High Tech Made by North Korea: Communication Technology in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and its Impact on Society

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the recent development of both the internet and the telecommunications system in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). By identifying and reviewing the reasons and trends involved in this process, it analyses the political, economic and social consequences of the information revolution in one of the world's most isolated countries. The DPRK is not only a focus of the international community through the nuclear debate, but its computer industry also alarms the intelligence services. According to Samsung electronics, development of the internet in North Korea could have a future. North Korean computer and communication technology has a future, if it is cheap and competitive. The regime may use it for its own purposes in order to enhance propaganda. But the more the DPRK is linked to and integrated with the world, the more outside influence will challenge the stability of the regime. Keywords: Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK); North Korea; Samsung electronics; telecommunications system