
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) guides the multiple-rocket launching drill of women’s sub-units under KPA Unit 851, in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
North Korea called the United States “a living hell” while offering a comprehensive listing of criticisms against the country it called “the world’s worst human rights abuser” in a news report from state-run media Wednesday.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
It seems to be part of the Hermit Kingdom’s new strategy of combating a damning United Nations report — in which more than 300 people, including prison camp survivors and guards, were interviewed — which concluded it was committing human rights violations “without any parallel in the contemporary world.”
Among abuses the North cites are homelessness, unemployment, prisons, and government monitoring “every movement of its citizens” under the pretext of “national security.”
“Such poor human right records in the U.S. are an inevitable product of the ruling quarters’ policy against humanity,” the report reads, while going on to mention the not guilty verdict of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin murder case was proof of America’s “racialism.”
Of course, one could argue that North Korea does bring up valid critiques: unemployment is still too high, the debate over NSA spying is still raging, and the U.S. does in fact imprison more people than any other country.
But that’s a pretty tough sell coming from a nation which restricts outside contact and freedom of movement, and suffers from regular shortages of electricity, food, and other basics. And of course, there’s around 200,000 people in secret prison camps where “unspeakable atrocities” comparable to Nazi warcrimes occur.
This latest release is a change from its March response to its human rights record, when North Korea’s Ambassador to the U.N. told everyone to “mind [their] own business,” according to Reuters.
(h/t Adam Taylor at The Washington Post)
Image: KCNA/Reuters


North Korean defectors are going to prison for drugs, and it’s part of a larger problem
Is North Korea really forcing its young men to get Kim Jong-un’s haircut? Probably not…
Close call – Passenger plane passed through North Korean missile trajectory just 6 minutes later
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
German woman rescued from Mt. Fuji after suffering altitude sickness symptoms, hiking to peak anyway
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】