North Korea's International Education: Why and How North Koreans Study Abroad
North Korea's International Education
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been infamous on the world stage for its dictatorship government and use of isolationist policies that actively control the flow of information in and out of the country (Cathcart, 2014). This active effort by the government leaves the domestic population forced to rely heavily on information derived primarily from the official government channels such as educational institutions, state media, or through illegal means (King, 2021). This position allows the DPRK's one-party state to directly influence the predominant beliefs and understandings of information amongst the general public regarding issues and information on the country's state and the world outside its borders.
With such an active effort to control narratives and information sources, many might be surprised by the conversations and building perceptions on North Korea's relationship with studying abroad and international educations. It has become well known by international audiences that the DPRK's leader Kim Jung Un spent four years in Europe attending a Swiss school in Bern (Fifeild, 2019). However, looking beyond merely Kim Jung Un's time studying abroad, more profound questions remain about North Korea's relationship with international education and studying abroad. By diving deeper into the current conversation on what the process for studying abroad is, whom the students are, and the perceived rationale for their travel, we can begin to continue an essential discourse into an aspect of education and focus in North Korea not well explored.
The Process of Studying Internationally: The Who
Like most topics concerning North Korea, the DPRK's involvement with international education and studying abroad for members of its country is not as straightforward of an education process or exploration as a study abroad would be viewed in the more typical formats. While most of the processes and aspects remain challenging to uncover, identifying the implantation of stringent selection processes on ideas of hierarchy and in-depth training and monitoring methods are points of interest.
The DPRK has long emphasized its hierarchal caste system of Songbun, dividing the population into castes of “core”, “wavering”, and “hostile” (Robertson, 2020). With this system playing such a critical role in the societal and cultural operations of the country, it comes as little surprise that studying abroad and international education is perceived to be obtainable for only those with the highest of family statuses (Kim, 2019). North Korean leader Kim JongIl's grandson was the first of the ruling family to openly study abroad by attending a university in Bosnia (Reuters, 2011). However, it is believed that a majority of the Kim family has spent periods studying abroad in secret or other formal positions, similar to the current leader Kim Jung Un time in Europe (North Korea Leadership Watch, 2021). From the Kim family themselves to the kids of governmental officials with proven academic achievement, the selection of students studying abroad seems to represent only a minuscule proportion of North Korea. However, the process remains one of complicated surveillance and control, even for the limited students who can meet the strict selection requirements. Students are constantly under surveillance by The State Security Department, and in many cases, at least one family member is required to stay in North Korea to ensure their return (Kim, 2019).
Gains From Sending Students Abroad: The Why
The question that remains is why would a government that has spent so much of their resources and time controlling information given to their population choose to participate in something that puts such tight control of information in jeopardy. However, if looked at from not the perception of information control, but one for more significant information gathering and drive to access power, it begins to make more sense. Arguably, the importance and value lies in the significant advancements and opportunities these trips abroad bring not for the individual but the DPRK's advancement.