Fact Check: north koreans have radios in their houses they can't turn off

Fact Check: Do North Koreans Have Radios in Their Houses They Can't Turn Off?

What We Know

The claim that North Koreans have radios in their homes that cannot be turned off is supported by multiple sources. These radios are part of a system known as the "Third Network", a cable radio network that has been in place since the 1950s. This network is designed to disseminate government propaganda and instructions directly to citizens. The radios are typically mounted on the walls of homes and are equipped with a volume control knob but lack an off switch, meaning they can only be turned down, not off source-1.

Eric Lafforgue, a journalist, observed one such radio during a visit to a farmhouse north of Hamhung. He noted that the radio appeared to be cemented to the wall and was informed by his guide that "people cannot turn off the system" source-2. This setup ensures that the government can continuously broadcast messages to the populace without interruption.

The radios are not traditional over-the-air devices but are hardwired into a network that prevents foreign signals from being intercepted. This system allows the North Korean government to maintain tight control over the information its citizens receive source-4.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is consistent across multiple sources, which describe the radios as part of a broader government strategy to control information and maintain ideological conformity among the population. The "Third Network" is a well-documented aspect of North Korean life, and the inability to turn off these radios is a deliberate feature to ensure continuous exposure to state propaganda.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with firsthand accounts from journalists like Eric Lafforgue and detailed reports from organizations that specialize in North Korean affairs, such as NK News and North Korea Tech. These sources have a track record of providing reliable information about North Korea, although it is essential to acknowledge the inherent challenges in verifying details from such a secretive state.

While some sources may have a degree of bias due to their focus on exposing North Korean government practices, the consistency of the reports across various independent outlets adds weight to the claim's validity.

Conclusion

The claim that North Koreans have radios in their homes that they cannot turn off is True. The evidence indicates that these radios are part of the "Third Network," a system designed to ensure that government propaganda is continuously broadcast to the population. The radios are hardwired into a network, allowing volume adjustment but not complete shutdown, thereby supporting the claim.