GREAT PHOTOJOURNALISM

Great Photojournalism

Lars Bech

North korea. a photographic essay

The North Korean regime keep North Koreans as well as foreigners under close surveillance at all times.
The country's population has no knowledge of mobile phones and internet, and know little of the world out side, let alone the situation in their own country.

The North Korean regime keep North Koreans as well as foreigners under close surveillance at all times. The country%u2019s population has no knowledge of mobile phones and internet, and know little of the world out side, let alone the situation in their own country.

The late North Korean president Kim Il-Sung is the centre of a cult unseen of in the rest of the world. His people apparently adores him and nine years after his death still carry his portrait on their left chest. According to North Korean legacy he first liberated the country from Japanese occupation and then lead the country to victory in the Korean War.

The insufficient public transportation system in Pyongyang, North Korea has no way of meeting the demands of the three capitals population of three million. Old and over crowded trolley busses, a small subway network and few public busses create queues of more than 50 meters at bus stops.

North Koreans relax as they take an afternoon walk in their capital, Pyongyang. Despite a military rule, hardly any soldiers are seen patrolling the streets.

The 30 meter high bronze statue of the late North Korean leader, mr. Kim Il-Sung, attracts large crowds in central Pyongyang. It is custom that newly weds pay tribute to the leader by offering flowers and bowing.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the communist party all hotels, restaurants and official buildings are decorated.

The Kim Il-Sung mania in North Korea continues unaffected by %u2019The Great Leaders%u2019 death in 1994. New portraits are being disclosed and North Koreans keep paying tribute at the country%u2019s numerous memorial site. After his death Kim Il-Sung was named 'Eternal president'.

North Korea remains in high alert in fear of an eminent American attack from South Korea, despite no major hostilities since the signing of the armistice agreement in 1953. Lieutenant colonel Kim Myoung Huan of the North Korean army explains the North Korean views in Kaesong on the border with South Korea.

North Korean soliders prepare to enter The International Friendship Exhibition at Mount Myohyang, North Korea. The exhibition displays more than 120.000 gifts received by the late president mr. Kim Il-Sung from international delegations. Soldiers visit the site as part of their education.

A mother and her child is seen leaving the Yong Kwan subway station in Pyongyang, North Korea. Public transportation in North Korea can%u2019t manage to serve the city%u2019s population due to lack of vehicels and fuel. There fore North Koreans have to walk or ride a bike to get from one part of the city to the other.

North Koreans celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Korean Workers Party October 10th 2005.

The extraordinary mass performance Arirang took place in the North Korean capital Pyongyang from September to October. 100.000 dancers, acrobats and actors celebrated the Korean Workers Party%u2019s 60th anniversary October 10th 2005. The performance focused on the division of the Korean motherland, the rise of late president Kim Il-Sung and the anticipated reunification under the leadership of chairman Kim Jong-Il.

Children practicing ballet at a %u2019childrens palace%u2019 in Pyongyang, North Korea. Apparently the children volunteer to free training, the possibility of acting in a large play and occasional travels abroad.

The North Korean regime tend to keep up the populations spirit by issuing slogans urging them to rally around the leader and work hard to build a prosperous nation.

North Koreans love to decorate their walls with beautiful pictures.

North Korea claims that the harvest in 2005 is sufficient to feed the country%u2019s population of 23 million. Many international aid projects are there fore being shut down and foreigners forced to leave the country by New Year 2005/06. Independent estimates show that the harvest is better, but still not good enough. It's feared that North Korea soon might face a new hunger crisis.

North Koreans relax in the afternoon in a bar in their capital, Pyongyang.

Children practicing accordion at the Pyongyang Childrens Palace, North Korea. Children learn to play instruments, sew, act or dance and get to participate in show featuring 800 children of all ages.

Girl seen through window of a subway car at Bu Hoong station in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Koreans tend to avoid any contact with foreigners, due to fear of reprisals.

Very few cars travel the North Korean roads. Most people can't afford the vehicle and fuel supplies are low. In stead high ways are used for walking and riding a bike.