This episode is about North Korea's unofficial bribery season. It's when budgets are being formed and pockets are being lined. Before Sug and Dan get into this, they have an obligatory venting session about Chicago's winter weather (it's also that time of year).

Yes, this is an official season in North Korea. Bribes go up and down the chain of command. They are exchanged from government offices to other government offices, from people to government offices, and between people. One common bribe, for example, is to up ones social status (or Songbun) or for parents to bribe teachers for better instruction or more attention in the classroom. According to Radio Free Asia, "It's rare for a government agency to submit a budget without a bribe."

But before we point a finger at North Korea, let's examine our own society. We discuss the hard and soft ways that people in positions of power benefit from their seats in government. Dan and Sug share their personal experiences with bribery.

Dan also shares his stories about the bribery that Crossing Borders was subjected to in China in regards to half North Korean, half Chinese children in Crossing Borders network.

Kim Jong Un has publicly stated that he wants the bribery to stop in his country but we know the practice is alive and well. But these bribes fund his nuclear program.

But who the culture of bribery hurts is the North Korean people.

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ARTICLES

Bribery Season on Crossing Borders website
Radio Free Asia Bribery Season

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Welcome to The Demystified Zone (DMZ) presented by Crossing Borders, a conversation about North Korea that spans from the geo-political games, crazy hair-styles to real issues affecting the lives of North Koreans today. Join us for a chat about the funny and heartbreaking things we notice about the Hermit Kingdom today.

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