BTS rocks, Kim sucks: How Seoul’s loudspeakers seek to sway North Korean minds | NK News
NK News Logo
November 22, 2024
NK News is hiring
Features

BTS rocks, Kim sucks: How Seoul’s loudspeakers seek to sway North Korean minds

Border broadcasts feature news, weather, music and more, but sharp criticism of Kim Jong Un risks inciting DPRK response

An anchor reads news about BTS’ chart-topping hits, market prices in North Korea and tips for surviving the summer heat. A famous South Korean trot singer belts out, “Do you want to get over here.” A statement excoriates Kim Jong Un as a “ruthless” and “incompetent dictator” ruining the lives of listeners’ children.

All of this has been part of the propaganda broadcasts that have blared from South Korean loudspeakers on the inter-Korean border this week, NK News has confirmed, a form of retaliation against Pyongyang’s trash balloon launches that aims to agitate North Korean soldiers and residents and perhaps incite defections.

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.