How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #1
Despite his death (1912-1994) [Kim Il-Sung] is still president. (1.27)
This is our first introduction to the sheer absurdity of North Korean politics. A man can be president after death? Sure, we’ll admit that most dead people we know could govern better than 90% of our politicians—but we still don’t go around electing them to office (well, most of the time, anyway).
Quote #2
Foreign admirers of the Kim regime will soon be able to watch the Dear Leader’s heroic exploits in high-definition splendor with Dolby surround sound. [...] An obvious priority for a country getting the most aid in the world! (2.14, 2.16)
Here we see where some of North Korea’s money goes: into upgrading their broadcast technology to HD. But (dare we ask): if no one has a TV, what’s the point? What does this say about North Korea’s priorities?