A report finds executions in North Korea rose significantly during Covid,
with increased punishments tied to foreign media and political control.
Seoul, South Korea.— North
Korea sharply increased executions during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a
new report documenting the use of capital punishment under Kim Jong-un. The
findings suggest the regime used its self-imposed isolation to intensify
repression while global scrutiny diminished.
Surge in executions during pandemic isolation
A report by the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) found that
executions and death sentences rose dramatically after North Korea sealed its
borders in January 2020.
According to the study, documented cases increased by 117% in the nearly five years following the closure compared with the preceding period. The number of individuals executed or sentenced to death more than tripled.
How border closures affected oversight and accountability
North Korea’s decision to isolate itself at the start of the COVID-19
pandemic drastically reduced external monitoring. This lack of visibility, the
report argues, allowed authorities to expand capital punishment with minimal
international pressure.
Mapping 13 years of executions under Kim Jong-un
The report covers the period from December 2011—when Kim Jong-un assumed
power—through December 2024.
Key data
from the report
- 144
documented cases of executions or death sentences
- 136 execution events
- At least 358 individuals
affected
- 46
execution sites identified, with coordinates for 40
Testimonies from 265 defectors formed the backbone of the research,
supported by sources from North Korea-focused media outlets.
Geographic expansion of execution sites
Before the pandemic, executions were documented in just eight locations,
primarily in Pyongyang and northeastern border regions. After 2020, that number
expanded to 19 localities, indicating a broader enforcement reach.
Rise of public executions and fear-based control
The report indicates that approximately 70% of executions were conducted
publicly, often forcing civilians to witness them.
Why public executions are used as a deterrent
Public executions serve as a tool of social control, reinforcing fear
and discouraging dissent. Witness accounts suggest that communities were
compelled to attend, embedding the consequences of disobedience into daily
life.
This aligns with broader assessments by organizations such as Amnesty
International, which has documented systemic repression in North Korea.
Foreign media and culture linked to death sentences
One of the most significant shifts identified in the report is the rise
in executions tied to foreign cultural influence.
How K-pop and K-dramas became capital offenses
Cases involving foreign media—such as South Korean dramas, films, and
music—rose by 250%, becoming the most common reason for death sentences.
Reports indicate that consuming content like K-dramas or listening to
K-pop groups such as BTS could result in extreme punishment, including
execution.
Decline in traditional capital crimes
While foreign media cases surged, executions for murder—previously the
most common capital offense—declined by 44%. This shift reflects a
prioritization of ideological control over conventional criminal justice.
Political executions and repression of dissent
The report also highlights a sharp increase in politically motivated
executions.
Punishment for criticism and disobedience
Cases involving criticism of the regime, violation of leadership orders,
or perceived disloyalty rose significantly. The number of individuals condemned
for political reasons increased by 600%.
This trend underscores the regime’s emphasis on absolute loyalty and the
suppression of dissent.
International pressure and its impact on executions
The report suggests that North Korea’s use of the death penalty fluctuates
depending on global attention.
Link between UN scrutiny and execution rates
Executions reportedly declined during periods of heightened
international pressure, such as discussions at the United Nations regarding
potential legal action against North Korean leadership.
When scrutiny decreased—particularly during pandemic isolation—execution
rates increased again.
Concerns over future escalation and succession
The report raises concerns that executions could intensify as the regime
prepares for a potential leadership transition.
Role of Kim’s daughter in future leadership
There are indications that Kim’s daughter, believed to be named Ju-ae,
is being positioned as a successor. Analysts warn that consolidating power ahead
of such a transition could lead to increased repression.
What this means for human rights monitoring
Human rights groups argue that sustained international attention is
critical to limiting abuses. The report calls for stronger accountability
measures under international law.
The findings provide a rare, detailed look into North Korea’s internal
practices during a period of extreme isolation. While the data relies heavily
on defector testimony, the patterns described point to a significant escalation
in state violence tied to political control and information suppression.
By Daniel Rojas | CRNTimes.com | Seoul | April 28, 2026