A glimpse into North Korea reveals bizarre jobs that reflect fierce loyalty and control. Curious what these roles entail? Read on!
Professional Mourners in North Korea
One of the most striking jobs in North Korea is that of professional mourners. This role gains prominence during national tragedies, particularly when a leader passes away. These mourners are not merely expressing sorrow; they are part of a dramatic, state-sanctioned expression of grief that underscores the regime's expectations for loyalty. Rigorous training prepares them to cry dramatically on demand, amplifying their emotion for both the public and national media. The world witnessed this during Kim Jong-il's death, as scenes of mourners collapsing in grief were broadcast, displaying the lengths to which citizens go to signify loyalty.
Inspecting Loyalty at Home
Citizens in North Korea must prominently display portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in their homes. These images serve not just as decor but as symbols of loyalty to the regime. Each household is subject to inspections that enforce cleanliness and adherence to propaganda. Some individuals dedicate hours each week to ensure the portraits shine bright and are free of dust. This effort highlights one of the lesser-known jobs among North Korean propaganda workers, showing the pervasive influence of the regime that dictates daily household activities.
The Curious Case of Escalator Monitors
In Pyongyang, escalators are supervised by employees assigned to watch over users. These monitors do not perform maintenance; rather, they serve as constant reminders of surveillance prevalent throughout the country. This bizarre job emphasizes the extent of North Korea inspections, showcasing a society that values strict adherence to rules and regulations.
Traffic Directing with Style
Traffic control in North Korea is a performance art. Young women, dressed in immaculate uniforms, direct vehicles with precision. Their movements are choreographed, making traffic management appear as a ballet. Though often there isn’t heavy road traffic, these women showcase authority alongside grace, turning a mundane task into a performance of national pride.
Enforcing Order in Social Situations
Public decorum is strictly monitored throughout North Korea. At bus stops and in public transportation, employees ensure people line up orderly, watching for anyone who might skip ahead. This meticulous enforcement underscores the government's efforts to instill discipline and prevent deviations from expected behavior—a critical element of social conformity in North Korean society.
Tourism Under Scrutiny
Visiting North Korea is a highly controlled experience. Tourists must navigate a world where they cannot explore freely. Each visitor is accompanied by a guide responsible for delivering the regime's curated narrative while closely monitoring movements. This aspect of North Korea tourism underscores the irony of exploring a country known for its strict control while ensuring that every experience aligns with state-approved information.
Repainting the Narrative
The visual propaganda in North Korea requires constant upkeep. Workers are tasked with repainting slogans and images that serve to glorify the regime and ensure they remain vibrant and visible. This commitment to maintaining a flawless appearance illustrates the state’s obsession with projecting an ideal image, critical for reinforcing its authority and influence over its people.
Badge Checkers and Public Loyalty
Loyalty badges are a common sight among North Koreans, signifying allegiance to the Kim family. Inspectors routinely check for these badges during public gatherings, roaming through crowds to ensure compliance. Such inspections serve as a reminder of the consequences of failing to exhibit the required loyalty, further emphasizing the regime’s authoritarian grip on society.
Clapping as a Job
During state events, applause is orchestrated, often prompted by workers situated in strategic locations. This bizarre job is essential for maintaining the appearance of unity and enthusiasm, a literal job that directs the emotional responses of the crowd. The synchronization of applause reflects the tight control over cultural expression in North Korea.
Sound Systems and Surveillance
Constant propaganda reverberates throughout North Korea through a network of loudspeakers playing state news and music. Workers are dedicated to ensuring all systems function without fail, illustrating the regime's control over public information. The urgency to repair malfunctioning speakers underscores the commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted flow of government rhetoric, emphasizing the lengths taken to reinforce their narrative.
Coaching Military Parades
North Korea takes immense pride in its military parades, necessitating dedicated coaches who drill soldiers to achieve remarkable precision. The strict adherence to timing and discipline during these public displays reflects the regime’s expectations for perfection, further embodying the discipline ingrained in various aspects of North Korean life.
Maintaining Statues of Leaders
Monumental statues of the Kims are ubiquitous across North Korea. Workers are responsible for ensuring these statues remain pristine, clearing snow away during winter months. This act symbolizes the citizens' duty to uphold the image of their leaders, showcasing the pervasive influence of the state over even the most mundane aspects of life.
Reflecting on these bizarre jobs in North Korea reveals more than mere absurdity and oddity. They speak to an oppressive environment where loyalty is enforced through unconventional roles, illustrating the extreme measures citizens must undertake for survival and conformity. In a society where the bizarre becomes routine, the lengths individuals will go to demonstrate allegiance to the regime paint a sobering picture of everyday life under an authoritarian regime.