North Korea Cracks Down on “I Love You,” Citing Decadence and Capitalist Views
North Korean authorities are intensifying crackdowns on young people, specifically targeting expressions of love deemed indicative of “decadent lifestyles.” An incident involving a love letter discovered during a factory inspection led to a public struggle session where the writer was condemned for using romantic phrases like “I love you.” Officials view this as a violation of laws against foreign influence, as they routinely inspect electronic devices for consumption of foreign media. This event highlights the regime’s efforts to control personal expression and suppress any perceived challenge to its ideology, sparking public criticism and disbelief.
John Q. Hosedrinker