April 25, 2024
Analysis

Coming of age in North Korea

Second in a two-part series on the life cycle of a North Korean, from school to sepulcher

This is the second in a two-part series. Part one can be read here. A version of this originally appeared, in Russian, here.

The main task in life for an adult North Korean is joining the party. The party’s name is usually translated as the “Workers’ Party of Korea,” but a more accurate translation would be “Korean Labor Party.” However, the irony is that people join it to not become a worker – and if one is fortunate, to avoid physical labor entirely.

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.