New Delhi: North Korea is infamous for its reclusive nature, the Kim family’s tight grip on power and the many strict regulations that govern the lives of its citizens. One such regulation mandates that every resident must display a portrait of the country’s leader, currently Kim Jong-un, in their homes.
A recent Instagram post on the account @themillionairemagnets features a video of a North Korean woman, likely a defector, nervously speaking on a podcast hosted by Joe Rogan. In the video, she talks about the harsh realities of life in North Korea.
Dust on Kim’s photo risks arrest
The woman says how every household is required to hang a photograph of Kim Jong-un and maintain it in perfect condition at all times. Inspectors are said to conduct surprise overnight visits to ensure there is no dust on the portrait. Any dust found is considered to be an act of disloyalty, which can lead to arrest.
The consequences for this perceived disrespect are severe—ranging from execution to the imprisonment of three generations of the family. She also said that in the event of a house fire, saving Kim Jong-un’s portrait is prioritised over saving one’s own life.
Hot dog ban in North Korea
The video, which has gone viral with over 5.1 million views, has left many viewers stunned. Comments speculate that the woman may have escaped from North Korea and that her full story is yet to be uncovered. Apart from these unsettling revelations, North Korea has also reportedly enacted a ban on the sale and consumption of hot dogs. This new decree has added to the growing list of peculiar restrictions within the country.
