Why don't North Koreans revolt? (Part 1)
Whenever I speak alongside North Korean refugees, one question often comes up. Why hasn't there been a revolution in North Korea? The reality is that North Koreans have resisted. What follows are some of the reported uprisings and alleged coup attempts, the smaller acts that rarely get counted, and the machinery the government built to keep any of it from spreading. In May 1987 at Camp 12 in…
With each speaking engagement alongside North Korean defectors, a common inquiry arises: why has there not been a revolution in the reclusive nation? The truth is that dissent exists within North Korea. This piece explores some documented uprisings, alleged coup attempts, and the extensive mechanisms employed by the regime to suppress any signs of resistance.
In May 1987, a coal mine in Camp 12, Changpyong, Onsong County, witnessed an incident where a prisoner allegedly executed a guard who had been abusing another inmate. The news spread, and hundreds rallied behind the prisoner. However, before the guards could arrive with their machine guns, the revolt was swiftly quashed, according to the Chosun Ilbo.
Fast forward to 1992, a different scenario unfolded. North Korean officers, who had studied at the Soviet Union's Frunze Military Academy, reportedly hatched a plot to overthrow Kim Jong-il on the 60th anniversary of the Korean People's Army, April 25. Estimates suggest that around 70 senior commanders were apprehended and purged following this alleged coup attempt.
Jasper Becker, drawing on insights from South Korean intelligence, revealed that approximately 30 officers attempted to stage a mutiny at Seventh Corps headquarters in Hamheung in March. Despite these isolated incidents, the North Korean government has invested in a comprehensive system to maintain control and prevent any potential uprisings from gaining traction.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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- Why don't North Koreans revolt? (Part 1) koreatimes.co.kr
