YouTuber infiltrates North Korea marathon and films shocking reality of life inside totalitarian state
When North Korea opened its doors to international competitors for a marathon this April, YouTuber Harry Jaggard seized the opportunity to infiltrate the reclusive country. As a frequent traveler to offbeat destinations, Jaggard saw this as his chance to capture rare footage for his YouTube channel. Though he isn't a marathoner, he quickly prepped for the challenge, finishing the race in 3 hours and 40 minutes, which he called 'a huge personal achievement.'
Jaggard was stunned by the level of freedom he was granted to film during his five-day stay in Pyongyang. He expected minimal access, with only a few brief clips allowed, but to his surprise, he had the freedom to vlog openly. "It was crazy," Jaggard recalled, "they were very relaxed about it." This unexpected leniency was especially shocking given the country's authoritarian regime, which typically restricts foreign media presence.
During his visit, Jaggard and his fellow competitors were given a curated tour of Pyongyang, including the subway system, war museums, and monuments to former leaders. Jaggard likened the experience to visiting only the most polished parts of a country, similar to a tourist only seeing the bright lights of Las Vegas in the U.S. Despite the rigid controls over what tourists could see, he was still impressed by the cleanliness and calm atmosphere of the city, though he noticed the ever-present propaganda.
Jaggard was also surprised by the candid conversations he had with locals. One guide openly praised Kim Jong Un, describing him as the "source of strength" for the country, while another jokingly claimed that COVID-19 had been sent by air balloon from South Korea. Although much of the population is indoctrinated, Jaggard sensed a level of curiosity about the outside world, as his guides asked about American culture and international politics. These interactions left him with more questions than answers, as he tried to navigate the complexity of life in a tightly controlled regime.
Despite the challenges of filming in such a restrictive environment, Jaggard's trip highlighted the stark contrast between the North Korean people and their government. While the regime pushes a strict narrative, Jaggard found that the people he met were warm, curious, and eager for human connection. He concluded that, "The people of North Korea are different from the government," a sentiment that he hopes resonates with his audience. Ultimately, Jaggard's visit, which may have contributed to the shutdown of tourism shortly after, was a reminder that behind the authoritarian state, there is a nuanced reality. His experience serves as a rare glimpse into a country that remains largely hidden from the outside world.
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