Illegal Photos Of North Korea You Were Never Meant To See

Photographer Eric Lafforgue has captured subjects across the world. And recently, he set his sights on one of the world’s most notorious places: North Korea. Lafforgue began taking his illegal North Korea photos in 2008.

He visited the country six times since then. And each time, he sneaks his pics out of the country on memory cards. So you might think you know everything about North Korea. But not if you haven’t seen Lafforgue’s photos.

In The Army

“This picture is not supposed to be taken as officials do not allow army pictures,” explains Lafforgue. Due to economoic woes, North Korea uses its soldiers as an ongoing labor force. “North Korean soldiers can be seen working in fields, farms, or on construction sites in many places, far from military exercises,” said Lafforgue.

Military Conflicts

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The Korean People’s Army, formed in 1948 under Soviet supervision, has dealt with pervasive, complex issues.

Many citizens, recognizing the Army as an upward mobility in class, would bribe committees to be conscripted, even if they medically weren’t healthy enough to join.

In 2008, any medical requirements to join were “abolished completely.”

FUBAR

In the 1990s, violence was prevalent both within the military and between the military and general society. Higher-ranking soldiers would beat their subordinates, with coverups from superiors.

Soldiers, regularly left unfed, would rob citizens of their food. Sexual assault against women in the military was disgustingly common.

A Vicious Cycle

Those conscripted in the Korean People’s Army were isolated from their regular place in society, fed only propaganda about the Supreme Leader.

Terms last ten years, and soldiers are never allowed to visit home, even in the case of a parent’s death. Most soldiers, after completing their term, apply to become superior officers.