NORTH KOREA: The Photographs Kim Jong Un Doesn't Want You To See by Photographer Eric Lafforgue

Since 2008 Eric Lafforgue has ventured to North Korea six times. He managed to smuggle the images out of North Korea on SD cards that he was forbidden to take or was told to delete by his minders. His images offer a rare glimpse into everyday life in the hermit kingdom. ( via wimp.com)

“I was banned after my last trip in September 2012 when I published some photos on the web. The North Koreans saw them and asked me to delete them as they judged them too offensive. I refused as I thought it was unfair not to show the reality of the country."~Eric Lafforgue 

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

It's illegal to show photos, such as these, of repression and struggle.~Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

It's also illegal to photograph the poor. ~Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

"On the day of the Kimjongilia festival, thousands of North Koreans must queue up to visit various monuments." ~ Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Citizens require permits to travel from town to town. ~ Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Interestingly, it's also forbidden to show images of opulent wealth. ~ Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Normal supermarkets are a luxury. ~ Photo by Eric Lafforgue

showing soldiers at ease is not permitted. ~ Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photographs depicting malnourishment are banned. ~Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

"When visiting the delphinium in Pyongyang, you can photograph the animals, but not the soldiers who make up 99 percent of the crowd." ~  Eric Lafforgue

A broom leaning against a statue of Kim II Sung would be a punishable offense. ~ Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Even a common photo like this is forbidden and photographers will be approached by guards to delete it.  ~ Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Photographers are, however, encouraged to photograph people using (1980's) computers. ~Photo by Eric Lafforgue

It's forbidden to photograph Kim statues from the back. ~Photo by Eric Lafforgue

Think you have difficulties commuting to work? This is the line to get on the bus. ~  Eric Lafforgue

"In the art centre of Pyongyang, we experienced a power outage, a daily event the North Koreans hate to show. When it happens, they tell you it’s because of the American embargo."  ~ Eric Lafforgue