Aussie Football Star Details Terrifying Trip to North Korea

Former Australian international Erik Paartalu experienced a chilling and surreal journey to North Korea in 2017 while playing for Indian club Bengaluru FC. The team was scheduled to compete against a Pyongyang-based side in the AFC Cup, an experience Paartalu has recently described as “terrifying.”

Strict Security and Surveillance

Upon arrival in North Korea, Paartalu and his teammates faced immediate and intense scrutiny. Their flight into Pyongyang was the only one scheduled for that afternoon and security officials conducted a thorough inspection of all electronic devices. “They started going through phones and tablets without even asking us to unlock them,” Paartalu recalled, speaking to the ‘Suited and Booted’ podcast. “I don’t know what coding they were putting on there. They just knew… Trying to find material or stuff we’d been sending, and of course we’re in the group chat speaking about Kim Jong Un.” Daily Mail, BritBrief

The team was fearful of being denied entry, with Paartalu admitting, “We were sh***ing ourselves, going, we’re not getting in here.”

A Chilling Revelation About Missile Tests

The unsettling atmosphere was compounded by a disturbing conversation Paartalu had with a hotel bellboy. He learned that had they been in the hotel lobby at 6 a.m., they would have witnessed a long-range missile passing directly overhead, headed towards Japan. This occurred during a period of active missile testing by North Korea, adding a layer of global tension to an already intimidating situation. BritBrief

Propaganda and Control

Paartalu was struck by the pervasive state propaganda and the intense cult of personality surrounding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He described the atmosphere as “complete propaganda.” Daily Mail

Paartalu’s Career

Erik Paartalu concluded his professional career in 2021 while still playing for Bengaluru FC and is now working as a sports commentator. Daily Mail