Radio Free Asia (RFA), an American news media outlet reporting news on North Korea, reported on November 23 that North Korea sentenced high school students to severe punishment after being caught watching 'Squid Game' in secret.

In the report citing an insider from North Korea, RFA stated, "Early last week, seven high school students from Chongjin City, North Hamgyong Province, were caught watching 'Squid Game.' They were caught by the 109th Joint Command of Staff's inspection. The residents who imported the USB sticks with the Korean drama were shot to death and the student who purchased the USD was sentenced to life in prison while the other students who watched with him were sentenced to five years of labor reformation."

The source explained, "The students were caught by the 109th Joint Command's inspection after the student, who watched the show with the student who purchased the USB, told the other students about the show. They were passing along the USB when they were caught by the inspection."

The insider source added, "North Korea is taking this as a major issue as this is the first time juvenile offenses were caught after it strengthened its censorship of 'foreign content.' It is expected that the investigation and punishment of the offenders will continue for a considerable period of time given the borders are closed off due to COVID19 and they will investigate to find the route in which the USB was smuggled in."

In addition, the source stated, "The principal, youth secretary, and homeroom teacher of the high school students were dismissed from their positions and expelled for the party membership list."

It is reported that North Korean authorities are also conducting extensive censorship to find the sellers of CDs and USBs containing foreign dramas in the market.