Man Who Fled North Korea Reveals What Happens When You Buy a TV There

A North Korean defector, Timothy Cho, shared insights into life under the regime, revealing the extreme levels of media control and propaganda. He explained that when someone buys a TV in North Korea, government officials remove all channels except one, which broadcasts 24/7 content glorifying the Kim family. This includes documentaries, songs, and historical narratives centered around the ruling dynasty. Cho described the “cult of personality” surrounding the Kims, portraying them as god-like figures. For instance, Kim Jong-il’s birth was mythologized with tales of a giant star appearing above his birthplace. Citizens are indoctrinated from childhood to worship the Kims, bowing to their statues during national holidays. Cho admitted he was so brainwashed that he starved himself when Kim Il-sung died, believing his “God” had passed. His account highlights the intense propaganda and control over daily life in North Korea.