“Attending a North Korean school … in Japan” – CNN.com

A rather typically superficial coverage of a fascinating and complex (hi)story. Even to describe this as a “North Korean school” is problematic and misguiding.

Tokyo (CNN) — On the surface, it resembles just about any other high school in Japan — or any high school in most places around the world.

Students sit quietly studying math, science and English; some struggle to stay focused, looking at the clock and waiting for the bell to ring. When the school day ends, some move out to the sports fields for rugby or soccer practice, while others study music in emptying hallways.

What makes this school different is the pictures of two men scattered throughout the building — portraits of North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung and previous leader Kim Jong Il.

The Tokyo Korean Middle and High School, which is currently home to 650 students, is one of 10 high schools in Japan with long standing ties to North Korea.

Read the rest of the article or better yet, watch the much better independent documentary from South Korea (2006), Our School (Woori Hakkyo).