The Hidden Truth Behind North Korea's Olympic Dream

[@jj-if6it]

I always wonder what the athletes think when they visit another country. That the outside world isn't scary and people aren't enemies. Does it make them want to leave when they realise they've been lied to?? It's crazy

[@itsnoneofyourbusiness0]

I wonder that to but since the places to workout are in the capital the athletes are probably wealthy and thinking that they have time money to do this in that country they probably live a decent life if not wealthy still this whole thing is so messed up

[@jessygt4414]

Or maybe they like their country and their leader? 🤷🏻‍♂️ (probably after being brainwashed but still)

[@itsnoneofyourbusiness0]

@@jessygt4414 maybe but imagine living in a bubble of a world than seeing you have been lied to since birth that must change some of their thoughts at least

[@jessygt4414]

@@itsnoneofyourbusiness0 I think in the western world we definitely live in our own bubble too. We tend to think the world circles around us. It's a bigger bubble but still. I won't say that we live in dictatorship like NK though. But many things about politics and economy in our societies are questionable. This documentary is pure propaganda. For those who know how to look properly, it's obvious that the propaganda in the western world is even bigger than in NK. It's so effective that our governments in general doesn't even need to use violence in order us to consent.

[@franceskronenwett3539]

I do not think that North Koreans would be able to find out what other countries are really like when they have the privilege of travelling. They would not be permitted to talk to the people of the country visited and would be continually accompanied by people from North Korea to ensure that there is no contact with people from other countries. They would also be forbidden to walk freely in other countries, but instead confined to their accommodation.

[@lmo7724]

11:00 those people “working out” in the gym are actors. They have no idea what they’re doing, walking backwards on a treadmill? Or the guy jerking the barbell up and down really fast? This is one of the best videos of North Korea I’ve ever seen, it really shows how sad everything is. There is absolutely no joy on anybody’s face there.

[@iluvneji3]

The horseback riders are also terrible, some of them look like they haven't sat on a horse before in their lives

[@lc86_65]

What? Tell me you've never been to a gym before... walking backwards on a treadmill is actually very beneficial to strengthen your knees... also he was doing snatch high pulls for his traps. There is nothing weird about what they were doing lol

[@yubieber00justine]

My wrist and knees hurt just by looking at the dumbbell guy 😭

[@dolivier]

We don't want to fight you, We feel sad for you. We want you to be free. 😢

[@bluetickbeagles116]

💯! The world wants you free, NK. To love, laugh, eat, see the wonders of this majestic world, not live in fear. America and the other nations are your friends.

[@jhosk]

And they will never read this

[@dolivier]

@@jhosk its sad

[@lifewithstaph]

To them, they feel free lol.

[@AndronikosNikephoros]

Your Goverment wants to control the world and that's a Fact. Your Hollywood movies just probe it

[@DubElementMusic]

impressive how this people can take the fun out of everything

[@get.factual]

😞😞😞

[@DanH-u3f]

They can't even feed their people and they're worried about Olympics?

[@DubElementMusic]

The USA ?

[@i_love_mycatss]

@@DubElementMusicthe us can feed people?

[@gs99_]

@@DubElementMusicomg a commie lmao

[@DubElementMusic]

@@gs99_ what is a commie?

[@aliensoup2420]

@@chrischen3665 Most of them are homeless by choice.

[@Alikatt9]

1:36 “What is his biggest dream in sports?” 👁️👄👁️”A picture with the respected Marshal.” Ok there buddy. That’s some hard eye contact.

[@gregdahlen4375]

significance of hard eye contact?

[@alexiapoidevin4975]

@@gregdahlen4375meaning we all know he wasn’t saying the truth

[@alicearione3464]

E lo so...ma gli conviene assai dire così, se nn vuole finire in un mare di guai​@@alexiapoidevin4975

[@dokamath-freevideosforremo2919]

@@alexiapoidevin4975 he might really believe his leader so much and tolled the trough... Creepy

[@aliensoup2420]

That female guide speaks colloquial English as though she grew-up in midwestern U.S.

[@bencrowe6454]

Yes she has definitely lived abroad in an English speaking country.

[@Elle-bu6ou]

They all look terrified to speak

[@marcymccann901]

I see the same way... they speak in a low tone of voice and try to avoid the cameras!

[@soangiewrites5639]

Wow. Their leader was partly educated in the west and in Europe. He experienced freedom. He saw what some of the world is like. I don't understand how people exposed to other cultures come out unchanged, or changed for the worse. I felt sick watching that 12 year old child being thrown across the ice and falling over and over and over. Imagine the bruises she has. Imagine the impact on still growing bones. I hate that the kids, and some of the adults, seemed so afraid to say the wrong thing. The little red plaques on exercise equipment are peak narcissism. I can't imagine the terror that population experiences from a young age. Fear of their leader. Fear of the US.

[@vladimirpenkov2381]

Sadly the part about her falling and falling again is very normal for the sport, especially for younger people. Trust me I have been there.

[@raisagalstyan3185]

​@@vladimirpenkov2381I don't think that 12 year olds are trained in pairs anywhere else. They train as single skaters, then switch to the pairs when they are old enough.

[@lmo7724]

They’ve been banned from international competitions and the Olympics in gymnastics in the past, for lying about gymnastics ages - saying that they were older than they actually are. They don’t care if they’re injuring children. You could see it on that guy’s face, he laughed about the age thing.

[@TRex-cw6yz]

They are not afraid..they genuinely love their leader..

[@shieldmaidenforchrist1310]

@@raisagalstyan3185 I knew kids doing pairs younger than 12 in Portland, OR when I was a kid. They were not doing anything as advanced as this yet, but yes, kids can start pairs training very young, developing the skill of moving together with a partner is the foundation of pairs, and doesn't require a huge amount of strength or risk in the beginning levels. The girl in the video is definitely too small to handle the landing of those throw jumps though. She needs at least another year or two to build muscle, assuming she is permitting adequate meat.

[@linzzzanity]

It's so creepy how obsessed they are with their dear leader.

[@syannhernandez1886]

They’re forced and brainwashed by him

[@Sugas_Girr]

It's not that they are obsessed with him... They've just been trained, brainwashed, and forced to act like that or else they will be severely punished.

[@petouser]

You have to be professional actor to be successful in NK. Not saying that their job is acting, but acting is an important part of their job and everyday life to fulfill a role that is expected and appreciated.

[@Sugas_Girr]

@@petouser Yes, and it's just survival, honestly.... I've watched a lot of the young defectors accounts of how things were before they escaped (mostly those from the last few years) and it's just seriously incomprehensible for any of us in "free" countries to imagine it's still like that anywhere nowadays.

[@pawparent]

They have to say that they love their leader, otherwise they are imprisoned, tortured or even executed.

[@kristynzaishnikov1236]

This is heart breaking to watch. All of them speak with such fear in their eyes. Scared to say the wrong thing.

[@andrav55]

That poor 12 year old figure skater...forced to train hard to become North Korea's Yuna Kim.☹️

[@fritzhenning1]

Unlike those in the west who don't have to train hard.

[@Eggnostic307]

@@fritzhenning1nah people here train hard af too. It’s just that the nation cares more about their health. Abusive training shouldn’t be glamorized at all

[@gregdahlen4375]

doubt elite athletes are "the working class"

[@The_LOL-hg7wt]

Exactly. And these athletes are part of the small percentage of North Koreans that are ensured a healthy meal everyday.

[@itsnoneofyourbusiness0]

⁠@@The_LOL-hg7wtyeah plus thinking that probably most of the training places are in the capital because the other sides have more serious problems like proper houses and stuff and only the rich can live there

[@nowistime8070]

its like watching hostages being interviewed

[@Jessa7772]

It’s really sad that they aren’t allowed to live for themselves, to have any ambition or individuality. And it’s even more sad that their main motivations in life are to honor their leader and prepare for war against the US. I know American propaganda of North Korea is probably overly harsh sometimes (I’m referring to the citizens, not the regime here), but the brainwashing that these people have been subjected to, constantly bracing for a war against Americans who have no intentions of attacking them must be such a dreary existence.

[@GarrettKoval]

The gym section was hilarious

[@elliebeep27]

My goodness the technique is scary here (in the throws, using a young girl because easier to lift and throw, but much easier to break which is of course why there are rules).

[@avvnxie]

this is so sad. how is this big age difference allowed in north korea.. i feel so bad for the girl...

[@jangzhang7323]

Working class with no food: trains hard Kim jong un with food: what is training?

[@jaiiafrica686]

This is crazy but honestly the weird reverence they have for Kim isnt much different to how the chaebols are treated like demigods further south(they have a chokehold over their country as well I recall a South korean judge saying one of them was too important to go to prison...). It seems to be a Korean thing in general

[@fritzhenning1]

Almost as weird as being a MAGA cultist.

[@mokunju8296]

It's a cultural thing bc Korean people usually respected their leaders. Obviously the west people think the democracy, liberty and other stuff are natural for every culture and people around the world. That mindset is another kind of brainwashing as well.

[@gaichunggonmei]

Just wanted to know how many are still alive after participating in Olympics and not winning medals? (Asking for a friend) 😅

[@theonly1-66]

How many of these athletes would defect if given the chance.

[@aubreypassey6086]

All

[@jesseincognito.]

Given the right circumstances and opportunities maybe but I doubt it

[@Andizu1]

None. Because they wouldn't trust the opportunities they were given. It's a tactic the regime uses to test their loyalty. If they fail the test they're done for.

[@fornax09]

They have to think about what would happen to their families if they did that. Would you escape to freedom if it meant the certain death of your family?

[@theonly1-66]

⁠Good point.

[@davidbailey453]

Sounds like they're preparing to go to war

[@belmarmom]

Yes. With tennis rackets, apparently. Kidding aside, it's hard to predict what their government is going to do.

[@jesseincognito.]

They always are

[@thewkovacs316]

The translators/handlers English is much better than in the past. Far more natural. Wonder who tge kidnapped English teacher is

[@shieldmaidenforchrist1310]

Some things that struck me besides obvious oppression and insanity-- Many of the athletes look malnourished or even too old to be training for elite international competition. They may or may not be older than average, malnutrition and stress ages people very, very fast. In fact, nearly everyone in the video looks at least a little malnourished. Some may have enough calories, but way too little protein, and it really shows. These coaches do not really understand what it takes to be your best. Not allowing children to have variety now and then or a break from their routine is only going to stifle their cognitive development, which in turn will result in less ability to think quickly and creatively on the field when an opponent does something surprising. NK is clearly putting as much funding and training time into producing not level athletes as other countries, yet their success does not equal that of other countries with smaller populations from which to find great talent. I think this is a pretty clear reflection on the quality of the training and the culture of oppression under which it takes place.

[@theinvisiblegirlmh]

The figure skating coach was wrong about the pairs team and the age difference; the issue is that you have to be 13 by July 1st to compete internationally at the junior level that fall and 16 for senior. The age difference limit was just implemented this summer and it's seven years, not six.

[@chrishenniker5944]

Surely the ISU has a child protection policy, so they should forbid kids from having partners older than them.

[@swurvestar1]

@@chrishenniker5944 huh? almost (not all) pairs have a younger female and older male. The rules about ages are exactly as the commenter explained above. I don't understand how they weren't aware of this if it was an official ISU sanctioned event they went to, they are members and are surely notified of any new rules.

[@kl6902]

I didn’t even know they were allowed or would want to participate in the Olympics? I’m actually shocked

[@user-kk9hp6sf3t]

There’s always at least a few North Koreans who make it to the Olympics. I mainly follow gymnastics but I always feel sorry for the NKs bc they are always surrounded by their coaches and you never see the same level of comradery among the NK competitors.

[@mokunju8296]

​@@user-kk9hp6sf3tLmao. Stop lying. DPRK gymnast are always supporting each other... If you look at a particular routine when a DPRK gymnast competes there are a lot of words of our people always rooting for their teammates. It happens when there are a team competition at Asian games/championships or world championships. This time only An Chang Ok qualified to the Olympics bc they missed the worlds championships qualifications. Then she had zero teammates at Paris.. Usually they always surrounded by her teammates not only the coaches. Also she has nice interactions with other gymnasts as well.

[@nannerz1994]

The way that they avoided the question about do you feel different from Americans and Europeans Like of course they do but you're not allowed to say anything

[@yiiitbiiy]

They should not have been allowed to compete! No consistent testing and their players are abused!

[@worldview730]

Sorry to be rude but I'm not interested in anything from this monster except the unconditional release of all the imprisoned, poor & starving people he is holding

[@thunder881]

One of the most interesting countries in the world

[@prisonisinourminds8070]

Nah it has no culture or history outside Kim John un

[@rin-eri]

4:31 blink twice if you are being held captive jfc that is the most forced response i've ever seen

[@lindatohara6438]

I was shocked to see a NK in the Olympics

[@mavisbobieansah9797]

Their women's football is one of the best teams in the world!

[@Miancheng]

Do you use filter in your video?

[@ellasays]

Why

[@Andizu1]

In Kazakhstan they at least get an apartment if they win. The more they win, the bigger the apartment.

[@jj-if6it]

They all look pretty miserable talking about it...

[@chrissy9153]

And the USA still had the most medals

[@sseraphim3999]

its so sad that they are pretty much obligated to ALWAYS mention their "great leader" must get so tiresome 😭

[@jenfoster128]

This is so sad.

[@bradbury1589]

Never any new documentaries about NK 😢

[@unknownuser6757]

NK is only a prison

[@alvaroga1n]

They only focused on western sports in this video, not the ones they excel at

[@aniketshah6640]

What they did with Nisha Dahiya (paris Olympics)shows that they can go to any level

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

What happened?

[@MarisaElyse]

​@mathildewesendonck7225 she was hurt intentionally by the north Korean girl so her chances of a medal were 0. The coach is alleging that the instructions were handed down by the top

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

@@MarisaElyse omg 😦 that’s really mean. Fair play is appearently not a thing in North Korea 🙁 Thank you for replying

[@mokunju8296]

​@@MarisaElyseShe's Pak Sol Gum not tHE NoRtH KoReAn GirL... Lmao. And it wasn't intentional... Lol.

[@BovitosumiBovitosumi]

Yes too much age differents must be restricted. ,1 or 2 years differnts its oky. But boy 20 and girl 12 or 13 ages thats like you coaches exposing young girl

[@EmmaFentonTun]

He built a roof for the rudeness but only allows ten boys one bunk bed to share. The caring father figure.

[@EmmaFentonTun]

I mean he built a roof for the football!

[@Nzmwwww1238]

Yeah that was odd

[@frost1804]

The utopian dystopia.

[@kbengson9163]

A global power in sports? They're not even a power on the Asian continent.

[@mokunju8296]

Friendly reminder DPRK is a world power in weightlifting

[@user-ze7pj6wo5o]

Every time I see North Korea, China and Russia, I often wonder if those elected world leaders of freedom-loving western nations envy the grip of these nation's leaders have on their people. Have they ever harbored the heartfelt hope to be dictators too and be feared, revered (never mocked and made fun of or criticized) and worshipped (especially like North Korea). I often wonder about that whenever I see topics regarding these 3 countries.

[@fornax09]

You know they do. They're all narcissists.

[@softeyesworld]

Macron def does and Trudeau

[@helpanimals-]

I'm more worried about the animals under North Korea..

[@juliadizhak8397]

Figure skating?? Really ? Never saw anyone from North Korea

[@d.n.8919]

Yeah never seen them win lol. Russia is the strongest player in figure skating. Then Japan, Korea, USA, Canada.

[@swurvestar1]

they had a decent pair for a year or 2 that trained with Bruno Marcotte in Canada, then they disappeared and haven't been in any competitions for years now, not sure if it was injury or if they were able to defect

[@mokunju8296]

​@@swurvestar1Or maybe Figure Skating is not so strong so they don't waste the sport resources and it goes to more competitive sports for DPRK athletes. Just like Weightlifting, Table tennis, Daving, Football, gymnastics, Taekwondo, Wrestling, boxing, shooting..

[@CaraMarie13]

Very sad that the people of this country have to live like that.

[@jj-if6it]

They got some minor medals in Paris so they're not doing bad

[@adornoarendt]

I really love how in these kind of videos narrators highlight the fact that not all north koreans will be able to ride a horse or be able to enjoy riding as higher elites. Coming from a democratic capitalistic country I can say that not all citizens in my country can ride a horse: its expensive to rent a horse or get a riding class. I bet not all Americans or Europeans can afford riding classes

[@Nzmwwww1238]

This is a very interesting video

[@SapphicHuldra]

I really wish I could watch this video without the dubbed audio. Subtitles are enough for me, if the dub was an optional audio track it would be better for everyone. Not letting us hear people speak on their own feels disrespectful imo, and this type of dubbing makes it hard to hear any of the two languages spoken.

[@BovitosumiBovitosumi]

Afraid to stay at north korea, you north korean stand up together and protects against right.

[@petergilkes7082]

The commentator doubts whether all 25,000,000 North Koreans will get a chance to ride! What a total plank! And why are horses on the sanction list? I suppose the sanctioners are worried about North Korea developing a nuclear armed cavalry!

[@BovitosumiBovitosumi]

Sometimes you north korean comes home without medal kim-jon ur ruler punished you player.

[@Oluchi26]

Not a single person says anything other than honour their president.

[@davidbailey453]

Well , China has always been up there in the medals

[@marioerosassoto]

Very simple, for validation of their political system.

[@ViKee010]

Where are all those people going? Not to the gym or schools or stable or anyplace public it seems.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

It was a 2nd time I saw this wonderful documentary about North Korea and sports training, some favorite sports under the direct controller of the North Koreans totalitarian regime for political goals... peoples happiness and balanced lifestyle aren't built up through sports propagandists, but humanity happiness comes beneath the powerful and robust economy networks of countries inside countries....The USA never invaders North Korea because1- North Korea has nuclear Arsenals .2- Notorious North Korean exists serving the US political businesses in South Korea, Japan, and other countries in that region super beneficiaries .....north Korean people like Cubans..two innocent people's are suffering from brutalities of their's local regimes and US brutal , unprovoked sanctions, and economic embargoes in meantime...

[@MarisaElyse]

Tell me you're north Korean without telling me you're north Korean

[@premjitchowdhury262]

Sad to say but the facilities are better than India. 😮

[@Google-U]

Have the North Korean athletes who competed in the ice pairs competition at the PyeongChang Olympic retired?

[@oleksiymoroz9444]

this is how soviet union looks like, not that dream world you were told

[@Edgeofillumination]

Hate this dark and divisive tone.

[@lhuynh731]

They will lose when they know nothing about the outside war when it comes to war itself.

[@yaelalexis6770]

It is a creepy place in school and not motivated it is a jail than a boarding house. And on the other hand, Americans enjoy themselves in sports they want

[@NatashaSmash]

The north Koreans don't stand a chance against Americans

[@jf8050]

They don't do unicorn riding in North Korea?

[@jj-if6it]

Old footage but still interesting

[@NoNeedJustFeed]

they look so miserable

[@tommorales2371]

Jon un lets their men ice skate

[@timngo4119]

Maybe one day North Korea could host the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics!

[@Cookie_monster072]

these athletes should take the chance to escape when they go to another country for the olympics

[@arye52]

Sick state

[@hybridmems]

Can you imagine going to a different country and all youre gonna see is like a school and a gym. Even from propaganda standpoint its pathetic when countries with 5million people have like thousands of gyms lol

[@mrpeel3239]

Maybe Kim will give up nukes in exchange for a chance to host the Olympics?!😅

[@sharptoothtrex4486]

Unless the two Korea's unite together again might stop this uncalled unfair communism nonsense.

[@krollpeter]

You won't train for the Kim Dynasty, or for any marshals. You train for your people, for your family, and for yourself.

[@vesrola]

when will they be set free

[@akosinoobita3516]

"The great leader is manipulating us so we are proud"!

[@petergilkes7082]

So the poor little girl never made a successful landing? Or...the video maker wanted us to believe she crashed each time so we'd hate the trainers and feel sorry for the poor little girl! Don't any Western girls ever fall over?

[@shieldmaidenforchrist1310]

Yes, every ice skater falls many, many times. The issue I'm seeing (as a former skater with 10 years experience) is that the girl is currently too small to handle the force of the landing of such a throw jump. She needs to grow and develop more leg and glute strength. Assuming she has enough protein, that's a matter of time and proper conditioning. I rather doubt, based on the appearance of the athletes in general, that she actually gets meals we would consider proper sports nutrition for a young athlete.

[@petergilkes7082]

@@shieldmaidenforchrist1310 Interesting.

[@leezyleezzz8604]

I’ve never seen N Korean figure skaters win anything in a while.

[@christinemcdonald8705]

Have they ever won any medals in any Olympic Games?🏅

[@shieldmaidenforchrist1310]

Yes, I know they have medaled in gymnastics, both men and women, though not recently. I think Un Jong Hong was the last NK gymnast to medal, she won a silver on vault, I have forgotten what year that was though.

[@christinemcdonald8705]

@@shieldmaidenforchrist1310 thank you for taking the time to answer

[@lena-gk4vb]

Woman won bronze in the 10m diving

[@Meeeka.22]

They hate us for no reason sucks to be them 😂😂😂

[@Glenda-bh7ul]

The people there absolutely live in fear. Every person's response had to include the great leader.person's

[@miquearre1776]

What are they going to do when they have to come to America for the Olympics in 2028?? That's if there's still an America by then....

[@get.factual]

oh no...☹️

[@dolivier]

They will boycott unless trumpy gets in. There best dictator friend s

[@aubreypassey6086]

There will be

[@burnleyfan11965]

I think they will boycott 2028 Olympics.Then somehow blame the USA for their absence

[@SeGgs-z8f]

Koreanse en engilsh not goed translete 😊😊😊😊😊

[@mavisbobieansah9797]

I feel like I'm reading George Owells Animal farm watching this video! Everything is attributed to the respected great Marshal (Leader Napoleon) how sad😢

[@DitaKlucová-x3s]

38🎉🎉love you guys❤

[@sarahcooper6507]

Look so sad

[@petergilkes7082]

Well you certainly knew which direction your video would take and it was reinforced every few minutes. I'm still worried that not all 28 million North Koreans will get to ride horses. I'm devastated for them.

[@aliceayisilu2447]

I don’t know why but I sense so much judgement from the interviewer. Instead of explaining the situation, they judge and make unnecessary comments all the time 😅

[@u2u26]

1:43 kum chol han

[@indiging8330]

very pathetic

[@starfox8006]

Brsin washed people

[@jeepmap1]

Ocasio Cortez (OC) should move here, she would have a blast living here

[@Truth-f2q]

We need Kim Jung to lead America.

[@bluetickbeagles116]

That’ll be Grump with Project 2025! 😮

[@jrankin4104]

No

[@dimakhidarkovskiy2175]

I just wonder is it safe in major city in North Korea to walk in the streets at night? Without any fear of being mugged? Iam Pretty sure it is What about homeless on the major streets like san Francisco on Powel street defecating on the sidewalk? Does it happen in North Korea? 🇰🇵 Just asking About some crooked notion of what “ human happiness is”

[@pavelsmom1089]

You wouldn't get mugged, just captured, interrogated and likely imprisoned.