The Dark History of North Korea: Oppression and Abuse

North Korea has a long and turbulent history riddled with oppression, abuse, and human rights violations. The question of why North Korea has been so oppressive lies in its political and historical context. The Kim family dictatorship has maintained its grip on power through a combination of internal repression and external justification. Let's delve into the details of North Korea's complex history.

Historical Context and Division

The history of North Korea began in the aftermath of Japan's defeat in World War II. At that time, the Korean population was eager to expel the vestiges of Japanese imperialism. However, the division of Korea was a result of the political maneuvering between Stalin and US imperialism, which saw the country partitioned into two distinct regions.

The leftist democratic government in the South was suppressed by the military regime, leading to the execution of thousands of people. In the North, the leaders who collaborated with the Japanese were removed from power. However, this democratization process was short-lived as the popular revolutionary leadership was progressively purged under Kim Il-Sung, who was Stalin's hand-picked successor.

The Kim Family Dictatorship and Its Tactics

Intervening Timeline: In the 1980s, North Korea was not as impoverished as it is today. In fact, it was richer than South Korea during that period. This seems strange considering the stark contrast in economic conditions today. This might be due to the absence of internet and other modern information technologies at the time.

The Kim family dictatorship, led by Kim Il-Sung and later his son, Kim Jong-il, and grandson Kim Jong-un, has employed various tactics to stay in power. One of the primary methods has been extensive and widespread repression. This includes purges, forced labor camps, and human rights abuses.

Internal repression is justified by the Kim regime through the existence of 'imperialist threats' or 'external attacks'— both real and fabricated. These justifications serve to maintain a narrative of national security and unity, while also silencing any dissenting voices. Repression also serves to suppress genuine socialist aspirations by the Korean working class, keeping the populace in line with the regime's ideology.

National Autarky and Juche Ideology

The repression in North Korea is closely tied to the country's pursuit of national autarky, or self-sufficiency, under the guise of the 'juche' ideology. Juche is a political philosophy that emphasizes self-reliance and the individual as the center of the universe. While this philosophy has been used as a way to justify economic and social self-sufficiency, it has also served to cement the Kim family's rule by fostering a sense of nationalism and loyalty.

The Kim family has maintained a tight control over all aspects of life in North Korea. The government ensures that the populace lives in a state of constant surveillance and fear. The regime's propaganda machine keeps the population largely isolated from the outside world, furthering its grip on power. The concentration of power in the hands of the few also allows the Kim family to take on an almost god-like status, further justifying their rule.

Conclusion

The history of North Korea is a complex and troubling one. The Kim family dictatorship has maintained its power through extensive repression and manipulation of the population. While the regime justifies its actions through external threats, the reality is that it has kept the country in a state of fear and unknowns. Understanding the history of North Korea is crucial for comprehending the current geopolitical landscape and the challenges it faces.