North Korea showcases a unique range of jobs that blend absurdity and necessity, shaped by political loyalty and social conformity. This article explores the bizarre jobs in North Korea that reflect the regime's control and cultural norms.
A world away from typical occupations, North Korea's work culture is built on duty rather than profit. Among these roles, one of the most striking is that of professional mourners. These individuals are not just expressing sorrow for their deceased leaders; they are part of a state-sanctioned display of loyalty, trained to cry dramatically on demand. When Kim Jong-il passed away, the scenes of professional mourners collapsing in grief were broadcast globally, highlighting the pressures surrounding public expressions of loyalty.
Professional Mourners in North Korea
When the country’s leader dies, expressing grief is a national duty. The professional mourners North Korea are hired to ensure that their wailing sounds authentic. This bizarre job requires performers to amplify their emotions, ensuring that their grief resonates on camera. The state conducts rigorous training to achieve the desired level of dramatism—a reflection of the extreme lengths to which citizens must go to display loyalty.
Inspecting Loyalty at Home
Every household in North Korea is ordered to display portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il prominently. These images are not just décor; they symbolize the pervasive influence of the regime. To maintain this propaganda, inspectors are assigned to ensure these portraits remain clean and dust-free. Some citizens dedicate their time to daily cleaning rituals, catering to these inspections. A spotless portrait showcases a household's commitment to the Kim family, making it one of the lesser-known North Korean propaganda workers jobs that insists on the importance of appearance.
The Curious Case of Escalator Monitors
In the capital city of Pyongyang, escalators are often watched by employees whose sole task is to observe users. This job doesn’t require any maintenance; rather, they function as reminders of constant surveillance—a hallmark of North Korea inspections. These employees ensure that citizens follow rules, further emphasizing the stringent control over daily life.
Traffic Directing with Style
North Korea's traffic directs differ from ordinary cities. Young women clad in immaculate uniforms are trained to direct vehicular flow with balletic precision. Every gesture is choreographed to perfection, turning traffic control into a synchronized performance. While the streets may often be devoid of heavy traffic, these women balance strict authority with an artistic touch.
Enforcing Order in Social Situations
At bus stops and public transportation points, employees enforce proper lining-up etiquette. They are responsible for maintaining decorum and punishing anyone attempting to jump ahead. This meticulous monitoring reflects the government’s efforts to instill discipline in everyday interactions. Such bizarre jobs in North Korea reinforce societal norms through enforcement and strict oversight.
Tourism Under Scrutiny
Tourism in North Korea is not a simple affair. Prospective visitors must understand that they cannot explore unsupervised. Each tourist is assigned a guide whose job is to ensure a curated experience, dictated by the regime. The guides monitor movements closely, allowing tourists to witness only what the state wishes to show—an aspect of North Korea tourism that underscores the irony of traveling in such a tightly controlled environment.
Repainting the Narrative
In North Korea, bold slogans and propaganda have to remain vibrant and visible. Workers are employed specifically to repaint these phrases, ensuring that they don’t fade or crack. This meticulous care illustrates the obsession with maintaining a flawless image that projects the state's version of reality.
Badge Checkers and Public Loyalty
Citizens of North Korea frequently sport loyalty badges featuring the Kims—a symbol of their allegiance and compliance. Inspectors regularly check for these badges, especially in public markets or gatherings. Prowling through crowds, these badge checkers ensure that everyone visibly aligns with the state's ideals while intimidating those who might falter.
Clapping as a Job
In large gatherings, it's common to see applause beginning and ending on cue, thanks to individuals strategically placed to prompt the crowd. Their role is crucial in maintaining unity and fervor during state events—a literal job in directing human response to cultural narratives.
Sound Systems and Surveillance
Throughout North Korea, loudspeakers blare state news and propaganda music continuously. Some employees are tasked with ensuring these devices function optimally, demonstrating the state’s control over information dissemination. If even a single speaker malfunctions, it is swiftly repaired, highlighting the regime’s obsession with maintaining an uninterrupted flow of propaganda.
Coaching Military Parades
Military parades are a source of national pride in North Korea. Behind these spectacles are dedicated parade coaches who drill soldiers tirelessly to ensure precision. These supervisors maintain strict discipline and expect unwavering adherence to timing in these public displays—a direct reflection of the regime's insistence on perfection.
Maintaining Statues of Leaders
The Kims are not only remembered in portraits but also in grand statues scattered throughout the nation. During winter, workers are assigned to clear snow from these monuments daily. The idea that snow cannot touch the face of a leader reinforces the image of their omnipresence and the responsibility of citizens to uphold this facade, even under severe weather.
Conclusion: The Duty to Conform
These bizarre jobs in North Korea showcase not just the absurdity of the tasks but also the lengths to which the regime goes to enforce loyalty and control everyday life. These responsibilities carry significant weight, acting as a poignant reminder of the lengths citizens must go to demonstrate their allegiance. The underlying theme remains: in North Korea, the bizarre becomes the norm, blending loyalty with daily survival in a uniquely oppressive environment.