The North Korean authorities have issued a directive for students studying abroad, including those in China and Russia, to return home.
On July 3, the South Korean Ministry of Unification announced, “North Korea is gradually resuming the measures that were halted due to the COVID-19 lockdown.”
North Korea plans to conduct “political indoctrination” sessions related to the regime of Chairman Kim Jong-un at the Pyongyang Grand People’s Study House later this month. The order for overseas students to return appears to be aimed at involving the younger generation in these political sessions.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea used to bring in students staying abroad during summer vacations to conduct political and ideological education, including indoctrination sessions.
However, since the border shutdown in 2020, these sessions have not been held, according to the Ministry of Unification. This recent move is seen as part of a broader effort to tighten control over the younger generations, specifically Millennials and Gen Z, to prevent ideological relaxation, following directives from Kim Jong-un. It is also seen as a measure to prevent defections among the young elite.
In this context, the Ministry of Unification explained, “We are closely monitoring related trends in North Korea.”
BY YOUJUNG LEE, YOUNGNAM KIM [uuu@joongang.co.kr]
