A Surreal Opportunity

In 2018, when North Korea decided to host a crypto conference, Canadian journalist Ethan Lou found himself on an unexpected adventure. With a mix of curiosity and a sprinkle of disbelief, he joined a group of eight eager participants seeking to explore the country’s take on cryptocurrency.

An Unexpected Role

Upon arrival, the reality of the situation hit like a ton of bricks. Instead of simply attending as fellow crypto enthusiasts, they were presented to the audience as experts from abroad who had flown in to impart knowledge about cryptocurrency. Talk about a shocking turn of events!

Improv Talks Galore

While Lou politely declined to don the “expert” hat, his fellow participants stepped up to the plate, delivering impromptu presentations. The unfortunate twist? The exchange of information felt more like a one-way street. Lou quipped, “There were only eight of us. There were maybe like 60 Korean people. They were basically the audience, and we did not get any meaningful interaction with them.”

Security Measures Gone Awry

As if the situation weren’t surreal enough, the foreign guests were subject to strict security protocols. One participant had their laptop confiscated when it was discovered to contain photos of their girlfriend. Apparently, romantic snapshots didn’t pass muster and were swiftly classified as pornography. Who knew love could lead to a security breach?

Meet Virgil Griffith

Among the attendees was Virgil Griffith, the sole actual presenter, who had a run-in with the law for an entirely different reason. Before embarking on this unusual journey, Griffith sought permission from the U.S. government, which flatly denied his request. Undeterred, he decided to proceed anyway, believing he could contribute positively to the event.

A Downfall of Epic Proportions

Griffith’s intentions, however, did not align with the law back home. His escapade led to his arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, followed by a trial in which he pled guilty to charges related to his decision to attend the conference. The outcome? A hefty sentence of more than five years in prison. A harsh lesson on the risks tied to crossing borders with cryptocurrencies!