REGULAR THINGS THAT CAN LAND YOU INTO TROUBLE IN NORTH KOREA.

North Korea strictly controls crime and its citizens. When crimes occur, the assailant faces punishment. But it doesn't stop there. The entire bloodline of the assailant is punished for three generations. Families and even whole villages have faced public execution for minor offenses. This is done to serve as a warning to others. If someone manages to escape from a prison camp, their whole family is captured. They are brought to the camp to take the escapee's place.

Some of you may have seen the 2014 comedy titled ‘The Interview’. It poked fun at Kim Jong Un. He did not take it well. His regime issued terrorist threats to stop the film. They allegedly hacked Sony Pictures’ servers too. To avoid more ridicule, Kim Jong Un banned sarcastic comments about him and North Korea. He especially dislikes the phrase “It’s all America’s fault.” He also doesn’t want to be called “A fool who cannot see the outside world.” Using those phrases could land you in a prison camp.

When a North Korean leader dies, citizens must show intense mourning. This is expected as a sign of admiration and worship. When Kim Jong-Il died in 2011, a hundred-day mourning period was declared. The streets filled with people crying and falling to their knees. Those who did not participate in the mourning faced execution. If anyone was seen not crying or looking sad, they were sent to a prison camp.

You might think your clothing choices are harmless. But in North Korea, even jeans can get you in trouble. Most people in America own a pair, but they are banned in North Korea. Jeans represent America, which is seen as the enemy. This ban supports the country's anti-West and anti-USA stance. The dislike for 'Yankee Imperialists' runs deep. In fact, even young children are taught to hate anything associated with the USA.

Looking to relax with some Netflix? Not in North Korea! Many North Koreans have smuggled Western media into their country. They share it with family and friends. This helps them learn about the free world outside. However, getting caught can lead to severe consequences. You could end up in a labor camp or even face the death penalty.

An anti-Western film called ‘Propaganda’ was made by North Koreans. It was leaked to the outside world by defectors. The film aims to show its citizens what is supposedly wrong with Western culture. It uses hundreds of clips from TV shows. These clips highlight cultural, moral, and political trends that North Koreans believe have weakened Western society.

Foreign music can cause serious trouble. In 1992, a former regime propaganda officer sang a South Korean song at a party. As a result, she was brutally beaten and couldn’t walk for a month. She also spent three years in jail. In North Korea, all music played on the radio or by orchestras must be approved by Kim Jong Un. The music must also praise him and communism. Forget about enjoying new albums by artists like Coldplay and Rihanna. Even admitting to knowing their lyrics can put you in a lot of trouble.

Thinking about turning to the Bible in North Korea? You might want to reconsider. There are an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 Christians in the country. However, practicing religion is illegal. Just owning a Bible can lead to severe consequences. You could be tortured, imprisoned, or even publicly executed. This punishment may extend to your family as well.

Citizens in North Korea have no right to religious freedom. Instead, they are required to worship the Kim family. The United Nations has found the regime guilty of crimes against humanity for persecuting Christians. In 2013, 80 Christians were publicly executed for merely possessing Bibles. There could be as many as 80,000 Christians held in concentration camps.

Additionally, Kim Jong Un has banned Christmas. He now mandates a day of hero worship in honor of his grandmother.

Is all this killing giving you a headache? Don’t even think of turning off the radio. Every house has a government-controlled radio installed. You are not allowed to turn it off. Ever. The government makes announcements throughout the day. You have no choice but to listen to them. The announcements include things like, “The Dear Leader hit a hole in one today on his first try playing golf!”

If you’re considering taking pictures of poor people for your school project, think again. Kim Jong Un is trying to hide the reality of poverty in North Korea. About forty percent of the population lives in extreme poverty. Many of these individuals earn only $2 to $3 a month. Taking photos of the poor can lead to serious consequences, especially for tourists. The wealthy dictator fears that such images could damage the country's reputation.

You might think tourists would be exempt from these laws. But that's not true at all! Travel in North Korea is very restricted for outside tourists. You cannot explore on your own. If you try, you could face serious consequences. Your movements will be strictly planned and monitored by the government. Independent travel at your own pace is not an option. You cannot use public transport or hail a taxi. Travel is only allowed as part of a guided tour. These tours are usually organized by the Korean International Travel Company. Guides will accompany you, but you must stay with them at all times. You cannot leave your hotel without your guide, even to visit a nearby shop. If you do, both you and your guide could face punishment.

Going on a holiday to North Korea may not be the best choice for those who dislike strict rules and constant supervision. However, there's a surprising twist! Marijuana is legal in North Korea. It's actually not viewed as a drug there. You can see it being grown in fields and buy it in local markets. Who would have imagined that?

Which of these so-called "crimes" do you find the most ridiculous? I want to hear your thoughts! Share your opinion in the comments!