The hidden people of North Korea: everyday life in the hermit kingdom

The illusion of unity : despite appearances, North Koreans are not all of one mind, united around their leader

The life of the leader : given the opportunity, dictators dictate

The economic system : command socialism does not work

The economy of everyday life : most people find a way to make a living

The information environment : propaganda is everywhere, but other news is creeping in

Hidden thoughts : reality and ideology are in conflict

The law, political class, and human rights : the law is made to protect the leader, and only he enjoys full human rights

Defectors : sometimes running away is the best option

The end comes slowly : for all its problems, the Kim regime appears to be stable.

Introduction: land of illusions

The country of the three Kims

The struggling national economy

The emerging people's economy

Propaganda, news, and South Korean soap operas

Public declarations and private thoughts

The human rights deficit

Silent defectors

Faint light at the end of the tunnel.