North Korean youths faced execution and imprisonment for watching 'Squid Game,' highlighting strict bans on South Korean media.
February/5/2026 16:47Related Groups & Members
It has become clear that North Korean youths were publicly executed and sent to labor camps for the reason of watching Netflix's 'Squid Game.' According to the U.S. media UNILAD, based on international human rights organization Amnesty, it was reported that North Korean youths were sent to labor camps or publicly executed for watching 'Squid Game.' In North Korea, South Korean dramas, movies, and K-POP are banned, but despite the severe penalties, a black market is spreading. Particularly, 'Squid Game' features characters escaping from North Korea's oppressive regime, so those who smuggle and consume it face heavy punishment. Not only 'Squid Game' but also K-POP and other South Korean media content are prohibited. According to an interview, the punishment for distributing banned media is much harsher than for individual ownership. Additionally, punishments are greatly influenced by the ability to pay bribes, and those who cannot arrange bribes are likely to face more severe consequences.
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