Unknown evolution of the DPRK through the lens

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By CGTN’s The Point

During his 17 trips since 2013, a total of 127 days to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a Singaporean photographer tried to reveal through his lens the unknown evolution of the country, instead of its reputation of being a sanctioned economy or nuclear threat.

“My photography has captured a lot of evolution of this country within a short period of time,” Aram Pan, filmmaker of the DPRK 360, said in an exclusive interview with CGTN’s The Point (@thepointwithlx), adding that he had seen so much of the country, people’s lives and attitudes over the past few years.

Pan said the DPRK is finding its own way to “brighten” the country “even with the sanctions” over Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear program.

“There has been widespread implementation of LED lighting, even in the rural areas,” he said, noting solar panels have also sprung up in areas that were previously dark at night. In his latest trip, Pan saw for the first time an LED display advertising a mobile phone outside a building.

Consumerism has emerged in the market, he said, as more homemade products and designs are being sold. “They’re beginning to see how marketing plays a crucial role in selling stuff.”

Pan believes the DPRK is promoting “pure socialism” for its development, but is just not ready yet to showcase the path to the outside. What amazed him, he added, was that he was often guided to local markets where, despite not being able to obtain photos, was just like any other around the world.

In his 20-minute VR project, Pan also speaks about the openness of the DPRK people who have become more fashion-conscious compared to previous decades. Surprisingly, he found people dressing up, especially the women in extreme colors.

“When [people in] a society are concerned about their looks, health and the products they buy, then you realize that such a country has risen up above a certain level already."

The Point with Liu Xin is a 30-minute current affairs program on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 9:30 p.m. BJT (1330GMT), with rebroadcasts at 5:30 a.m. (2130GMT) and 10:30 a.m. (0230GMT).