Despite strict controls, young North Koreans are increasingly seeking computer and information technology skills, driven by curiosity about the outside world.
A source in North Hamgyong Province told Daily NK on July 29 that “there’s a noticeable rise in young people trying to learn computer and IT skills in major cities like Chongjin.” The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed this trend to the government’s tight control over access to external information.
In Chongjin, some youths are secretly paying experts to learn how to bypass government controls and access illegal videos. Others form small, clandestine study groups to acquire computer and IT skills.
Even teenagers are actively pursuing computer programming and network technology, discreetly sharing their knowledge with peers.
Since late 2020, North Korea has harshly punished the spread of foreign content, including South Korean dramas, movies and music, under the “Law on Rejecting Reactionary Ideology and Culture.” This has significantly intimidated people, especially curious members of the young generation, with frequent reports of teens and young adults receiving heavy sentences for watching South Korean films.
Government threats fail to deter young people
Despite these strict measures, the desire among youth to access foreign content and new cultural information remains high, according to the source.
“Young people have likely witnessed the consequences of getting caught watching South Korean movies at least twice,” the source said. “Yet they still seek ways to watch them while evading state control.”
This has led to a surge in young people learning computer and IT skills to safely access external information recently. The source noted this phenomenon arose from rumors that some computer experts were enjoying South Korean videos while evading detection.
“Learning these skills goes beyond simple education,” the source explained. “It’s about fulfilling cultural desires. With technical expertise, they can download unapproved programs and enjoy foreign culture without leaving traces, avoiding detection.”
Daily NK works with a network of sources living in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous for security reasons.
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