Vice Essentials Season 1 Episode 19 The VICE Guide to North Korea, Part 1

In season 1 episode 19 of Vice Essentials, titled "The VICE Guide to North Korea, Part 1," viewers are given an exclusive look into the notoriously secretive country of North Korea. The episode is broken down into several segments, each one exploring a different aspect of North Korean life and culture.

First, viewers are taken on a tour of Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. The tour is conducted by a government minder, who shows the VICE crew various landmarks and attractions throughout the city. We see clips of locals going about their daily lives, and the stark contrast between the high-tech metropolis of Pyongyang and the slums and poverty-stricken rural areas outside of the city.

The episode then shifts gears and explores the cultural side of North Korea. This includes a visit to the Moranbong Band, an all-female music group that is something of a national treasure in North Korea. We see the band members practicing and hear their thoughts on music and life in North Korea. The segment also includes an introduction to the traditional Korean game of Go-Stop, played by locals in a park.

Next, the episode delves into North Korea's educational system. The VICE crew is given a tour of a local school, where they see students of all ages being taught various subjects. The episode notes the emphasis on propaganda and anti-American sentiment in the curriculum, and shows how children are taught to revere their leaders as god-like figures.

The episode then takes a darker turn, as the VICE crew is introduced to the concept of the "self-criticism session." This is a regular meeting held by workplaces and organizations in North Korea, where members are expected to confess their shortcomings and criticize themselves in front of their peers. The episode explores the psychological toll that this practice can take on individuals, as well as the potential for it to be used as a tool for control and surveillance.

Finally, the episode ends on a more lighthearted note, with a visit to a North Korean amusement park. The VICE crew takes a ride on the park's roller coaster and other attractions, while also observing the strange blend of westernized and North Korean culture throughout the park.

Overall, "The VICE Guide to North Korea, Part 1" offers a fascinating glimpse into a country that few outsiders ever get to see. The episode is informative and eye-opening, providing a rare look into the incredibly restricted and controlled society of North Korea.