Ep 6. Secret State of North Korea

In Season 32 Episode 6 of Frontline titled "Secret State of North Korea," the investigative documentary team from Frontline delves into the secretive and isolated country of North Korea. Through extensive research, interviews and rare hidden camera footage, the episode explores life in North Korea for its citizens and the true extent of its nuclear capabilities.

The episode begins with an overview of how the current leader, Kim Jong-un, rose to power following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il. The team uses this background to contextualize the country's current state by exploring the way in which the regime reinforces its power through a system of reward and punishment for its citizens. The documentary also highlights the dangerous nature of reporting in North Korea, as journalists who attempt to document the true state of human rights or the standard of living can face imprisonment or even death.

The episode then explores the social class system in North Korea, where the majority of citizens struggle to meet basic needs and only a select few in the upper echelons of society experience a more comfortable life. One particularly shocking segment of the episode exposes the brutal conditions of North Korean prisons, featuring interviews with former inmates and rarely seen footage of prisoners. The documentary also shines a light on the country's education system and reveals the extent of propaganda that is present in textbooks and school curriculum.

As the episode progresses, the documentary begins to uncover the extent of North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Interviews with experts in the United States and South Korea help to understand past missile and nuclear tests, while footage from inside North Korea provides a rare glimpse into the country's nuclear research facilities. In particular, the episode examines the controversy surrounding North Korea's claims of having tested a hydrogen bomb in 2017. The documentary looks into the potential consequences of North Korea being able to build functioning nuclear weapons, including the possibility of nuclear war and further proliferation.

The documentary concludes with a warning about the international community's lack of action and response to the North Korean threat. The team highlights the difficulty of political negotiations with such an isolated nation and the danger of military intervention. The episode ends by bringing attention to North Korea's next generation of leaders and the way their policies could impact the country's future path.

Overall, "Secret State of North Korea" provides a comprehensive analysis of North Korean society, from the living conditions of its citizens to the potentially devastating consequences of its nuclear pursuits. Through interviews with experts and rarely seen footage, the episode shines a light on the difficulties of navigating global politics with a country so closed off from the rest of the world.