Culture
Information related to the North Korean culture and culture in North Korea
North Korea urges citizens to safeguard leader portraits from incoming typhoon
State media says protecting statues, monuments and murals should be top priority, despite emphasizing people’s safety
August 10, 2023
Ask a North Korean: What’s different about food in North and South Korea?
Most in DPRK worry about whether they can eat rather than what, but some dishes still elicit nostalgia for defectors
State media review: North Korea says people overflowing with pride after parade
An in-depth analysis of military parade aftermath, criticism of ROK human rights, tourist area renovations and more
August 2, 2023
State media review: North Korea claims ‘victory’ over US averted World War III
An in-depth review of celebrations for a Korean War anniversary, justifications for nuke development and a new TV show
July 27, 2023
Kim Jong Un approves first paintings of himself in boost to personality cult
North Korean leader shown riding white horse and getting muddy next to luxurious Lexus SUV at state art exhibition
July 26, 2023
Strange structure appears in Pyongyang as North Korea preps for military parade
Installation near Arch of Triumph may be for staging new weapons, while firework tubes point to nighttime event
July 24, 2023
Settling in Seoul: The movies and books that influenced a North Korean escapee
The Kim regime heavily restricts artists, but South Korean culture shines a light on what the Koreas share in common
State media review: North Korea hypes ‘victory’ over US ahead of major holiday
An in-depth review of preparations for Korean War anniversary, extreme weather, a travelog bashing Buddhism and more
July 20, 2023
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
July 17, 2023
Ask a North Korean: Are alcoholism and drunk driving major problems in the DPRK?
The regime treats drinking as a ‘political cancer,’ but alcohol is the only way for many to escape their harsh reality
