8 Shocking WEIRD LAWS in NORTH KOREA That Will Make You Thank You Weren’t Born There 

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It is absolutely unreal what we take for granted sometimes. Execution for wearing jeans, for wanting to visit the next town over, for reading a bible, or listening to music. I hope one day the people of NK can be free.

there's a strange contrast hearing about such terrible things coming from such an adorable person. i'm glad you got okay, and your people still in NK should be proud of you. hopefully one day your people can be free, like south korea.

In a way, the death of Kim Jong Il was a rare opportunity for North Koreans to publicly express their frustration and pain under the guise of mourning.

This woman used to live this life, yet she's so humble and grateful for her life and sympathizes with her people.

It’s so heartbreaking to know that there are 25 million people living like this in North Korea. It’s disgusting that people are living under these conditions in the 21st Century. The Kim regime is absolutely insane and disgusting.

“Clapping and crying to survive” is such a powerful statement. That is true; we should know the reason why these types of behaviors are expressed. I hope you are taking care of yourself and having a nice holiday season! ❤️❤️❤️

I honestly thought everyone crying or worshiping was genuinely brainwashed, so thank you for clearing that up. The rest I pretty much knew already, but this stuff needs to spread everywhere. A very nicely constructed video and well said :)

This type of situation is why immigrants from across the world come to the United States and the UK and always have.

Can you do a video on what north korean people think of the outside world? Do they think every country operates the same as theirs? How many countries do they think exist around the world? In your video, you mentioned how people have bibles. Where did that influence come from? Where did they learn about the bible? How do they learn how to read the bible?

Have yourself a Merry Christmas Yeonmi and to all your fans.

This is insane, having someone control almost every aspect of your life like she said you as an individual dont matter these are clear violations of human rights how is this still happening

This is inhumane. I cannot believe people had to go through this and that you had to go through this, you are so brave for speaking up and telling people about this horrific torture camp of a country. Well done and I hope you go far 💗

We are truly blessed in this country of the US to be able, on a whim, say “I think I will drive from Texas to Pennsylvania to see family”. We do that with such freedom.

It’s just so sad to know how their daily lives are: they’re literally fighting for their lives constantly. It’s just so depressing and horrible to know that. I hope NK will be a free country again soon…

I'm so glad your out of NK but I feel really bad for the poor people still there ❤

America loves you Yeonmi we are so happy and proud of you and what you have accomplished. 🇺🇸

#2 The people aren't crying, they're just experiencing tears of joy for the first time.

When I was in N. Korea on a five day visit after living in S. Korea for three years as an American, N. Koreans didn't believe I had any more freedoms as an American than they had. They believed I was beneath them because I was an American and a white man and would say most felt sorry for me. It's not until N. Koreans can experience other cultures can they reflect on their own hardships.

You are brave for telling the world about all these human atrocities and injustices.

Listening to Yeonmi makes you realise how little you learn from those 'travel' documentaries where everything is rigidly controlled. I would recommend anyone with a hunger for knowledge about N. Korea to search out her videos and books.

Mann, all this forced emotion is so scary. No wonder North Korea is so successful in controlling the people, aside from the starvation & information control, it's emotionally like an abusive relationship which often leads to feeling a strong need for the abuser's approval & feeling like you are nothing without the abuser. They really have the mind, body, & soul of the citizens 😳

How do we live in the day and age of protests and human rights but not enough people talk about this. There has to be a way to help these people.

North Korea reminds me of that crazy family that is way to strict with their children that lives down the street. You want to intervene because you feel sorry for them, but feel.powerless because it's their family and you don't want to start world 🌎 war 3. I'm saying prayers 😭😇🙏 for the oppressed people and especially the children. I wish I could give billions to all the starving people. When I'm a billionaire I will definitely do something to help 🆘 Ty for helping me to remember to be grateful for all the Freedoms we have in America🇺🇲

Capitalism vs Communism NK: The elite are starving to death US: The poor are experiencing a obesity epidemic

Iam from India and I really shocked to know about North Korea....It is so horrible 😞 how can somebody be so cruel.... I support you Yeonmi.... Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄

Yeah, I'm glad I don't live there. I knew it was bad, but I didn't know how bad it was. Also, a lot of the crimes I noticed, they don't just punish you but your whole family. So one person in your family does something wrong, and the whole family could be punished. I can't imagine living in a country like that where they can punish you even though you weren't doing anything wrong.

Thank you for your work Yeonmi! I feel like some YT channels just want to make fun of North Korea by telling silly lies about the regime even though they are against it and this makes people not to take it seriously. That’s why I personally prefer listening to your livings and what you know since you have actually been in there. The best thing is to show the reality with sanity. Keep it up!

Can't believe this video is illegal in North Korea and north Koreans can't watch it. I thank God you have successfully escaped that hermit country. Keep your good work up. Big up's

so terrifying to think about what might be happening there that we can’t see. like we have no idea what’s going on there right now, all the people in cells and being tortured in camps that are just unknown to us

This is insane. I truely feel sorry for the people in N.Korea having to enduring all of this control and have no freedoms or individuality. It is sickening to me. I can see why people defect. When they get wind of the life outside of their country, its like a taste of freedom and people want this! I hope that one day in the coming future the entire regime falls and N.Korea becomes a better place, but one can only dream.

I'm british, and I have been to North Korea in my life with, let's say, an ex employer I had to look at the countries' workings and lifestyle I can totally relate to what you are saying about your old country I am very proud of your tenacity and strength to leave North Korea 👏 👍 💪

I'm literally 😲 shocked and it takes a lot to shock me these days. Imagine going to prison or being executed for 🙄 rolling your eyes. Wow Kim is a great guy and his family is full of upstanding honest people that truly care about the people in his country....😏 "Being sarcastic of course" Thank God you got out of that country praying that one day NK will be free. Your story and videos break 💔....😔😔

So proud of what you're doing Yeonmi! I pray it wakes people up to what they have in this country and elsewhere, and start fighting for what's truly right!

It’s really sad America used to stand up to country’s that treated its people this way . Now all we do is fight with each other .

This video makes me thankful for what's left of freedom in America 🇺🇸

You're a brave soul. Thank you for taking the time to share with the rest of the world and educate the rest of us about the atrocities committed in North Korea. I actually had a friend from North Korea, whose parents worked at the embassy in my country. Sadly, he was sent to North Korea, because he needed to serve in the military. His brother had just finished his service, and the way that he explained it is that they need, at least, one child/family member in the country, as a means of controlling the family. Sadly, we haven't heard from our friend in about 7 years. I hope that he's okay, and I hope that he makes it back here, someday.

Yeonmi, we would LOVE to see a video of you gaining your American citizenship! (Like if you agree)

This is completely inhumane. I’ve heard crazy stories like this about NK before, of course, but it’s easy to forget, sadly. I really wish the regime would be taken out and the NK people freed

I'm so happy for you for getting out of there!!! You are a beautiful person and I can't imagine what you went through, but you did it! It's so sad to hear about your people and what they have to do, and what they can't do. Bless you darlin'. ❤

I am so sorry you had to go through that, that ANYONE has to live through that kind of life. I truly wish there was peace and freedom for everyone. You are a strong woman.

North Korea is a country-wide hostage situation and we have to do something

Hey Yeonmi! I am following your channel for quite a while and what is going on in NK is horrible! I want to help the peoole in there. But I am a minor living in Europe, no credit card, my parents don't let me donate to nothing. What can I do to help? Can I even do something for them? Edit: Ok, I have great news and felt I wanted to share them. I convinced my Human Rights teacher to make a lesson on NK. I don't really know when it's going to be, but I'm super excited for it! My classmates don't know much about NK (they told me so) and even my teacher, when he announced that he has the papers ready for the lesson, he admitted that he himself learned a lot about Juche while doing his research. I am so glad that I was able to help spread the word of what's happening in NK, even if it doesn't look like much. Thanks for all the advice in the comments!🥰

There is many words that could he used here.... However I still find myself speechless that humans can do this to other humans. Truly sick and twisted.

If sarcasm is illegal, I’d have been executed at age six.

Mourning without feelings? Like "I am sorry for your loss. Now let's party"

I‘m absolutely shocked. I mean everyone knows that living conditions in NK are horrifying, but i didn’t knew it that THAT bad. I hope so badly for all people in NK that this horror ends as fast as possible!!

My dad was in the US Army in the Korean War. After the fist week in combat there he said he knew he would not make it out alive. Any time I was with him and we met people from Korea they always thanked him for being there. Now I see why.

Hi Yeonmi Park. You are a brave girl for fleeing oppression and also for speaking out. I salute you and wish you well. Thank you for the information. I have no idea of the sufferings of the average citizen back in North Korea. You are right, we should not judge people in North Korea, they are doing it to survive. Now I know better. Cheers!

Thank you for making us aware of this, I’m sorry to everyone who suffers under this regime

Hearing this oppression is really grounding. I cannot fathom the hardship these people endure. As you say it is 1984. Happiness to you , I'm happy you are a defector. Thank you for sharing.

8:30 Wow so the entire family has just one bottle of water per month. That's crazy, how are they even alive with only 1 bottle of water per month. Do they buy a few potatoes every 3rd month or do they just drink water and not eat at all? The part about the cult of the leader and christianity is actually cool but now I have to question whether it's true.

1. Sarcasm 2. Mourning without feelings 3. Jeans are banned 4. Foreign Movies and Music is not allowed 5. Owning a bible, No religious freedom 6. Cant turn off the government radio 7. Taking pictures of daily life 8. Travel is illegal for north korean people

This was crazy. I had no idea. Thank you for educating me. I live in the USA and we need to know and be aware that this is happening in our own country with various religious groups. There are cults alive and well today. They take their members freedom's, what they can wear, drive, eat, medical procedures, grooming options. Please everyone when someone wants you to join their group, do your research, see what their defectors are saying. Please if you have a co-worker or love one in a high control group, show them this. Maybe not today or tomorrow but hopefully one day they will see the similarities and get out.

This would be a great video to show anyone who thinks they have it so bad living in the US. We aren't perfect by any means, but we have a constitution that provides us basic human rights that we take for granted every day. I feel for the people of North Korea and hope that they will find peace and freedom some day. Thanks for the amazing video!

I had heard in NK; everyone is restricted to certain Haircuts even; zero freedom of expression. As an “American Bastard” I am thankful (to God) for all these freedoms we have, I feel sadness for the people in NK. Thank you for sharing your insight and knowledge of reality there.

Thank you for sharing this. I knew NK people struggle, but I had NO idea how bad it actually is. This was an eye opener for me. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely do what I can to support you.

Hello Yeonmi, Could you please do a video about what conditions are like for ordinary North Koreans. I once spent the Chinese Spring Festival on the Chinese side of the Yalu River border, where families wrapped up in new brightly-coloured winter clothing enjoyed caramelised fruit, balloons and fairground rides on the frozen river. Meanwhile thin North Korean women, dressed in tattered garments were collecting water from a hole in the ice, for their bleak and tiny homes. I think a lot of Westerners watch travel documentaries and vlogs where someone's on an organised tour to Pyongyang and believe that how North Koreans live, when that is for the privileged. We don't see enough of the grinding poverty of rural North Korean and the desolate polluted towns in winter. Thanks

When I was in S. Korea, I went to a public speech by a N. Korean defector. The things she told us really stuck with me, even after all of these years. I still have the transcript from that speech saved, but unfortunately I don't speak Korean so I cannot translate it. I am glad you escaped!

Thank you for helping Americans appreciate all we take for granted!

I wanted to sincerely thank you for this entire channel! I'm a new subscriber, and really never knew much about life over there, aside from what the American media tells us. Thank you for opening my eyes, and making me feel extra grateful for the free life I live here in the US. We truly do take even the smallest freedoms for granted😔

It absolutely disgusts me when I hear certain groups in America talk about this being the worst country in the world.. it makes me mad when I think about or actually see certain political parties trying to silence others just bc they don’t agree. Freedom of speech is becoming less common and less acceptable and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. American citizens have no clue how lucky we are!

It is very sad how these people have to live that is why we have to fight to keep our freedoms otherwise our goverment would do it to us if they could

It's so cute the way she says "Norse Korea" :)

It is too true, now more than ever. Too many people in the west take our rights and freedoms for granted. Have a lovely Christmas Yeonmi 🎄 ❤

You are a beautiful, beautiful girl and my heart goes out to all your people. I can't imagine how the nightmare could possibly end in N. Korea-- it seems self-perpetuating. What could be the Turning Point? I hope your family is safe since you defected (I know of the horror stories some families endure when one defects). Please continue sharing your stories.

You rather be caught in the nxde than to be wearing jeans 👖 😂

I thought that NK people have Stockholm syndrome when I was watching them, but now I understand their situation better. Thank you, very much appreciate what you do!

how can "dear leaders" pass themselves off as gods when it's clear they're only mortal & can die? (& does anyone in nk ever dare ask this!?!) Big 💖 to you & your poor oppressed people Yeonmi

Thank you for this video. We Americans take our freedoms for granted and need reminders like this. Goes to show how precious our freedom is!

whats the crime rate in north Korea? Probably zero.

My heart goes out to anyone who is forced to live against their will. Anyone who can be punished for another's crimes. I see the Kim family, and those that they associate with, as not much better than the Hitlers, and the Stalin family. I just hope that something gets done about them soon. I just wish I could something more to help.

"They cry to survive" that statement tells everything, what a sad situation these people live in.

Thank you for explaining about some of the rules and laws in North Korea I thank God that you are here in the USA and I pray that your friends and family back in North Korea are safe I hope and pray that one day they all get to feel the freedom that you do. Thank you for sharing this with us

上田竜也上田竜也上田竜也上田竜也上田竜也上田竜也バカバソコンちかつなばかやるいずいずさわるなえんだいさわるなばかやるさわるなえんだいさわるなばかやるばかやるうるないばかやるくるなばかやるあたまよくないですひるこはんひるこはんひるこはんひるこはんひるこはんくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなあたましんふであたまだただおもきりたいこおもきり卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後

Kim was Swiss educated and spent much of his youth outside of NK. His younger years are quite interesting because he loved American basketball and wasn't raised in a strict culture. I'm sure he wore blue jeans. I remember seeing pictures of him wearing basketball t-shirts.

No Scarrasm I'd be dead in a minute! Had someone from North Korea argue with my comments on how bad it is to live there. Tried to tell me every village had generators and they watched western movies all the time. I replied, You must be from North Korea and I reported you to the website, he disappeared.

I hear things like this that go on in other countries (my family came from Cuba, so a lot of the differences you listed here are only superficially different) and it baffles me how the entitled idiots go on "crusades" on things that aren't really problems while denouncing the country that gives them the political freedom to even do so. I'm sorry you had to go through all that, and glad you got out. Keep being you.

Not being able To leave your town without a permit sounds a lot like what they want to do in the west with the so called “15min Cities” doesn’t it?

My heart breaks for the oppression on the NK people. How sad and infuriating is it that so many Americans do not appreciate the freedoms we enjoy.

That thing about the government-mandated radio turning off only when the electricity shuts off sounds like a political joke.

Thank you for enlightening us, ma'am. Two upsetting aspects that occurred to me: 1. That people in power know how bad things are there, and ignore it. 2. That people in free nations are so coddled and spoiled that they actually think that the flaws of their own countries are in any way comparable to this, where something as small as rolling your eyes can get you executed.

Lots of the facts reminded me Soviet Union 😢

Thank you for making this content. It's absolutely terrifying to get this sort of information from "first hand". Very glad you made it out, and hopefully as the world becomes more and more exposed to the true horrors of what's going on inside NK, maybe, just maybe, something will be done about the terrible regime within the country...

Happy Holidays Yeonmi and family... The more you talk about North Korea, the more people learn what's inside the hermit land. Keep on educating everyone.

I was wondering if you are concerned about kim jong un sending an assassin to eliminate you? You are a brave beautiful woman and I love what you are doing. Keep safe out there . It took a lot of courage for you to" defect " . Thank you for making these video's for the world to see how bad things really are in NK. Thank you....

What you did not only to escape north korea but to also bring the story to others is truly an act of courage and bravery!

It's really sad to think that there are people in America right now who aspire to have that kind of control over the population and there are citizens that blindly vote for it

Question about #3: Jeans. - The USSR had their own jean production and can be seen often in the 70s and 80s worn by the people. And they had their own export market for them to other countries. - Did North Korea decline the import of Jeans from the USSR? - Did North Korea accept their imports, but after 1991, the collapsed of the USSR, banned them since now they only come from corporations?

That's so sad, I couldn't imagine living there. I'm glad you were able to get out.

山田山田山田山田イオンイオンあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなあそふなお仕事お仕事やればひるこはんくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなくなあたましんふであたまだただおもきりたいこおもきり卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後卒業後

Keep educating the world Yeonmi! Your purpose in life is definitely an important one.

I think North Korea is possibly the worst place on the planet just from an oppression standpoint. This would be a living hell. Thanks for sharing this so we can appreciate the freedoms we have

Let’s get Yeonmi to 1 million!!!! And Merry Christmas Yeonmi🎄💚🎉🎁

I feel that the world at large is at fault for not stepping in on this one. I'm all for autonomy, but clearly the people of this country are under such tight control that they can not rise up and overthrow their own government. They need help, and the world at large seems to be ignoring them. I know that China is one of the big reasons that the rest of the world will not step up, but even China must have some compassion for North Korea. I guess that China does not want it's own citizens to get any crazy ideas about overthrowing governments...

then he has the audacity to call himself the SuPrEmE LeAdEr

I know my country isn't perfect, but I am thankful every day that I live in a place where I can mostly speak my mind, without too many repercussions. I am thankful for my family and that we have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and there are resources available that can help, if needed. I just don't agree with the hypocrisy that my country is famous for. The USA boasts all of these freedoms, but our own veterans, who gave up everything, who came home damaged, mentally and physically, are living on the streets. Forgotten, shunned and left to die alone. I might not always support a war, but I will always support our troops, because of these reasons. If America is so great, why are our veterans still suffering? Didn't they fight for our freedom? Or is that just more propaganda? I'm not ungrateful for the life I have. My family is only impoverished by American standards. Which means we live like kings compared to others. I have a great life. I just wish my country would portray a more honest image than it does. I wish our vets were taken care of. I wish the death tax didn't exist. I wish our prison systems weren't as broken as they are and that felons couldn't be refused work. Recidivism rates are so high because felons can't get jobs. If someone has paid their debt to society, why can't they vote? Why is our voting system set up so that none of our votes matter? Why can laws be purchased for the right price? Why can news coverage be purchased? Why is it ok for news stations and other news media to lie? I have a problem with the US putting up this image of justice, equality, and integrity, when there are so many lies and shady dealings behind the scenes. I have a problem with pushing the working class so hard that there's no energy left in us to fight back. I have issues that have directly affected me and many of the ppl I know, but we still can't get justice. I'm thankful, but you can be thankful and still see the downsides. More than 1/3 of the world hates the USA and most of us don't even realize it.

You inspire me to be a better person, thank you!

South Korea 🇰🇷 is best I love ❤️ 🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷👍👍👍👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👌👌👌🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️❤️

Keep going Yeomi, I love hearing your stories about North Korea, even if it blows my mind. Anyways have a great day and your content is awesome. With love from the Philippines 🇵🇭❤️😊