[imText1]Recently, Chinese internet users are raising criticism on the North Korean regime.
Inside photos of North Korea have been successively posted on Chinese websites (DailyNK report 23rd, Aug 2006) criticizing the Kim Jong Il regime with remarks ‘North Korea must instigate reform’ and ‘What generation is this that they are still starving?’
On 25th August, the DailyNK searched internet sites ‘Photofans’ and ‘North Korea Today.’ These sites exposed inside photos of North Korea and were full of criticism such as “Two Kims should retire from their position and South Korea seize North Korea” “Overthrow the government like Saddam Hussein.”
Particularly since the missile launch last July 5th, Chinese Internet users have been showing greater interest. In addition crime amongst defectors around the North Korea-China border and home raids by North Korean commanding officers on Chinese soil have incited aversion towards the North Korean regime amidst Chinese people.
Chinese website ‘Photofans’ is a site powered by Chinese photo enthusiasts and for a while has been publicizing inside photos of North Korea.
Recentlky ‘Photofans’ exposed photos of North Korean soldiers going about their daily lives, taken by sightseers touring on the Yalu River. On this website, hundreds of photos taken by the sightseers and other Chinese tourists visiting North Korea are being posted continuously.
The photos below were posted by a person with an ID ‘Fat lamb.’ Comments made by internet users give an indication of the response of Chinese internet users towards the North Korean government.
On the website ‘North Korea Today’ some internet users have made sympathetic remarks such as “When will the North Korean people experience a shining day” and “Two Kims should retire from their position and South Korea seize North Korea” as well as more aggressive remarks such as “Kim Jong Il who is dragging his people into turmoil should undoubtedly retire. He should be overthrown like Saddam Hussein.” There was also a comment “Marxist is not at fault. It is all because of Kim Jong Il’s distortion.”
Following are photos from these websites and an explanation of each.
[imText2]▲ Sightseers wanting to know more about mysterious North Korea purposely float their boat near the banks of Daean, Shinuiju. Moreover, the tourists wave their hands at the North Korean people. However people turn their backs, show grimace expressions and display no signs of hospitality. As usual, tourists flash their cameras toward the people.
[imText3]▲ North Korean authorities strongly warn soldiers that “Amidst the tourists may be South Korean agents for national security reporting from Dandong. So, you must never receive any money or goods from them.” Furthermore, soldiers are strongly urged to avoid their photos being taken.
[imText4]▲ Unnoticeably smoke comes out from the chimney of a Shinuiju chemical textile factory on the banks of the Yalu River. Unknown goods are being loaded into cars.
[imText5]▲ Security cars assigned to the border. Visible is the Russian car ‘УАЗ’ which is delegated to female officials.
[imText6]▲ A soldier and girl standing on a North Korean fishing boat deck. Behind are North Korean people who have come to the wharf by bicycle to fish for some gobies.
[imText7]▲ The border security guards standing on the boat deck, turn their backs on the touring boat. As the boat draws nearer, the guards purposely turn their backs to avoid the faces of the tourists. When they realize that photos are being taken, guards often raise their fists or yell abusive language.
[imText8]▲ Border security guards eating on a boat deck. Visible are Chinese beer bottles.
[imText9]▲ The soldier appears to be standing in a checkpoint. Whether this post is still being used is unknown, however there is no window. Tourists who approach the surroundings of this post take the opportunity to enthusiastically capture photos of soldiers and people who seem absent-minded. Henceforth, these photos are then posted on individual websites.
[imText10]▲ A bus in Pyongyang
[imText11]▲ A quiet Pyongyang road
