Since January 2020, North Korea has closed its borders to foreigners. But even before that, it was extremely difficult to photograph its mysterious landscapes due to the regime's ban on unauthorized photography and strict controls. Tariq Zaidi has an extensive archive of images taken over two years. His book features a selection of more than 100 remarkable photographs that provide insight into North Korean society. Zaidi skillfully captures the resilience, spirit and cultural nuances of the people in their everyday lives. Each photo is a window into a hidden reality, revealing the complicated interplay between tradition and modernity and illuminating the complex dynamics of a nation finding its way under the eyes of the world.