Daijiworld Media Network – Geneva

Geneva, Sep 13: A United Nations human rights report has revealed that North Korea has executed people for distributing foreign media, including popular South Korean TV dramas, as part of a harsh crackdown on personal freedoms. The 14-page report, based on interviews with over 300 witnesses and escapees, said surveillance has intensified since 2014 with the help of new technologies, while punishments have grown more severe, introducing the death penalty for sharing foreign content.

James Heenan, head of the UN human rights office for North Korea, told a Geneva briefing that executions for both political and ordinary crimes have increased since the COVID-19 era. He added that an unspecified number of people have already been put to death for distributing foreign TV series, including K-dramas.

The report highlighted that “under laws, policies and practices introduced since 2015, citizens have been subjected to increased surveillance and control in all parts of life,” making North Korea the world’s most restrictive country. It also noted forced labour of children in hazardous sectors such as coal mining and construction, often targeting those unable to bribe their way out of “shock brigade” assignments.

While some limited improvements were observed—such as reduced violence by detention guards and new laws aiming to strengthen fair trial guarantees—the DPRK rejected the UN Human Rights Council resolution authorising the investigation and did not respond to requests for comment. This sweeping review follows a landmark 2014 UN report that found North Korea had committed crimes against humanity.