North Korea, the highly secluded and authoritarian nation in Asia, possesses some extraordinary records. However, for many living within its borders, a life of luxury is far from attainable. The future that awaits Travis King, the 23-year-old US soldier who defected to North Korea, remains uncertain, but it is undoubtedly devoid of glamour. Among North Korea’s peculiar accolades is the Ryugyong Hotel, a 105-story building in Pyongyang, which stands as the country’s tallest structure but has never accommodated a single guest. It is also one of the world’s tallest unoccupied buildings and, despite construction starting in 1987, remains unfinished. Additionally, North Korea boasts the largest stadium globally, the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, built in 1989 and updated in 2014, with a capacity to hold a staggering 150,000 people, designed to resemble a magnolia blossom. Pyongyang is also home to its own version of the Arch of Triumph, second in height only to the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City, resembling the iconic one often photographed in Paris.
The motivations behind King’s defection to North Korea on Tuesday remain unclear, as well as the kind of life he will encounter in a country known for its apartment complexes and less-than-luxurious circumstances. Despite the visually deceptive appearances, one wonders if King comprehends the gravity of his decision. North Korea has long struggled with famine, triggering a state of starvation crisis. Last month, three North Koreans, through secret communications with the BBC, recounted the horrifying experience of witnessing their neighbors die of starvation, surpassing the famine of the 1990s that claimed the lives of 3 million residents. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated North Korea’s isolation, leading to the sealing of its borders with China and Russia, which has adversely affected Chinese imports of vital commodities such as grain, fertilizer, and machinery. It is believed that King is currently detained by North Korean armed forces, a nation known for its long-term detention of American citizens. A tragic example of this is Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old University of Virginia student who spent 18 months imprisoned in North Korea for alleged anti-state acts before returning home in a coma and passing away a week after his arrival in the US. Warmbier had confessed to attempting to steal a political banner during a tour in North Korea in 2015.
Despite its isolation, certain privileged individuals in North Korea enjoy modern comforts, including luxury housing and access to 3D movies. However, the majority of North Koreans, particularly those residing in rural areas, live in poverty. In 2014, the collapse of an under-construction, 23-story apartment building in Pyongyang led to a rare apology from officials, attributing the incident to improper work and negligence in supervision. The building was expected to house around 100 families, resulting in a significant loss of life. Conversely, life for North Korean elites is far from tragic. In 2022, Ri Chun Hi, a well-known propaganda-driven TV anchor, received a lavish home in Pyongyang as a gift from the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, in recognition of her loyalty to the Workers’ Party and the state. Although details about the home remain unclear, images of her publicized tour showcase a newly constructed building with multiple levels connected by a grand staircase.
Travis King, who served in the Army, had previously experienced time in US military detention in South Korea and faced accusations of assault and damaging a police vehicle. Prior to his defection, King was reportedly struggling with the loss of a 6-year-old family member. He was due to return to the United States on Tuesday.
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