Two North Korean flood relief workers face punishment for allegedly consuming banned South Korean media during deployment, Daily NK has learned.<\/p>\n
“Two members of the Mount Paektu Heroic Youth Shock Troops were arrested on August 10 by members of the provincial unified command for anti-socialist and non-socialist behavior,” a source in the province told Daily NK on Wednesday, speaking anonymously. “They are accused of secretly listening to South Korean music, but that’s just a cover story and the real reason is rumored to be something more serious.”<\/p>\n
The arrest of the two flood relief workers for watching South Korean media caused a stir because they were key members of their unit who had often been praised for their loyalty and contributions.<\/p>\n
Some people are whispering that the two workers were arrested not only for listening to South Korean music but also for committing serious crimes such as misusing state property and sexually harassing and molesting women in the shock troops.<\/p>\n
In fact, the two workers were notorious for sexually harassing numerous women in the shock troops. According to rumors, fed-up women finally reported the two to the authorities, leading to their arrest.<\/p>\n
Another factor may have been the government’s recent emphasis on rooting out corruption by increasing protections and rewards for whistleblowers. Some believe this may have prompted members of the shock troops, disgusted by the corruption of the two workers, to blow the whistle on wrongdoing that had previously gone unnoticed.<\/p>\n
“In any case, the two arrested shock troopers are currently being held at the provincial state security bureau for questioning by the provincial joint command on anti-socialist and non-socialist behavior. There hasn’t been any official announcement or detailed information about the reason for their detention,” the source said.<\/p>\n
However, provincial state security officials familiar with the case noted that the incident goes beyond simply listening to Korean music or sexual harassment and assault, and focuses on anti-state behavior the two members may have committed in the past. As such, it is likely to be treated as an important political case related to national security.<\/p>\n
“The incident has not only badly tarnished the image of the Mount Paektu Heroic Youth Shock Troops, but also raised the need to review discipline within the organization. It’s likely that there will be a wider investigation into these two men,” the source said.<\/p>\n