April 27, 2024
Analysis

Experts doubt that ‘Squid Game’ has been smuggled into North Korea

'Logically and conceptually impossible’ that show reached North Korea amid COVID-19 controls and foreign media crackdown

Reports that the Netflix hit “Squid Game” has been spreading in North Korea, even leading to one smuggler being sentenced to death for selling copies, have drawn widespread media attention in recent days. 

But experts familiar with contemporary North Korean border restrictions told NK News it’s virtually impossible that “Squid Game” has made into the country, saying reports to the contrary are likely an attempt to take advantage of the TV show’s popularity.

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