Quote Originally Posted by Боб Уайтман View Post
Hanna,

I can guess you do not even imagine what the DPRK propaganda is like.
Yes, actually. I was there in my childhood. Yeah I agree that they are a fanatical. But I don't think it's for me to judge or anyone else. They are like religious believers in their leader and ideology. Kim Il Sung was alive when I was there, and he was like a god. To a large degree it's a cultural thing in East Asia. And their ideology is a not just communism, they mixed it up with lots of other ideas that are unique to Korea. I really don't think any of us here should pass any judgement on it.It's THEIR country and THEIR culture. They can have as much propaganda as they like, as far as I am concerned.
And I am certain that even if the regime there fell tomorrow, most of the people would continue to love Kim Il Sung, regardless what anyone said about him. To them, he's like Lenin, Stalin, Jesus and your nicest grandfather in one person.

I had been in the USSR too, in my childhood (late 80s) and it was not the same at all. People in the USSR were much more individualistic and relaxed as far as I could tell. There were proper shops and restaurants, just less than I was used to. Not that different. Korea really tried hard for communism -- much harder than USSR in my opinion. For example the guide showed me and my brother a shop where no money was used. Everybody in the neighbourhood could go there to collect a fruit and nuts for free. On the other hand, my dad said the whole country was funded by the USSR (he was in Korea for work and hated it). Not sure how true it was, but I think things pretty much collapsed later.

The Koreans are VERY dignified and proud. Definitely, that country should be left alone. No Western intervention. However, it's on the US hitlist.

Anyway, this isn't very relevant to Russia is it? I mean North Korea is completely different to Russia today or any other time.