In North Korea, the penalty for divorce is labor camps

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has labeled divorce as an "anti-socialist" act and instructed that divorced couples be sent to labor camps. Under the new regulation, after a divorce decision is finalized, both spouses face up to six months of imprisonment.

Previously, only the spouse filing for divorce was punished, but now both parties are held accountable. A resident from Ryanggang Province stated, "I saw 12 people, whose divorces were confirmed by the Kimjongsuk District People’s Court, being sent to labor camps."

REASONS FOR THE INCREASE IN DIVORCE RATES

According to sources, the country's complete lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening economic conditions caused serious issues in marriages. During this period, many families struggled to make ends meet, and divorces rose rapidly.

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO PREVENT DIVORCES

In response to the rise in divorces, the government has implemented various measures to prevent married couples from separating. Last year, an educational campaign was launched to discourage divorces, particularly among women. This campaign aimed to promote the preservation of marriages among the population.