The TV shows people risk death to watch
Why fluffy, glossy K-dramas tempt North Koreans to brave the firing squad
In most countries, good television is cheap. A monthly Netflix subscription costs less than a takeaway pizza. In North Korea, by contrast, watching a gripping TV drama can cost you your life.
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This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Fatal attraction”
Culture
July 5th 2025- The TV shows people risk death to watch
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From the July 5th 2025 edition
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