Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung talk about the life and death of Kim Jong Un's older brother, Kim Jong Nam. Kim Jong Nam (aka Nam Snow or Jason Bouring) lead an eventful life, which he spent chasing his various, mixed aspirations. Was he good or was he bad? Was he interesting or bland? There is evidence to support all of these. The fantastic way in which he met his demise again points to North Korea’s strange and focused capabilities. The hosts finish the podcast with a discussion on Dan’s legacy with guest producers, Dan’s children. 

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 Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung talk about North Korea's attempts at having their own social media influencers through their unique Youtube personalities. As the two explore this topic, they serendipitously realize the stunning similarities between North Korean influencers and western influencers. They also explain shame culture and how it informs the actions of Asian nations. By the end, they have 5 suggestions on how North Korea can spice up their influencer game. 

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 Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung explore the historical context that divided the peninsula. They also get into the "what ifs" that might have made North Korea a kinder, gentler nation. By the end of the episode, Dan will decide to hop into the Delorean but to change what aspect of Korean history? Tune in to find out. 

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Episode 5: Raw Laws

  Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung get into North Korea’s strange laws, most of which lead to the death penalty. Dan shares about his brushes with the law both in the US and in China. Sug and Dan go deep into the world of North Korean hairstyles and realize that one of their haircuts is actually North Korea approved. They also get into North Korea’s penchant for a certain kind of public execution and many, many more legal peculiarities. The hosts also explore the (some would say awesome) tweaks the country has made to the rules to the game of basketball. 

Links: 

Weird North Korean laws

Approved North Korean haircuts and more haircuts

Koreans and their belief in deadly electric fans

North Korea’s (totally awesome) basketball rules

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Episode 4: Rocket Man

 Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung do a deep dive into North Korea’s strange missile launch hype video, which was produced this year. They do a breakdown of all the intricacies of this video including the wardrobe, the “plot,” and the cinematography. They also get into North Korea’s propaganda machine and whether the people really believe what the regime is selling. Dan also goes deep into what 20 years of following North Korea has taught him personally. 

Links: 

North Korea’s missile launch video

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Episode 3: From Riches to Rags

 Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung discuss a recent report that famous North Korean actors were found begging for food in North Korean markets. They explore North Korea’s attempts at modernizing their film industry under Kim Jong-il and how today, those plans appear to have been scrapped, along with the actors who starred in these films. 

Links: 

Famous North Korean actors beg for food in markets

The Lovers and the Despot

This American Life - Same Bed, Different Dreams

Kim Jong Un’s wife, Ri Sol-ju

North Korean artist, Sun Mu

North Korean propaganda posters

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Episode 2: Crypto Heist

 Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung discuss North Korea’s theft of $400 million in crypto currency. In this episode Sug and Dan talk about the many illicit ways in which North Korea makes money from making methamphetamine to fake US $100 bills. They also explore the many legitimate ways the country makes money from sending their workers overseas to their great mineral deposits. 

CORRECTION: In the episode, Dan says that experts estimate that there are hundreds of millions of dollars worth of fake, North Korea-produced hundred dollar bills in circulation. 

Link:

North Korea steals cryptocurrency: North Korean Teacher Arrested

North Korea’s illicit activities

North Korea’s mineral wealth

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Episode 1: Dance Dance Revolution

 Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung explore North Korea’s recent arrest of a woman for teaching children K-Pop dance moves. They wade into North Korea’s recent history with South Korean media, North Korea’s own attempts to start a pop group, Dan’s experiences with North Korean entertainers/waitresses/spies and much more.

Links: 

1. North Korean Teacher Arrested
2. Singing and Dancing at North Korean Restaurant
3. North Korean soldiers march
4. North Korean pop group

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Introducing The Demystified Zone (DMZ)

 Hosts Sug Shin and Dan Chung have a quick conversation about why The Demystified Zone exists and what listeners can expect in this new podcast from Crossing Borders. 

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