Anonymous, the global hacktivist collective, has been known for its strong stance against authoritarian governments, censorship, and human rights violations. Given North Korea’s reputation as one of the most closed and oppressive regimes in the world, it raises an interesting question: Does Anonymous support Kim Jong-un?
The short answer is no. Anonymous has actively opposed North Korea and its leadership, launching cyber campaigns against the regime and calling for more freedom for its citizens. This article explores their perspective, past operations against North Korea, and the broader impact of their actions.
Anonymous and Their Ideology
Before diving into their views on Kim Jong-un, it’s important to understand what Anonymous stands for. As a decentralized group with no official leader, Anonymous operates based on shared values, including:
- Freedom of Speech – They oppose censorship and fight for unrestricted access to information.
- Transparency – They believe governments and corporations should be held accountable for their actions.
- Human Rights – They support movements against oppression, surveillance, and injustice.
North Korea, under Kim Jong-un, stands in direct opposition to these principles. The regime enforces strict control over its people, censors the internet, and suppresses dissent. This naturally puts North Korea in Anonymous’s crosshairs.
Anonymous vs. Kim Jong-un: A History of Cyber Attacks
Anonymous has actively worked against Kim Jong-un’s government, targeting its digital infrastructure and exposing its vulnerabilities. Here are some key cyber operations they have carried out:
1. Operation Free Korea (2013)
One of Anonymous’s most well-known campaigns against North Korea was Operation Free Korea in 2013. The group demanded:
- Kim Jong-un’s resignation
- Free and open internet access for North Korean citizens
- A more democratic form of government
As part of the attack, Anonymous allegedly:
- Hacked and defaced North Korean websites
- Gained access to Uriminzokkiri, a government-run news site
- Leaked thousands of usernames and passwords linked to North Korean officials
This attack was a clear message to Kim Jong-un: Anonymous would not tolerate his regime’s control over information.
2. Disrupting North Korean Propaganda
North Korea’s strict control over its narrative means that its citizens only receive state-approved news. Anonymous has tried to counter this by hacking into official media platforms and spreading uncensored information about the outside world.
For example, in some cyber campaigns, Anonymous has disrupted:
- Government websites
- Social media accounts linked to the regime
- Propaganda channels broadcasting state-controlled news
By doing so, they aim to expose North Korean citizens to the truth about their country and the rest of the world.
3. DDoS Attacks on North Korean Websites
Anonymous has also conducted Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks on North Korean government websites, temporarily shutting them down. These attacks make it harder for the regime to spread its propaganda and show the world that even a closed-off country like North Korea is not untouchable in cyberspace.
Why Anonymous Opposes Kim Jong-un
There are several reasons why Anonymous has made Kim Jong-un a target:
1. Lack of Freedom and Human Rights Violations
North Korea is considered one of the most oppressive regimes in the world. Citizens have no access to free speech, independent media, or the internet. Political dissent is met with harsh punishment, and human rights abuses are widespread. Anonymous stands against such repression, making Kim Jong-un a natural adversary.
2. Internet Censorship
Anonymous believes in a free and open internet, something North Korea actively prevents. Only a small fraction of the population has access to a heavily censored intranet called “Kwangmyong,” which contains only government-approved content. By hacking into North Korean servers, Anonymous has attempted to break this information barrier.
3. Cyber Threats from North Korea
North Korea itself is involved in cyber warfare, with groups like Lazarus Group carrying out hacking operations around the world. They have been linked to:
- The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which affected hospitals, banks, and businesses globally.
- Massive cryptocurrency thefts, allegedly stealing billions to fund the regime.
- Cyber espionage efforts targeting governments and corporations.
Anonymous sees these actions as a direct threat to global cybersecurity and has worked to counter them.
Has Anonymous Made an Impact?
While Anonymous’s attacks on North Korea have disrupted online platforms and made headlines, they have not led to major changes in the regime. However, their actions have:
- Increased awareness about North Korea’s cyber activities and human rights violations.
- Exposed weaknesses in the country’s digital infrastructure.
- Inspired other activists to take action against censorship and oppression.
North Korea remains largely unaffected by these cyberattacks in terms of internal policy. However, the global conversation about Kim Jong-un’s rule continues to grow, partly due to efforts like those from Anonymous.
Criticism of Anonymous’s Approach
While many people support Anonymous’s stance against Kim Jong-un, their methods are not without controversy. Critics argue that:
- Hacking is illegal, even if used for activism.
- Cyberattacks may not create real change, as North Korea’s government remains in power.
- Collateral damage could harm innocent users or escalate cyber conflicts.
Despite these concerns, Anonymous continues to be vocal and active against regimes they consider oppressive.
Conclusion: Anonymous vs. Kim Jong-un
It’s clear that Anonymous does not support Kim Jong-un. The hacktivist collective has carried out multiple cyberattacks against North Korean entities, aiming to expose the regime’s repression and give people access to uncensored information.
While their impact on North Korea’s policies remains limited, their actions have drawn attention to the country’s human rights abuses and cyber threats. For Anonymous, the fight against authoritarianism continues, and Kim Jong-un remains one of their most prominent targets. Would Anonymous launch more operations against North Korea in the future? Given their history, it’s very likely.
