Lily Oh ‘27
When thinking of North Korea, what comes to your mind first? The ongoing missile tests, military parades, and closed borders? But beneath the surface of this totalitarian dictatorial regime lies an even more horrifying reality–one that is often hidden, rarely reported, and tragically endured in silence: the widespread sexual abuse of women.
While the world focuses on nuclear threats and geopolitical tensions with North Korea, many North Korean women live in constant fear, subjected to sexual violence in every corner of their lives–from the military to the marketplace, inside state prisons, and even in schools. These are not isolated cases but stem from a powerful dictatorship and deep-seated patriarchal traditions.
Jennifer Kim, a former soldier who escaped from North Korea, shared with the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea that an estimated 70 percent of female soldiers experience sexual harassment or assault.
Also, a 2018 report from Human Rights Watch shares the story of Oh Jung Hee, a North Korean woman who sold clothes at a market stall. She described being regularly harassed by guards and police officers who demanded sexual favors in exchange for protection.
But how is sexual harassment so commonly accepted and widely spread in North Korea?
To understand why, we have to look back at history. North Korea’s gender norms are heavily rooted in Confucian values introduced centuries ago by China, emphasizing obedience, sexual purity, and male authority. After the Korean War, these traditional roles were further reinforced under the regime’s strict control. The result? A culture where women are often viewed as property–expected to remain quiet, submissive, and invisible.
Diving deeper, perhaps one of the most shocking examples of this sexual abuse is the existence of the “Joy Division,” or kippumjo, meaning pleasure group. These are groups of girls–some as young as twelve–who are selected by government officials in schools to serve the elite and Kim Jong Un. Kippumjo’s purpose is known to provide a range of entertainment and pleasure, including sexual activities for members of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and their families, as well as their guests. Even though their existence today is unconfirmed, still a wide range of reports and interviews from North Korean females who escaped from North Korea document their experiences related to the joy division group.
These days, the call for equality is getting stronger and stronger, but why hasn’t the world done more to stop this widespread sexual abuse in North Korea?
The answer is complicated. North Korea’s aggressive development of nuclear weapons makes outside intervention incredibly risky. Any military action could lead to devastating consequences, which discourages foreign governments from stepping in. On top of that, North Korea’s close alliance with China adds another layer of protection for the regime.
But that doesn’t mean we should look away.
While the international community struggles with how to respond, organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea continue to document stories, raise awareness, and fight for change. And though it may feel like our voices are small, even learning about these women’s lives—and sharing their stories—helps break the silence.
In a world where so many North Korean women are silenced by fear, power, and pain, listening becomes an act of resistance. We can’t fix what we don’t acknowledge. But by facing the truth, refusing to look away, and spreading awareness, we take the first step toward justice.