Kim Jong Un’s reported use of ‘South Korean’ words is exaggerated, experts say
North Korea has cracked down on ROK expressions, but the terms leader used in recent speech are just rare, not forbidden
Kim Jong Un addressing North Korean flood victims against a background of South Korea's National Hangeul Museum | Image: KCNA (Aug. 10, 2024), ROK Presidential Office (Oct. 5, 2023), edited by NK News
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s reported use of South Korean words and expressions in a recent speech has become the subject of widespread scrutiny in ROK media, with outlets singling out the apparent hypocrisy of using such language as the regime cracks down on cultural infiltration.
But while Kim did indeed use terms that are uncommon in the DPRK, experts told NK News that many of the words are not actually exclusive to South Korea, suggesting that reports have exaggerated the significance of the leader’s turns of phrase.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s reported use of South Korean words and expressions in a recent speech has become the subject of widespread scrutiny in ROK media, with outlets singling out the apparent hypocrisy of using such language as the regime cracks down on cultural infiltration.
But while Kim did indeed use terms that are uncommon in the DPRK, experts told NK News that many of the words are not actually exclusive to South Korea, suggesting that reports have exaggerated the significance of the leader’s turns of phrase.
Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks
-
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations,
analysis
-
Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
-
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.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
