Propaganda
The Cost of Propaganda and Idolization
Nearly 40% of the national budget is spent on propaganda in North Korea. The purposes of the propaganda are to increase the hostility against enemy nations, idolize leaders, support the Juche Idea, and motivate the people.
"...they pay full lip service to the propaganda out of fear for their lives... very few actually buy into it. Remember, in North Korea, control is maintained through fear. [Hundreds] of thousands of people are thought to have perished in labor camps or execution for even the most minor of “political crimes” or even “thought” crimes. People are shot if they are caught trying to flee the country, and family members of those who are successful often perish."
- Chris DeRusha
Propaganda Posters
Propaganda posters are perhaps the most visual form of propaganda, displaying various form of support of Juche and the state.
Click to enlarge all photos.
Portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il
Pictures of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jung Il can be found everywhere. This is one way the leaders are idolized by the people.
Monuments to the Great Leader
Monuments to either Kim Il Sung or Kim Jong Il are everywhere in North Korea.
All photos (c) Eric Lafforgue. Used with permission.