Lauge Risom Koch 
Two recent university graduates were reportedly executed in North Korea after being accused of distributing South Korean media and criticizing state policies.
Two young men were reportedly executed in North Korea after being accused of distributing South Korean media and criticizing state policies, according to a report that has emerged from the country’s South Hwanghae province.
The incident has reportedly triggered fear among students and local residents, with authorities allegedly using the case as a warning against consuming foreign content.
Arrest and charges
According to Daily NK, the two men had recently graduated from a university in the city of Haeju when they were arrested earlier this year.
The pair allegedly organized a secret group that watched and shared banned foreign media, including South Korean films and television programs.
They were also accused of keeping written notes critical of government policies and comparing North Korea with capitalist countries.
Authorities reportedly concluded that their activities amounted to an attempt to undermine the state.
Late-night execution
Daily NK reported that the executions took place at a site on the outskirts of Haeju in late May.
Student representatives from the university and officials from the Socialist Patriotic Youth League were allegedly ordered to attend.
Witnesses said the charges were read aloud before the two men were executed.
According to the report, the bodies were not returned to their families and were buried in secret.
Shock and fear
A source quoted by Daily NK said news of the executions spread quickly through the city after youth league officials described the events to relatives.
Residents were reportedly shocked that two educated young men had been labelled enemies of the state and put to death.
The incident has also created an atmosphere of fear on university campuses, where students are said to be deeply unsettled by what happened.
Parents of the two men were reportedly informed of the executions afterward.
Sources: Daily NK
