Treasury Should Block “Arirang” Funds

I think it’s now fair to say that guiding groups of tourists through exhibitions of soul-crushing North Korean mind control has lost most of the arguments that justified its existence.  Rather than changing the character of the North Korean regime, it’s reenforcing it by making a profitable industry of it.  It’s become a source of hard currency to the regime, something that the world has collectively decided to cut off in the interest of the world’s security.  And finally, there’s no serious argument that the thin section of North Korea that the tourists will be permitted to see is going to enlighten visitors about the true nature of life for the North Korean people.  Hey, if you’re that curious about Arirang, take a look at any of a thousand news reports, Flickr pages, YouTube videos, or long-winded “zines.”  There’s nothing new or mysterious about it anymore.

So with the announcement that North Korea is press-ganging the kiddies to put on another round of Arirang shows, perhaps it’s time for the Treasury Department to speak to the British government about stopping that money from being sent to Pyongyang, and about targeting whichever bank is handling those transactions.  Who else should be taking a closer look at Arirang?  Perhaps the lawyers who are still trying to collect that $65 million judgment awarded to crew members of the U.S.S. Pueblo.

By the way, the Koyro Tours guys, who lead most of these tours, are more than welcome to come to my comments section and defend what they do.  To me, the risk of having your assets blocked is a risk you assume when you go into business with a brutal, maniacal despot.  With all of the mourning we could do for North Koreans who’ve lost so much more, I doubt I’d find the time to mourn for the Koryo Group.