Divorcing couples will be sent to a labor camp to atone for their “crimes” under dictator Kim Jong-un.
The North Korean despot wants both to serve up to six months because a split is considered “anti-socialist”.
Until recently, only the spouse who filed for divorce was punished, even if they were physically abused, according to one resident of the secretive nation.
However, both spouses will face imprisonment once the divorce is finalised.
“I went to the Kimjongsuk County People’s Court … where 12 people received divorce decrees,” a resident of the northern province of Ryanggang told RFA.
“Immediately after the verdict, they were transferred to the county labour training camp.”
The resident stated that divorces have increased significantly since 2020.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire country was shut down, making it difficult for most families to make a living.
Many marriages failed due to poor economic conditions.
To prevent married couples from separating during this turbulent period, the government began punishing divorcees.
“Until last year, when a couple divorced, only the person who first filed for divorce was sent to a labour training camp,” according to a resident.
“Starting this month, all divorced couples will be sent to labour training camps.”
Last year, the state launched an education campaign aimed at preventing divorce, specifically among women.
