South Koreans watching TV on a street of Seoul
© AFP/File Greg Wood

SEOUL (AFP) - All 28 residents of Darang island off the south coast agreed to take part in the experiment by a local educational broadcaster and surveillance cameras were set up in each home to avoid backsliding, Dong-A Ilbo newspaper reported.

The islanders, including village leader Choi Dae-Mun, had a tough time at first fighting their viewing habits.

But the vast majority said later that their lives had become much richer, with more time for reading, conversations between spouses and religious activities.

"My eyes used to be glued to the TV but now I look at my wife and find her prettier than before," Choi told Dong-A.

©AFP