Traveling through North Korea | DW Documentary

This documentary provides a rare glimpse of change in the notoriously closed country. Filmmakers Gregor Möllers and Anne Lewald discretely shot the video on trips to North Korea in 2013 and 2017, when they were not allowed autonomy or spontaneity.

Despite the fact that their itinerary was arranged for them in advance and guides chaperoned them everywhere, the two Berliners found a way to register their impressions. They depict a city lacking authenticity, a country longing for reunification and a people shaped by Juche beliefs and socialist propaganda. In a society steeped in obfuscation and spectacle, where deception is necessary for perception and expression, the filmmakers were forced to play a double role, secretly recording without permission while also genuinely relating to their hosts. By blending travelogue and espionage, A Postcard from Pyongyang captures what happens when you rely solely on what you see, not what you’re told, and reveals a reality Kim Jong-Un’s regime doesn’t want foreigners to see.

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[Eqvil]

I understand that they went in and filmed incognito, but showing the faces of their guides while probing them, and endangering their livelihoods after these guys go back to safety of their own country is absolutely detestable.

[anya]

I'm obsessed with documentaries about North Korea.
I've watched almost every single one on YouTube.

[Kdude]

When I went to South Korea 3 years ago to visit my family, I had the opportunity to visit the DMZ. I was surprised at how still the soldiers are. On the border, the north and south Korean soldiers stare into each other's souls. There was also that eerie atmosphere on the border.

[alexq.]

I never understood why reporters like you keep asking those kind of questions knowing they could get in a huge trouble or basically disregard your entire question entirely. It's so irresponsible.

[hourz]

I feel bad if any of these people get in trouble for unknowing being recorded.

[emthebest]

Honestly, I’m a little worried for the people that were unknowingly recorded. I wouldn’t be surprised if they got in serious trouble.

[sus]

I hope that lady is doing okay. You guys should have blurred her face and protected her identity. I really hope she is doing okay.

[DJMUHIB]

I honestly feel so sad for these poor souls who were recorded unknowingly. This is not responsible journalism when you already know what type of critical environment these people live in. I hope they are alive and safe. Feel so worried for that lady who was talking about South Korea and also the guide who shared their personal lives.

[amaduconate]

These DW Documentaries are getting so addictive

[ld]

I'm surprised that the juche museum guide admitted that the south has a higher standard of living

[deltillis]

These reporters were very irresponsible in recording their minders, grilling them, and then not even trying to blur their faces. It is obvious these reporters did not care for these people's well being
So sad...I really hope they are ok.

[oudumbarrajput]

I think the identities of North Koreans who interacted with DW should not have revealed irrespective of their opinions rearding the regime.

[alexm]

"Don't point at the statue" he says, pointing at the statue.

[ohlordy]

The fact that we get free documentaries on YouTube by DW Documentary is truly a gift 👍👍👍

[jawarren]

I've watched so many of these types of North Korea documentaries, and what struck me most was the woman discussing religion - her tone was so friendly and casual compared to almost every other official I've seen. It was such a contrast.

[farfarokfarfarok]

They shouldn't ask guides provocative questions. It's putting them at great risk.

[laikanbarth]

I loved the girl in the green outfit that was showing them around the museum and teaching them about the “juche”. I hope she’s okay. I really hope you all didn’t get her in trouble by recording what she said. Her English was perfect!!

[javiermartinez-pais]

I feel bad for the guides. They are just doing their work, they are not doing anything wrong, just trying to live peacefully. Why ask them uncomfortable questions??

[ellen]

This documentary shows only what the regime wants visitors to see, i.e., Pyongyang and the ski resort. From books by North Koreans who escaped North Korea, the rest of the country is very poor. People live without enough food, without electricity, etc., in addition to fear of expressing an opinion against the government.

[karthiksivasiva]

I hope the guides don't get punished for the secret recordings of the these journalists.