Pyongyang

Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea and the most affluent part of the country, where only select segments of the population are permitted to work and reside. Given North Korea's highly stratified social system, Jun-sang's high family status is a fortunate thing for him and leads to him being accepted into a top university in the capital. Demick demonstrates the elitism prevalent in the capital when she highlights how Mi-ran, of far lower social status, is not considered a good wife for Jun-sang because she would 'taint' him with her status and preclude him being given permission to live in the capital or enter the Worker's Party -- the ruling party in North Korea. Pyongyang is also kept in much better and more prosperous conditions than the rest of the country today, as the regime seeks to ensure that any foreigners visiting the country will notice...