March 28, 2024
Analysis

Are human rights activists launching balloons into North Korea making any difference?

Could balloons carrying information and money into North Korea bring down the North Korean government?

They’ve become symbols of the drive of many human rights activists, particularly in South Korea, to see freedom in North Korea in their lifetimes: balloons, packed with everything from bibles to USB drives with South Korean soap operas to pro-democracy literature to Choco Pies for the hungry.

Proponents of the balloons say they are breaking North Korea's strict control of information, and opening the minds of North Koreans to information from outside the country.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.