North Korea’s Controversial New Policy: Six Months in Jail for Divorce
While many countries around the world have embraced divorce as a part of modern life, North Korea stands firm in its disapproval of marital dissolution. Recently, the country implemented a new law that takes a harsh stance on divorce, imposing severe punishments on those who seek to end their marriages.
Labour Camps for Divorcing Couples
Under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, North Korea has labelled divorce as an ‘anti-socialist act’. As a result, couples who decide to divorce are now facing strict penalties, including imprisonment or six months in labour camps to ‘atone’ for their actions. Reports from Radio Free Asia shed light on the grim reality faced by those seeking to separate in North Korea.
An anonymous resident of North Korea shared their experience, stating, ‘I went to the Kimjongsuk County People’s Court … where 12 people received divorce decrees. Immediately after the verdict, they were transferred to the county labour training camp.’ This firsthand account paints a bleak picture of the consequences of divorce in the reclusive nation.
Marriage in North Korea: Tradition Meets Control
Marriage in North Korea is deeply rooted in tradition, with women typically marrying between the ages of 23 and 26, and men between 27 and 30. Arranged marriages are prevalent, with parents often seeking partners who meet specific criteria, including membership in the Workers’ Party, military service, and a quality education. However, attempts to introduce modern elements into weddings have been met with government crackdowns, highlighting the regime’s efforts to maintain traditional norms.
Crackdown on Unmarried Couples
The government’s control over personal relationships goes beyond marriage, extending to unwed couples living together. In North Korea, cohabitation outside of marriage is strictly prohibited, with offenders facing imprisonment in labour camps. Reports indicate that unwed couples living together for less than a year can be sentenced to three months in a labour training camp. This stringent enforcement of social norms reflects the regime’s commitment to regulating all aspects of citizens’ personal lives.
‘Towards a Harmonious Society’
In an attempt to discourage divorce, North Korea launched an educational campaign in 2023 organised by the Socialist Women’s Union. The campaign, titled ‘Let’s thoroughly eliminate the phenomenon of divorce and build a harmonious family, the cell of society,’ aimed to address the rising divorce rates in the country. Despite efforts to shame divorcees’ parents and penalise employers for high divorce rates among their staff, the divorce rate in North Korea remained unchanged, underscoring the complex social and economic challenges facing the nation.
The persistence of divorce in North Korea highlights the ongoing struggle between personal desires and state-imposed expectations. As the government intensifies its efforts to curb divorce rates through punitive measures and social pressure, many families find themselves caught in a difficult dilemma, torn between individual hardships and societal norms.
