Ever wondered what it’s like to use a smartphone in North Korea? Well, buckle up because we’re about to take a wild ride into the technological oddity that is a North Korean smartphone under the watchful eye of Kim Jong Un. Spoiler alert: It’s not exactly an Apple or Samsung experience.
They’ve managed to squeeze it down to the smartphones in people’s pockets. A North Korean smartphone smuggled out and examined by the BBC revealed that it’s basically <strong>a digital hall monitor with loyalty to the regime hardwired in</strong>.
First off, let’s talk about the devices themselves. North Korea has its own brand of smartphones, aptly named the ‘Arirang’ (which sounds suspiciously like an old Korean song rather than a tech product). These phones are not your typical high-tech gadgets. They come with a limited selection of apps and features—think of it as a smartphone that’s been sent to timeout. You won’t find any Instagram or TikTok, but you might get a few state-approved news apps and a music player that probably only plays patriotic songs. So if you’re into North Korean pop, you’re in luck!
Now, you might be thinking, “But what about the internet?” Ah, yes, the internet! Or should I say, the ‘intranet.’ In North Korea, the internet is a bit like a unicorn: everyone talks about it, but no one has actually seen it. The average citizen has access to a state-controlled network called Kwangmyong, which is basically a glorified library of government-approved content. So, if you’re hoping to scroll through cat memes or watch the latest Netflix series, you might want to rethink your travel plans to Pyongyang.
And let’s not forget about the surveillance aspect. Using a smartphone in North Korea is like having a personal assistant who never leaves your side—except this assistant is the government. Every text, call, or image you send is likely monitored, so you might want to think twice before sending a meme about Kim Jong Un. Just remember, the only thing more dangerous than a poorly timed joke is a poorly timed text message.
Now, if you’re wondering about the battery life, well, it’s probably not what you’re used to. With limited access to charging stations (and let’s be real, power outages are a common occurrence), you might find yourself playing a game of ‘how long can I keep my phone alive?’ It’s a bit like camping, but with less nature and more state propaganda.
In conclusion, using a North Korean smartphone is not for the faint of heart or the social media-savvy. It’s a unique experience that combines technology with a hefty dose of government control. So, if you ever find yourself in North Korea, just remember: your smartphone might be smarter than you think—but it’s definitely not freer. And if you do manage to snag one, just make sure you don’t accidentally download any forbidden apps, or you might find yourself in a situation that’s less ‘tech-savvy’ and more ‘tech-sorry.’
Happy browsing—or should I say, happy ‘intranet-ing’!
Inspired by: “See what it’s like to use a North Korean smartphone under Kim Jong Un” (r/technology)
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