Watch North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator

North Korea has been a notoriously secretive and isolated country for decades, ruled by the Kim dynasty with an iron fist. But what goes on inside the mind of a dictator? National Geographic Channel's latest documentary, "North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator," aims to explore just that.

The two-hour special takes viewers on a journey through modern North Korea, through the eyes of those who have managed to escape the regime and provide insight into the inner workings of the dictatorship.

Through interviews with defectors, scholars, and experts, the documentary examines the history of North Korea, from its founding by Kim Il-sung in 1948 to its current leader, Kim Jong-un. The film explores how the cult of personality around the Kim family has been cultivated and maintained over the years, and examines the propaganda machine that has shaped the worldview of a nation.

Viewers are taken on a tour of the country, exploring its bleak landscapes, stunning architecture, and propaganda-laden public spaces. The documentary also delves into the country's nuclear program and its impact on the world stage, and how the regime uses the threat of nuclear war as a bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations.

One of the most fascinating parts of the documentary is its exploration of the role of technology in North Korea. Despite being one of the most technologically isolated countries in the world, the dictatorship has still managed to build a formidable cyber army. The documentary examines how the government has used technology to control its citizens, from online censorship to the monitoring of mobile phone conversations.

The documentary also takes a look at the country's economy, which is heavily regulated and controlled by the government. Viewers get a glimpse of the country's markets, which operate in a gray area between legal and illegal, and learn about the new class of entrepreneurs and middle-class citizens who are able to navigate the country's complex economic system.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are introduced to a cast of characters, including defectors who have risked their lives to escape the regime, and experts who have dedicated their careers to studying North Korea. These interviews provide a personal and emotional look at the impact of dictatorship on individual lives, as well as a deeper understanding of the broader political and social contexts.

"North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator" is a riveting and eye-opening look at one of the most secretive and repressive regimes in the world. Through its exploration of history, economics, technology, and propaganda, viewers gain a better understanding of what makes the dictatorship tick, and what may lie ahead for the country and its people.

North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on February 15, 2021.