An outside observer tends to imagine North Korean vocal culture as a land of loud revolutionary marches and patriotic operas, with no quieter themes allowed or tolerated. As always, however, the reality is more complex.
In comparison to the other Stalinist cultures, the list of permissible lyrical and personal themes in North Korean culture is, indeed, much more restrictive.
An outside observer tends to imagine North Korean vocal culture as a land of loud revolutionary marches and patriotic operas, with no quieter themes allowed or tolerated. As always, however, the reality is more complex.
In comparison to the other Stalinist cultures, the list of permissible lyrical and personal themes in North Korean culture is, indeed, much more restrictive.
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.