In this episode of AIIA VIC’s Dyason House Podcast, Jean Lee discusses her time as a journalist covering North Korea.

Jean observes that the North Korean regime’s propaganda strategy aims to convey the image of strength through unity. While political dissent is considered intolerable, the private lives of North Koreans are a far cry from the western conception of brainwashed automatons. Jean further discusses the recent economic liberalisation that has occurred.

Jean Lee led the Associated Press’ coverage of the Korean Peninsula between 2008 and 2013, becoming the first American Reporter granted extensive access on the ground in North Korea, and opened the Associated Press’ Pyongyang bureau in 2012.

Interviewed by Cameron Christie.