Knew someone who visited in the mid 1980s, so awhile ago. South Korea was bidding for the Seoul Olympics games, so of course Nth Korea bid as well - even though they had zero chance.
This lady went there as a journo supporting the Australian Olympic Commitee who were part of the IOC host judging panel. All a charade of course. But I remember her saying that kids were taken away from their parents most of the day for schooling, basically boarding school from a very early age. Taught to then spy on Mum & Dad.
Doubt it's much different now, and if you have any early sporting ability - poisoned chalice as that's likely the end of any half normal childhood. Though upside probably in getting extra rations rations for the family. Any pastoral care of young footballing girls, away from home?? Shudder to think
Wonder if any of them are allowed to leave to play in pro leagues like Japan.
This lady went there as a journo supporting the Australian Olympic Commitee who were part of the IOC host judging panel. All a charade of course. But I remember her saying that kids were taken away from their parents most of the day for schooling, basically boarding school from a very early age. Taught to then spy on Mum & Dad.
Doubt it's much different now, and if you have any early sporting ability - poisoned chalice as that's likely the end of any half normal childhood. Though upside probably in getting extra rations rations for the family. Any pastoral care of young footballing girls, away from home?? Shudder to think
Wonder if any of them are allowed to leave to play in pro leagues like Japan.