Why Is North Korea Considered Bad Myths Realities

The perception of North Korea as a universally “bad” nation is widespread in Western media and political discourse. Yet, this label often stems from oversimplification, fear-based narratives, and geopolitical bias rather than a nuanced understanding of its history, governance, and people. To grasp why North Korea is considered “bad,” it’s essential to separate myth from reality—examining not only the regime’s well-documented human rights issues but also the external forces that shape global opinion.

This article unpacks the complex interplay of propaganda, historical context, and international relations that fuel prevailing stereotypes, while also acknowledging the legitimate concerns that underpin criticism of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea).

Myths That Shape the Narrative

Public perception of North Korea is heavily influenced by sensationalized media portrayals and Cold War-era rhetoric. Several persistent myths contribute to an almost cartoonish image of the country:

• Myth: All North Koreans are brainwashed and hate the West. While state propaganda is pervasive, individual beliefs vary. Defector testimonies reveal a spectrum of opinions, including curiosity about the outside world.
• Myth: The country is completely isolated and unchanged since the 1950s. In reality, informal markets, smuggled media, and cross-border trade have introduced gradual shifts in daily life, especially in urban areas.
• Myth: North Korea poses an imminent nuclear threat to the U.S. mainland. While the regime has developed long-range missile capabilities, experts debate their reliability and operational readiness. Deterrence theory still applies.

Tip: When evaluating information about North Korea, ask: Who produced this? What agenda might they have? Is evidence cited?

Realities Behind the Criticism

Despite the exaggerations, serious and well-documented realities justify much of the international condemnation:

• Systematic Human Rights Abuses: The UN Commission of Inquiry (2014) found evidence of crimes against humanity, including forced labor, public executions, and political prison camps housing up to 120,000 people.
• Suppression of Information: Access to independent media is forbidden. Owning a foreign radio or watching South Korean dramas can lead to severe punishment.
• Militarization Over Welfare: An estimated 20–25% of GDP goes to the military, while malnutrition affects nearly 40% of the population, according to World Food Programme data.

“We observed a system without parallel in the contemporary world for deliberate, widespread, and gross human rights violations.” — UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK, 2014

Historical Context: Why the Divide?

To understand current tensions, one must revisit the division of Korea after World War II. In 1945, the peninsula was split at the 38th parallel—Soviet-backed communists in the North, U.S.-supported anti-communists in the South. This artificial division ignored cultural unity and led to the Korean War (1950–1953), which ended in an armistice, not peace.

The war devastated the North. U.S. bombing campaigns destroyed nearly every major city, with some historians estimating more bombs dropped on Korea than in the entire Pacific theater during WWII. This trauma remains central to North Korea’s national identity and justifies its \"military-first\" policy.

Over time, isolation became a survival strategy. With no diplomatic recognition from most Western nations and enduring sanctions, the regime framed itself as a fortress protecting Korean purity against foreign invasion.

Propaganda on All Sides

It’s crucial to recognize that misinformation flows both ways. While North Korea produces extreme state propaganda—portraying leaders as divine and the U.S. as demonic—the West also engages in dehumanizing narratives.

SOURCE	PROPAGANDA MESSAGE	REALITY CHECK
North Korean State Media	Citizens live in paradise; Kim dynasty ensures prosperity.	Widespread poverty, food insecurity, and lack of freedoms.
Western Media	North Koreans are either zombies or victims; regime is irrational.	Leaders act strategically to maintain power and deter attack.
U.S. Government	DPRK is a rogue state threatening global security.	Nuclear program likely aimed at regime survival, not aggression.

The danger lies in viewing North Korea solely through the lens of absurdity or evil. Doing so prevents diplomatic engagement and reinforces policies that harm ordinary citizens more than elites.

Life Inside the Hermit Kingdom: A Mini Case Study

Ji-eun (a pseudonym), a former resident of Chongjin, defected in 2016 after her family was caught trading rice across the Chinese border. She recalls a childhood where school lessons praised Kim Jong-il’s “invention” of the hamburger, yet she rarely saw meat. Electricity was intermittent, and her father worked in a state factory producing goods that were never sold domestically.

Yet, Ji-eun also describes underground markets known as *jangmadang*, where DVDs from South Korea were traded, and private entrepreneurs sold imported clothes. “We weren’t all chanting every day,” she says. “Many just wanted to survive, feed their kids, and maybe watch a drama at night.”

Her story illustrates a key reality: while repression is real, so is resilience and quiet resistance. The narrative of total control overlooks the agency many North Koreans exercise within narrow limits.

What Experts Say: Beyond the Headlines

Leading scholars emphasize the need for deeper analysis. Dr. Ji-Young Lee, a Korea specialist at American University, argues:

“The regime is authoritarian and brutal, yes—but it is not irrational. Its actions are calculated to ensure survival in a hostile international environment.” — Dr. Ji-Young Lee, International Relations Scholar

Similarly, former negotiator Joel Wit, founder of 38 North, stresses that engagement works better than isolation: “Sanctions alone won’t change behavior. We need diplomacy that addresses both denuclearization and North Korea’s security concerns.”

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Is North Korea really starving?

While famine-scale crises like the 1990s have subsided, chronic malnutrition persists. The UN estimates 40% of the population is food insecure due to poor agricultural infrastructure, sanctions, and economic mismanagement.

Can North Koreans travel freely?

No. Domestic movement is restricted, and international travel is limited to select elites. Ordinary citizens require special permits even to visit other cities.

Why doesn’t China push harder for reform?

China fears collapse could lead to a refugee crisis or a U.S.-aligned unified Korea. Stability—even with a nuclear neighbor—is preferred over unpredictable change.

Actionable Checklist: How to Think Critically About North Korea

To form a balanced view, consider this checklist when consuming news or commentary:

1. ✅ Identify the source: Is it government, media, NGO, or defector testimony?
2. ✅ Check for evidence: Are claims backed by documents, satellite imagery, or interviews?
3. ✅ Question motives: Is the narrative pushing for sanctions, war, or humanitarian aid?
4. ✅ Seek diverse voices: Read analysts from South Korea, China, and Europe, not just U.S. think tanks.
5. ✅ Separate people from regime: Criticize oppression without stereotyping 25 million individuals.

Conclusion: Toward a More Nuanced Understanding

Labeling North Korea as simply “bad” serves political agendas more than truth. The reality is far more layered—a nation shaped by war, sanctions, ideology, and survival instincts. While the regime’s abuses demand accountability, reducing it to a caricature of madness hinders solutions.

Understanding requires holding two truths at once: the DPRK commits grave human rights violations, and it exists in a context of historical trauma and geopolitical pressure. Only with this balance can we support policies that protect vulnerable populations, encourage openness, and reduce the risk of conflict.

💬 What do you think shapes your view of North Korea? Share your thoughts or questions below—let’s foster a conversation based on facts, not fear.