North Korea Joins Facebook, Needs Friends

After their week-old Twitter account was blocked in South Korea, North Korea apparently joined Facebook under the name uriminzokkiri, which means "on our own as a nation" in their language. The nation's webpage notes it has the aforementioned Twitter account, as well as a YouTube channel, both of which apparently regale leader, Kim Jong Il, while simultaneously denouncing South Korea and America for military drills. Today, the U.S. tightened financial sanctions against North Korea.

In July, a South Korean ship with 46 troops aboard sank, and many blame North Korea, who vehemently denies having anything to do with it. South Korean officials say the YouTube and Facebook accounts are being investigated and may be blocked, as well.

At the time of this writing, the Facebook has just under 5,000 "friends" and the account's Wall is covered with pictures mocking both the leader and the country, in addition to political comments. Everything on the first page is in English and largely negative to North Korea. North Korea has lashed-out at South Korea for blocking access to its accounts.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010