aren't supposed to notice that we are copying their trainers. Reporter: North Korea are copying America's trainers - how hypocritical can you get..?

[@mmassehs3251]

This lady made too many assumptions

[@duuke4618]

They have their own unique culture, learn to respect other nations/cultures.

[@pocketsand5216]

One of the things I found most hilarious was this reporter and the editing of the video trying desperately to portray what are just ordinary Korean mannerisms as authoritarian, or ~w e i r d~ products of the state or juche. Most of this, the evasiveness, some old woman demanding a cameraman to join in, the few cars, the pride surrounding selectively bred flora, even the shoes are just Koreans being Korean. Also, a tour guides that evades political questions is a pretty standard tour guide, that's not a Korean thing. In a similar vein, the obsession over those flowers is understandable; the kimjongilhwa was developed for two decades by Kamo Mototeru to bloom on February 16. It's not unfounded for anyone to be stoked about those flowers.

[@Thursdaym2]

They do not have their own culture only the dictator's culture.

[@grip2617]

@Zack Macdowell It's the people you can respect and love. The regime is another story. Anywhere in the world.

[@yaya.6197]

Reminds me of being at DisneyWorld. Everyone acts happy and there’s music everywhere.

[@Annabelleannabel]

It’s so beautiful and all you took was the negative side, how unfair !

[@pledgechill7650]

Sorry this is really bad reporting but great photographs/videos.

[@cat_city2009]

I'm no supporter of DPRK but "Guardian Cities is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation" *thinking emoji*

[@xemy1010]

Exactly.

[@grip2617]

That's a lethal combination.

[@alicealice3267]

I know right?!

[@semifed]

Hello Guardian. How about a story on how the North Korean people know the situation, but can't do much about it? Perhaps a story about the danger you put some of these people in when you don't follow the rules (2:26 "I would just wonder off..." "..no no, you can't take pictures here") ...oh the video is sponsored by Rockefeller Foundation? Sorry, my bad.

[@joelsf8904]

The poor north korean lady in all seriousness said "our country had become the strongest one of the world." I got a good laugh out of that one.

[@squid7025]

North Korea does have one of the largest militaries in the world

[@richardnichols2837]

Despite your negitativity North Korea now looks appealling to me...... clean, happy, structured and positive people ...

[@kroneyt1493]

7:35 - This nursery in North Korea has decked out AK-47 toys, and I got in trouble for making a finger gun in middle school. Massachusetts is worse than North Korea confirmed.

[@firefly361]

Don’t forget that nuclear submarines.

[@elliot7753]

Imagine being “lucky” to live in Pyongyang

[@vegavisiaai2321]

Hey Coronavirus, You're a shame in the name of epidemics. You were a hope to bring a solution to overpopulation but you're a joke... Why so low ??

[@Aydin534]

🤣🤣

[@ErskineSam]

Honestly.. I'll be mad if I lived in my home and periodically get Government tour guides and tourists from wherever just walk into my flat to want to see how I lived. This is some nonsense and I feel the North Korean Government doesn't owe the West how it's people live. They should be more concerned with the welfare of their Citizens than what the West thinks of it.

[@Hypnos.7]

Ya, they should be more concerned with the welfare of their citizens. Except they starve the vast majority of their population, threaten families with imprisonment and execution, and control all their access to media. So I think it's fair to say they don't really give a damn about the welfare of their citizens beyond what benefits the top 1%.

[@lillylazer429]

@@Hypnos.7 Agree totally. Citizens get checked to see if they have pics of the leaders in thier homes. They must demonstrate thier undying love for the leaders. They cannot give thier opinions about their leader. They must show faith in a man who tells his ppl that he evented the hamburger. He tells them anything of his b.s. and demands they follow whether they actually agree or not. If not its a serious offense

[@ErskineSam]

@@Hypnos.7 I totally understand you.. That's idiotic of the Government to do that.. But I'll still be mad that on a day where me and family will want to have some quiet time and talk, we'll have a visitor from God knows where into my flat to want to see how I live.. Such lack of privacy is simply idiotic..

[@zeboraable]

@@Hypnos.7 and you know this how?

[@Hypnos.7]

@@zeboraable Based on accounts from numerous North Korean defectors and the reports from several intelligence agencies around the world.

[@klauscartesius1275]

The streets are clean and safe there - compare to the "free west" with dirt, filth, junkies, drunks, gangs, criminals, invaders of different kinds... The Pyongyang footage also displayed several cute women lots more attractive than the bitter, phlegmatic, likely totally frigid (probably just as well) reporter spitting out typical criticism towards the DPRK.

[@bee5120]

Pyongyang is ONE city and the only prosperous city in the entirety of DPRK. Less than 5% of the NK population is fortunate enough to live in Pyongyang and 99% of them are of elite status where one or more of their family members have connections or are tied to the government or military. Compare that to +95% of the rest of the NK population starving and dying in the rural suburbs. In most countries like USA, there are more than 1 city that people can live in decent conditions and rural areas aren't impoverished.

[@unaninanine3743]

If it wasn't for reports like these, the people would be worse off.

[@jammadamma]

Pyongyang is in no way representative of the whole country.

[@IchKomentiereNur123]

Neither is any capital for any country. Not counting micro states.

[@Beun007]

@@IchKomentiereNur123 Ever been to Amsterdam...?

[@yoshtg]

@The Guardian, remember that there are none-native english speaking people out there who have a hard time understanding this shitty audio + pronunciation. really bad job on that. next time speak more clearly so everyone can understand you!

[@alphabetloser3680]

Imagine thinking youre so important that an entire country will put on an act just for you. Unbearable journalist

[@NCSUFutbol]

Lmao. This journalists seems like an unbearable person to be around

[@drgfitdds]

I was thinking the same thing😅

[@danilsmith7292]

North Korea reminds me of Panem from Hunger Games

[@bcube1234]

4:33 , me drinking beer after a long day .

[@ThienHoang-tr3dh]

I just wonder why people should leave North Korea - their home? Should the European nations expect all Africans escape their home and migrated to the EU state?

[@evavancour6685]

You just made me love more North Korea. That journalist is horrible bad. You can just watch the video in mute-mode and still love it no matter what the journalist is saying.

[@davidhwanginspiration9529]

They are happy, let them happy with their own world. Infact in our "normal" world, still many poverty and unhappy life so let it be. Dont bring capitalism and western style to North Korea

[@mistyshadows7209]

David Hwang Capitalism is the best

[@Superlover]

that commentary from that "journalist" woman is unbearable, i had to mute the audio part of the video

[@Santasei]

Back when I was in the capital of Laos, I’ve seen a lot of North Korean fleeing to Thailand seeking assylun to another country. Must have a lot of courage doing all this road from North korea, China, Laos then Thailand.

[@Allhereticswillburn]

This is the rich and wealthy side of North Korea. Most North Koreans struggle to find food and are dirt poor. Keep in mind that North Korea does not allow companies, news reporters, bloggers,etc to mention anything negative about their country.

[@mcbenman1793]

12:10 What are these 2 songs and are they on Spotify

[@kazsingh1323]

10:28 they got foams in nk damn

[@tandlreeve]

I grew up in the USSR and it always amuses me when I see Westerners to be completely puzzled by what they see in North Korea and just really not quite having that intuitive knowledge:) When I watch these documentaries I instantly understand what is happening there and who is who. I guess it is something that just can't be tought:) I loved the video by the way

[@EvilVesemir]

the ussr wasn't like that, people are turned into biorobots over there

[@tandlreeve]

@@EvilVesemir no, it wasn't but but if you've tasted an orange you will know that a grapefruit is more similar to it than a potato

[@fullofhype]

Every time I see images or footages of Pyongyang, I feel like I’m watching the Hunger Games.

[@JohnKobaRuddy]

Dancing was staged? They were showing you traditional Korean dancing! I despise the guardian so much

[@sascha1493]

10:18 yeah i don't think they're trying to face off with the west in terms of shoes. i don't think kim jong un would be interested in those things, i think that the shoe thing is just part of keeping his people satisfied like you mentioned earlier

[@forgive7449]

The Trueman show 😏

[@osaniss]

i cant belive some of yall defend north korea

[@bonek6993]

I don't think its so much of defending but understanding from compassion rather than arrogant antagonistic judgement like what is happening with this journalism. It actually gives you one of the reasons why they are checked in the first place. If North Koreans felt there is need for change trust me change will happen and Kim Jong won't stop that.

[@Sp3ll633]

12:16 looook at that HAPPY FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danielgyllenbreider]

Yeah, because in the west all artists smile on stage all the time...

[@grrumakemeangry]

lmaoooo

[@moonriverx2072]

Something about this narration just makes me wanna go stfu already... we get it, its not a good place, but just let the footage speak for itself ffs

[@ruanfernando]

It's all so strange... Even if the people are there to put on a show, all of them are incredibly well-dressed, they all seem happy (could one really threaten EVERY ONE into acting in?)... Also, how much would it cost, how much training would it require, how many people would be involved into manufacturing scenes of daily life to impress 1 or 2 foreigners?? I don't doubt that they truly believe that the Supreme Leader invented the sun because that's the only story they've been told for the past 50 years, and that would contribute into having them accept conditions that we know, because we're outside and we know other possibilities, are bad. Also, we tend to respect tribes and their rituals and just leave them alone (we've just had an exemple of that with that missionary killed in India), why can't we do that to North Korea? Tell them: you know what, do whatever you want, don't bother us and we won't bother you? I mean, that's only expected from the American government but as a society we should be encouraging that idea.

[@madeinchina1450]

Nobody in N Korea claims that their leader invented the sun, they are science-based people, the main difference between N Korean people and Western people is that N Korea people worship their great leaders while western people worship an ugly zombie hanging on the cross.

[@venceremosallende422]

ruanfernando "they all seem happy" - perhaps because they actually are happy, like normal person? You see how laughable it is what western media is trying to tell us about north korea. But who told you that with the sun? This sounds like a typical Radio Free Asia-article. The same news-agency which titled: "North korean government claims it founds a unicorn" while actually archeologists found a stone with an engraved unicorn as symbol for a king. Even absolute contradictory stuff like: "Koreans not allowed to wear Kim Jong Un's haircut, while titleing a few months later: "Every north korean has to wear Kim Jong Un's haircut. It is just laughable. Which bad conditions you mean concretely? Ohh so you're basically saying they are just some primitive tribe which choose to live in mud and we as "highly developed" western "civilization" should just leave them alone like an endangered species? There can't be peace with imperialism, they have to stay watchful, especially towards the U.S. they have to stay united and solid till capitalism is overthrown, fight revisionism, fight liberalism, and go on their path of juche idea on the road to communism.

[@venceremosallende422]

Hartono I have a comrade who has relatives in the democratic peoples republic of korea and she said it is a myth that koreans are undernourished. The last famine was the so called "Ardous march" in the 90s caused by crop failures due to bad weather back then. We talked yesterday and today she sent me economic data on the dprk. The industrial production grew 3,5% in 2018 (In 2017 the growth was 3,2%) Agriculture: -corn-production: -12% due to a dry in the south last summer -soy-bean-production reached a record level, in this year, for the first time in history they produced more soy-beans than the republic of korea (south korea) The trend we can see is (surely on a much smaller scale) comparable to the development of the soviet union in the 30's. What most people not know: the soviet planned economy brought the highest rates of economic growth ever seen in history of mankind. While western capitalist countries had to fight crisis and stagnated, the socialist economy exploded nearly, for example the tractor production in the soviet union quadrupled within a couple of years. And machines weren't the only sector were planned economy showed how successful it is. The ironic truth is that mismanagement occured there, were the planned economy was taken back, which happened in the Khrushchev time and afterwards. In the 60s the soviet union had to buy wheat for the first time from capitalist nations. It is simply not true to claim that planned economy led to mismanagent. And even if you reject everything what I said, the dprk shows us every day that planned economy works: they survive and develop despite sanctions and boycotts by the mightiest countries in the world.

[@mvzv3913]

I recommend reading the history from Vietnam and Berlin, Russia . Maybe you can see the picture. Even though I do understand what you are saying but t

[@nellybutton]

America should not just watch while people are brutalized and murdered like otto warmbier. We have a moral obligation to do something at least.

[@songcui4562]

full of Prejudice. back in 1970s , korea's economic was still much better than south korea. and the economic in korea will shock the wolrd in the next 10yeas. and you will see that happen .

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

All of the people look like actors and actresses acting on stage for the tourists who are the audience. Very sad indeed...

[@rickycoker5830]

trumanesque

[@aaronberns8485]

This country would be one of the greatest countries in the world if it weren’t for the overbearing government system who controls all aspects of life. This country is actually really unique from its spectacular entertainment, lack of obesity, excellent food in some levels, sturdy buildings, and lack of terrorism in comparison to countries like Iraq, Syria, and Iran. This country just needs a lot of government reform. That’s all!

[@BadSyndrome]

its kind of wild how you can see a huge amount of people there are malnourished

[@anthonyfeliciano4261]

You know, I didn’t see not one inch of graffiti. Anywhere. Respect 😎 lol

[@firefirefire3277]

Yeah. I think spray paint isn't even a thing in North Korea.

[@mnatum-v17]

4:28 revolutionary water, woh I need to order one 😁

[@theyoungottoman2678]

Wow? A country living at peace with itself and not riding the tide of the globalists?

[@itsHeROo]

@4:23 the person in the middle with the brown suit, he is the same "scientist" shown when Vice went to North Korea with Dennis Rodman

[@irtimid4217]

People: having fun Journalists without interviewing anybody: they try to squeeze out as much enjoyment as possible if you are living in a dictatorship, many people here want to go leave but they cant...

[@SaraB77779]

Incase you didn’t know just any North Korean can’t enter Pyongyang. Most of the population is much below the poverty line. If you want to hear the real stories watch and read stories of the defectors who escaped North Korea. As she said this is what THEY WANT you to think about North Korea.

[@blonded0532]

3:54 for some strange reason, I seriously doubt he was alive in 1862.

[@rhsdinful]

I think she means 'President' as the 'Eternal President' being Kim Il-Sung. The Great-Grandfather of Kim Il-Sung was Kim Ung-U, who lived between 1848-1878.