I hate “Influencers” trying to get some clout by endorsing cartel

I don’t like people visiting North Korea for several reasons.

Reason 1: You’re directly giving money to the regime. That money doesn’t go toward helping everyday people—it goes into the pockets of the government, which uses it to strengthen their control, brainwash the population, and continue the cycle of oppression.

Reason 2: You’re helping normalize the behavior of a brutal dictatorship. Some tourists come back saying things like “Nothing feels fake” or “It wasn’t as bad as I thought.” Yeah? I dare you to walk off the guided tour route. Try talking to a local without a minder around. Try staying behind when your group leaves. Let’s see how “real” things feel then.

Visiting North Korea as a tourist isn’t just “adventurous” or “unique”—it’s complicity wrapped in curiosity.