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Throughline

The Forgotten War

Feb 21, 2019
Kim Jong Un, the enigmatic leader of North Korea known for his nuclear ambitions, and Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States recognized for his controversial foreign policy, engage in a riveting dialogue. They delve into the complex history of the Korean Peninsula, unpacking the roots of the U.S.-North Korea tensions. Hear about the devastating impacts of the Korean War, the dark realities of living under dictatorship, and the ongoing struggle for power in a divided Korea. It’s a captivating exploration of a region often shrouded in mystery.
33:47

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The experience of a North Korean pediatrician illustrates the extreme hardships and stark realities faced by citizens under tyranny, revealing a grim disparity in living conditions compared to neighboring nations.
  • The historical division of Korea post-World War II led to a contentious political landscape, with oppressive measures by both leaders shaping decades of animosity between North and South Korea.

Deep dives

The Doctor's Dilemma in North Korea

A North Korean pediatrician, loyal to her regime, faced extreme personal hardship as starvation loomed over her and the children she treated. In a desperate move for survival, she crossed the Tumen River into China, where she was shocked to discover that dogs were being fed better than doctors back in North Korea. This stark realization shattered her beliefs about her country and regime and underscored the prevalent issues of starvation and oppression in the North. Her journey highlights the harsh realities faced by many North Koreans who cling to the hope of escaping tyranny while grappling with the grim truths of their situation.

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