Why North Korean films depict foreigners as ditsy Kim family worshipers



Features Why North Korean films depict foreigners as ditsy Kim family worshipers State narratives twist history to avoid glorifying outsiders, portraying even Soviet heroes as dependent on DPRK peers Tatiana Gabroussenko July 17, 2023 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON North Koreans stand under a movie poster in the city of Kaesong in Sept. 2012 \| Image: Eric Lafforgue It’s no secret that North Korean propaganda takes a harsh view of the U.S. A recent state-organized rally featured citizens vowing to kill Americans. The infamous Sinchon Museum of American War Atrocities depicts U.S. soldiers as brutal murderers who tortured Koreans and massacred innocents. By comparison, the DPRK’s portrayals of people from the former Soviet Union and China are far more positive. But a closer examination shows that even with friends, state propaganda has long been wary of depicting foreigners too favorably. It’s no secret that North Korean propaganda takes a harsh view of the U.S. A recent state-organized rally featured citizens vowing to kill Americans. The infamous Sinchon Museum of American War Atrocities depicts U.S. soldiers as brutal murderers who tortured Koreans and massacred innocents. By comparison, the DPRK’s portrayals of people from the former Soviet Union and China are far more positive. But a closer examination shows that even with friends, state propaganda has long been wary of depicting foreigners too favorably. 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

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Why North Korean films depict foreigners as ditsy Kim family worshipers

State narratives twist history to avoid glorifying outsiders, portraying even Soviet heroes as dependent on DPRK peers

Tatiana Gabroussenko July 17, 2023

Why North Korean films depict foreigners as ditsy Kim family worshipers

North Koreans stand under a movie poster in the city of Kaesong in Sept. 2012 | Image: Eric Lafforgue

It’s no secret that North Korean propaganda takes a harsh view of the U.S. A recent state-organized rally featured citizens vowing to kill Americans. The infamous Sinchon Museum of American War Atrocities depicts U.S. soldiers as brutal murderers who tortured Koreans and massacred innocents.

By comparison, the DPRK’s portrayals of people from the former Soviet Union and China are far more positive. But a closer examination shows that even with friends, state propaganda has long been wary of depicting foreigners too favorably.

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