North Korea Executes Citizens for Watching Foreign Media, UN Reports
North Korea Executes Citizens for Watching Foreign Media, UN Reports – A recent report by the United Nations has revealed that North Korea has executed individuals for watching or distributing foreign television programmes, including South Korean dramas.
The 14-page report, released on September 12, 2025, is based on testimonies from over 300 escapees and witnesses.
It outlines a significant deterioration of civil liberties in the country, including increased surveillance and harsh penalties for cultural transgressions.
James Heenan, head of the UN human rights office for North Korea, stated that executions have risen since the onset of COVID-19.
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The new policies, introduced in 2015, enforce strict control over all aspects of life and allow capital punishment for activities such as sharing foreign media content.
In addition to capital punishment, the report documented widespread forced labour practices, including the use of children in hazardous industries like coal mining under so-called “shock brigades.”
These units reportedly comprise children from poorer backgrounds unable to avoid forced assignments through bribery.
Though some improvements were noted—such as a decrease in violence within detention centres—the report paints a bleak picture of escalating human rights violations.
The North Korean government has not responded to the allegations.
