Jesters in the king’s service: Standup comedy in North Korea



Analysis Jesters in the king’s service: Standup comedy in North Korea Popular propaganda performers lampoon social vices, but their satirical barbs never stray toward dissent Tatiana Gabroussenko October 6, 2021 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON KCTV \| North Korean performers of "conversational art" Socialist dictators have never particularly been fans of jesters, though this is not to say they have totally disapproved of entertainment and a hearty laugh. Joseph Stalin, for instance, was a big fan of American musical comedies, and Soviet critics glorified Charlie Chaplin’s film “The Great Dictator” for its “militant satire” of fascism. Socialist dictators have never particularly been fans of jesters, though this is not to say they have totally disapproved of entertainment and a hearty laugh. Joseph Stalin, for instance, was a big fan of American musical comedies, and Soviet critics glorified Charlie Chaplin’s film “The Great Dictator” for its “militant satire” of fascism. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Analysis

Jesters in the king’s service: Standup comedy in North Korea

Popular propaganda performers lampoon social vices, but their satirical barbs never stray toward dissent

Tatiana Gabroussenko October 6, 2021

Jesters in the king’s service: Standup comedy in North Korea

KCTV | North Korean performers of "conversational art"

Socialist dictators have never particularly been fans of jesters, though this is not to say they have totally disapproved of entertainment and a hearty laugh.

Joseph Stalin, for instance, was a big fan of American musical comedies, and Soviet critics glorified Charlie Chaplin’s film “The Great Dictator” for its “militant satire” of fascism.

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Tatiana Gabroussenko

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