YouTuber’s North Korea Visit Goes Viral After 5 Years Since Country’s Tourism Halt
A British traveler recently went viral after documenting his unique experience as one of the first Western tourists to visit North Korea in over half a decade.
Mike O’Kennedy boasts more than half a million followers on his YouTube channel, “Mike Okay.” His travel documentary about his journey to North Korea, “Inside North Korea After 5 Years of Isolation,” accrued over 3 million views in the first week since it was posted on Feb. 28.
O’Kennedy’s eyes, bright with curiosity and awe, reflected a world that seemed suspended in time. “This is an incredibly developing country that is at least 50 years behind anyone else,” he remarked, likening it to China of the mid-20th century. His observations, however, touch much deeper than mere timelines.
Life in a Land Shrouded in Pride
During his exploration, O’Kennedy found a resolute spirit among the people. “I’m not qualified to talk about it politically,” he admitted, yet noted with sincerity, “But what I can say is, it’s an incredibly proud country.” In his documentary, he presented both the starkness and resilience of North Korean life—a paradox that left viewers contemplating what lay beneath the surface of this enigmatic nation.
As he recounts the peculiarities of his travels, a memory resonates—a grim reminder that restrictions still hold dominance. While passengers hovered above the nation, a surprising directive commanded the window blinds to remain closed, restricting views from above. Such surreal moments woven into his narrative are astonishing, yet reflective of an underlying reality in the “Hermit Kingdom.”
From Tourism Resumption to Sudden Cancellations
The world had eagerly awaited the reestablishment of North Korea’s tourism, especially after nearly five years of isolation imposed by the pandemic. Yet, reports emerged that just as quickly as borders reopened, they were closed again. KTG Tours, a company specializing in North Korean ventures, shared a notice stating that trips had been canceled, igniting discussions around the fragility of these fleeting freedoms.
At another eyebrow-raising moment in his documentary, O’Kennedy discovered his hotel room’s window had been permanently sealed. It served as a poignant metaphor for the tightly controlled environment that could momentarily feel suffocating.
“There were times where you could cut the tension with a knife. You could feel the weight of this moment,” he reflected.
His sentiment captures the essence of a peculiar journey—where unspoken rules govern interactions. O’Kennedy, though mindful of the restrictions on social engagement, perceived the guides’ intent. “They just wanted to show you the best it had to offer,” he explained, shedding a light on his mixed feelings about the environment. Despite the restraints, an unfamiliar warmth pervaded his experience.
Capturing Humanity Amidst Control
O’Kennedy shared intimate moments within the controlled tour, like singing karaoke with guides while sipping North Korean soju and beer. Despite being restrained from chasing after authentic connections, he embraced the humorous camaraderie that connected them, revealing genuine laughter amidst the gravity of the situation.
“We did karaoke one night… drinking North Korean soju [and] North Korean beer, which is delicious, by the way,” he recalled, offering a glimpse of levity amidst stringent rules.
However, he couldn’t mask his disappointment regarding the cuisine. The truest embodiment of mystery laid not in lush flavors but rather in dishes that spanned from numbing sea slugs to a flaming snail. A true testament to the spirit of exploration where every bite felt international yet strange.
In contrast, echoes of performances enchanted him, where children adorned in colorful costumes expressed their devotion through dedicated songs to Kim Jong Un. “Almost every song that comes out of the DPRK is a tool of worship,” he narrated, unveiling an unsettling but expected norm in this isolationist country.
Mike O’Kennedy’s adventure prompts reflection—not just on the country, but on the nature of connection and the longing for beauty in a backdrop of restraint. His journey to North Korea, defined by paradox and pride, encourages contemplation of what the future holds. As a traveler, he wishes for a chance not only to witness but to truly engage, hoping that tourism can evolve beyond mere observation.
