Inside North Korea: Then and Now with Lisa Ling | National Geographic
In this riveting full episode, “Inside North Korea: Then and Now,” journalist Lisa Ling takes viewers on a unique and revealing journey into one of the world’s most secretive nations. Utilizing her experience as a filmmaker and her personal ties to the country, Ling offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of North Korea under the dictatorship of Kim Jong-un.
The episode cleverly juxtaposes Ling’s past undercover experience in 2006 with the current socio-political landscape shaped by Kim Jong-un, whose reign has been marked by increased military aggression and human rights violations. Viewers witness the stark realities faced by ordinary North Koreans, living under a government that exalts its leaders through a pervasive cult of personality.
Ling’s narrative drives home the alarming international crises stemming from North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, including the nation’s missile tests that threaten global peace. Drawing on her sister Laura’s harrowing abduction and imprisonment in North Korea, Ling personalizes the often abstract political tensions, making a compelling case for understanding the human cost of the regime’s oppressive strategies.
From state-controlled narratives to personal stories of resilience amid despair, this episode sheds light on the rich history of North Korea—a country that has grappled with its identity since the Korean War. Ling encounters the culinary contrasts between the capital Pyongyang and the poverty-stricken outskirts, revealing the chasm between the regime’s propaganda and the everyday struggles of its citizens.
As the episode unfolds, Ling navigates questions of survival, defiance, and the intricate web of diplomacy that surrounds the still-volatile North Korean landscape. With alarming insights from leading experts and firsthand accounts, “Inside North Korea: Then and Now” offers an invaluable lens into a world few have seen, igniting conversations about the future of North Korea and its precarious position within the global community.
Join Lisa Ling in this eye-opening exploration—watch the full episode on National Geographic’s YouTube channel today.
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Video “Inside North Korea: Then and Now with Lisa Ling (Full Episode) | National Geographic” was uploaded on 12/13/2025. Watch all the latest Videos by National Geographic on Gretopia