The Hidden Human Cost of Kim Jong

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-17T07:11:25.655Z • Permanent link

Kim Jong Un's grip on power is bolstered by a network of informants and enforcers who monitor the activities of North Korean citizens. These individuals, often recruited from coal mines, factories, and other industrial sectors, provide vital information on potential dissent and opposition to the regime. One such informant is Shin Dong-hyuk, a former prisoner who escaped from a re-education camp and later defected to South Korea. His story, detailed in a 2017 report by the Associated Press, sheds light on the brutal treatment of North Korean prisoners and the ways in which the regime uses coercion and manipulation to maintain control.

Kim Jong Un's diplomatic efforts are also shaped by his regime's reliance on human exploitation. Diplomats and officials from countries such as China and Russia have been known to engage in corrupt practices, including accepting bribes and other forms of compensation, in exchange for favorable treatment and access to North Korean markets. For example, in 2018, it was reported that Chinese officials had accepted millions of dollars in bribes from North Korean officials in exchange for help in securing a loan from a Chinese state-owned bank. These corrupt practices not only undermine the legitimacy of international institutions but also perpetuate the regime's human rights abuses.

Recent data from the United Nations has highlighted the devastating impact of these practices on North Korean citizens. According to a 2022 report, an estimated 70% of North Korean workers in China and Russia are subjected to forced labor, with many being forced to work long hours in harsh conditions without pay. These findings have sparked outrage among human rights groups and have raised questions about the role of international institutions in holding North Korea accountable for its human rights abuses.

The exploitation of North Korean citizens has significant implications for companies operating in the region. For example, the Chinese state-owned bank that was implicated in the bribery scandal mentioned earlier has been linked to several other corrupt practices, including money laundering and embezzlement. These practices not only undermine the rule of law but also create a toxic business environment that can have far-reaching consequences for companies operating in the region. Research communities and policymakers must take a closer look at the ways in which corruption and human rights abuses are perpetuated in North Korea and what steps can be taken to hold the regime accountable.

The impact of these practices is not limited to companies operating in North Korea. The corrupt practices of North Korean officials and diplomats have also been linked to several international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These institutions have been accused of turning a blind eye to corruption and human rights abuses in exchange for access to North Korean markets and resources. This has raised questions about the role of international institutions in promoting good governance and human rights, and has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability.

The exploitation of North Korean citizens is part of a larger pattern of human rights abuses that has been perpetuated by the regime for decades. The regime's use of forced labor, torture, and other forms of coercion and manipulation is well-documented, and has been widely condemned by human rights groups and international institutions. However, the regime's human rights abuses are not limited to North Korean citizens. The regime's officials and diplomats have also been accused of perpetuating human rights abuses in other countries, including China, Russia, and Cuba.