John
asked
Suki Kim:
What is different about the North Korean system that keeps it from experiencing the same types of uprisings that occur in places like Myanmar, Venezuela or Saudi Arabia?
Suki Kim
I think North Korea is just too tightly controlled. There is simply no communication between people allowed. No real way for any information to travel freely. The cult of the Great Leader is also more like a cult than a political system, enslaving its own people psychologically, intellectually and emotionally, and it's been in place for decades, and the ancient history of Koreans' absolute filial piety for their kings for centuries also plays a factor here. Also Soviet Union who had helped hold that system in tact fell, which then caused a whole lot of other problems. So it is impossible to compare their system to those of the other countries.
More Answered Questions
Jean Farrell
asked
Suki Kim:
First, thank you for this book, which gives an unusual perspective on life in North Korea. Are you aware of any ramifications to the school, or to your former colleagues and students as a result of the publication of your book? Will you be unable to return to North Korea in the future as a result of the publication of this book?
Kathryn
asked
Suki Kim:
First, thanks for this book. It felt so honest with regards to what you saw and to your own life. Your book makes it clear that you struggled between wanting to enlighten your students and fear that if they knew too much, they could be in danger. If you could say one thing to your students today without ramifications from the DPRK government, what would it be?
Jill
asked
Suki Kim:
The story of your time in the DPRK was heartbreaking and so consistent with other books I've recently read about life under the dictatorship of the Kim family. Do you believe that we will see real change in North Korea in our lifetime? And have you heard from PUST leadership since the publication of your book?
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