Why North Korea’s TikTok hit marks a win for Kim Jong Un’s globalization dreams



Analysis Why North Korea’s TikTok hit marks a win for Kim Jong Un’s globalization dreams DPRK culture rarely resonates overseas due to focus on leader cult, but viral song provides a template for success Tatiana Gabroussenko October 31, 2024 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A scene from the music video for "Friendly Father" \| Image: KCTV Early in Kim Jong Un’s rule, a North Korean actress told me that the young leader had set the goal of globalizing the country’s cinema, and she wondered if it might be possible. At the time, it seemed like a pipe dream, but the online success of a new DPRK propaganda song has raised the possibility that, just maybe, North Korea can find an overseas audience for its popular culture. Early in Kim Jong Un’s rule, a North Korean actress told me that the young leader had set the goal of globalizing the country’s cinema, and she wondered if it might be possible. At the time, it seemed like a pipe dream, but the online success of a new DPRK propaganda song has raised the possibility that, just maybe, North Korea can find an overseas audience for its popular culture. 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

Why North Korea’s TikTok hit marks a win for Kim Jong Un’s globalization dreams

DPRK culture rarely resonates overseas due to focus on leader cult, but viral song provides a template for success

Tatiana Gabroussenko October 31, 2024

Why North Korea’s TikTok hit marks a win for Kim Jong Un’s globalization dreams

A scene from the music video for "Friendly Father" | Image: KCTV

Early in Kim Jong Un’s rule, a North Korean actress told me that the young leader had set the goal of globalizing the country’s cinema, and she wondered if it might be possible.

At the time, it seemed like a pipe dream, but the online success of a new DPRK propaganda song has raised the possibility that, just maybe, North Korea can find an overseas audience for its popular culture.

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Why North Korea’s TikTok hit marks a win for Kim Jong Un’s globalization dreams

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Tatiana Gabroussenko

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