“If you buy a TV, the Government comes to your house”: Escapee details strict controls in North Korea

Timothy Cho, a two-time North Korean defector and human rights activist, has shed light on the extreme restrictions imposed on citizens under Kim Jong-un’s regime, revealing the extraordinary lengths the government goes to in order to control information. Speaking in a recent interview with LADbible, Cho, who endured torture following a failed escape attempt before eventually finding refuge in the UK, detailed the Orwellian censorship tactics that dictate everyday life in the reclusive nation.

Government-monitored Televisions and state-approved content

Owning a television in North Korea is not as simple as purchasing an electronic device—it comes with built-in government surveillance, Cho explained. “If you buy a TV in North Korea, the government comes to your house and takes all antennas out, leaving only one,” he said. That single remaining antenna is meticulously condivd to broadcast only state-approved programming.

The content? A relentless stream of propaganda glorifying the ruling Kim dynasty. “What is it about? Kim family… programs, documentaries, songs. All 24/7,” Cho said. “If you watch TV… it’s all about Kim family propaganda.”

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Haircuts as political statements

Cho also revealed that even personal grooming is subject to government oversight. Something as seemingly trivial as a haircut is regulated by the state, with strict guidelines dictating permissible styles. Children are expected to adhere to one of three pre-approved haircuts, and deviation from these norms is met with harsh consequences.

“If you have something different… then your parents are in trouble. They’re being summoned to the police station and must write a statement,” Cho said, underscoring the extent to which even minor nonconformity can lead to punishment.

Enforced worship of the Kim dynasty

Beyond censorship and personal restrictions, Cho described the deeply ingrained, state-enforced reverence for North Korea’s ruling family. Kim Il-sung, the country’s founding leader, is officially designated the “eternal leader” and is regarded as never having truly died, while his son, Kim Jong-il, is celebrated as the “Son of God.”

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“Every national holiday, you have to go to the Kim family statue and bow to it. That is worship,” Cho said, highlighting how ideological control is embedded into daily rituals.

A rare account of life inside North Korea

Cho’s testimony provides a rare glimpse into the realities of life under one of the world’s most secretive and authoritarian regimes. While estimates suggest that at least 30,000 North Koreans have managed to escape since the 1950s, the journey is fraught with danger, and few are able to share their experiences publicly.

With Cho now advocating for human rights and greater awareness of North Korea’s oppression, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the extreme control and hardships faced by those still living under the regime.

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