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Absurdity Quotes in Pyongyang

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)

Quote #4

Since “Kim Il-Sung is Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Il is Kim Il-Sung,” they’re made to look alike. That way nothing ever changes—it’s always the same head at the helm. (2.67-2.68)

We’re not sure what’s going on here, but it’s creepy. Do you think the North Koreans believe these two are the same person? Are they clones? We have no clue.

Quote #5

“Only 30% of the population would need to survive to reconstruct a victorious society.” (3.99)

This is a quote that Delisle attributes to Dear Leader. How can people respect a person like this? Do they respect him? Or are they just afraid? Not everyone can be the 30%, after all.

Quote #6

Richard’s guide, unable to join us, simply left. Foreigners can’t take taxis without a guide, and North Koreans can’t take taxis after 10 p.m. unless accompanied by a foreigner. (3.104)

Guy uses this to illustrate North Korea’s nonsensical, arbitrary rules, and it’s really a miniature version of the kind of nightmarish absurdity in North Korean society at large.