The populations of North Korea’s infamous political prison camps, long criticized as hotbeds of human rights violations, has decreased by about 9,000 inmates compared to last year, totaling approximately 190,000 as of June 2024. This represents a 4.6% reduction from the previous year’s figures, according to a Daily NK source well acquainted with detention facilities in North Korea.
The breakdown of inmates across different camps as of late June 2024 reveals varying population sizes. Camp 14 in Kaechon holds approximately 39,300 inmates, while Camp 15 in Yodok contains about 34,000. Camp 16 in Hwasong has a population of around 21,000, and Camp 17, also in Kaechon, houses about 39,600 prisoners. Camp 18 in Bukchang holds approximately 23,800 inmates, and Camp 25 in Susong contains around 32,100 prisoners.
Expanding control and the evolution of the “guilt-by-association” system
The increase in Camp 18’s population appears to be due to a surge in internal dissatisfaction with the state, political dissenters, and opponents of government policies. “Early this year, there were orders to expand prison capacity to immediately suppress even the slightest elements of state subversion as part of efforts to strengthen social control,” the source said.
Notably, Camp 16 has seen an influx of entire families, including young children and the elderly. “Previously, single family units were common, but now entire extended families being interned,” the source said. “This is to punish and ‘re-educate’ not just the political prisoners themselves, but their families as well.”
This development suggests an expansion of North Korea's "guilt-by-association" system, extending beyond immediate family members to include relatives. As North Korea tightens its social control, it appears to be intensifying this system for political prisoners, casting a wider net of punishment and control.
In Camp 18, some management personnel have been relocated to prevent secret leaks, illegal activities, and localized corruption. The source said that "some management personnel have been reassigned as part of personnel changes."
Declining numbers reveal grim reality
The source attributes the population change to two conflicting factors: an increase in new inmates due to growing political dissent following the COVID-19 pandemic, and a higher death rate resulting from intensified punishment and control measures within the camps. "That appears to due to the fact that in camps where the total population decreased despite new prisoners, the number of deaths exceeded new arrivals," the source explained.
Camps 14, 15, 17, and 25 saw decreases in their populations, indicating higher death rates. Conversely, Camps 16 and 18 experienced population increases.
These changes indicate a tightening grip on the prison camp system and an expansion of punitive measures to include extended family networks, reflecting the regime's intensifying efforts to maintain control and suppress dissent.
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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