Likelihood of North Korean revolution with hiking cellphone users 'impossible'

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 21:06

北, 휴대폰 있어도 '고립국가’ 여전

Posted : 2014-03-25 17:59

Updated : 2014-03-25 18:21

North Korea's stringent control over people's use of cellphone will most unlikely concede possbiility of grassroots revolution. / Courtesy of Pressian

A North Korean defector said in an open statement the state, even with growing numbers of cellphone users, will never allow room for civil revolution, Segye Ilbo said Tuesday.

The statement was made by Lee Hyeon-seo, 34, at a seminar hosted by the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and the Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI) in Washington D.C on Monday.

Lee said that despite North Koreans' comparatively advanced perception from the past as sparked by their increasing use of cellphones, they will constantly be under threats of the state's distinct controlling system that reins on people's mobile communication.

Once the country nabs those trying to raise digital upheaval among citizens, it will execute their bloodlines down to third generations.

Because of such brutality, North Koreans cannot openly express their thoughts when there are more than four people, fearing being tipped off and getting arrested.

Foreign analysts in Washington foresaw the isolated state will soon meet ideological shifts within because of the sudden surge in North Koreans using cellphones since 2009.

Lee also mentioned about changing atmosphere among cellphone users in the state. While in the past they had to seek hideouts to use the devices, nowadays they choose simpler ways to avoid national guards' monitoring, like taking cover by joining large crowds.

北, 휴대폰 있어도 '고립국가’ 여전

한국에 거주하는 탈북여성인 이현서(34) 씨는 24일(현지시간) '북한 내에서 '휴대전화 혁명'이 일어나는 것은 완전히 불가능하다고 본다'고 밝혔다.

지난 1997년 탈북해 중국을 거쳐 한국에 정착한 이씨는 이날 미국 워싱턴D.C에서 북한인권위원회와 외교정책구상(FPI)이 공동 주최한 북한인권 세미나에서 '북한내의 휴대전화 사용이 사람들의 인식을 변화시키고 있는 것은 사실이지만 북한은 완전히 다른 통제시스템을 갖고 있다'면서 이같이 말했다.

이씨는 이어 '만일 혁명을 시도하다 적발되면 삼족을 멸하는 화를 당하기 때문'이라며 '어렸을 때 보면 북한 사회에서는 서로를 믿지 못해 4명 이상 모여 공개적인 대화를 하지 못한다'고 덧붙였다.

워싱턴 외교가에서는 지난 2009년 이후 급증하고 있는 북한 내 휴대전화 이용이 폐쇄적인 북한 사회의 변화를 촉진할 수 있는 견해들이 제기돼왔다.

aoshima11@koreatimes.co.kr