Written by Stefan van der Berg
Kim Jong-un has described South Korean pop culture, or "K-pop," as a "vicious cancer" that is corrupting young North Koreans. His state media has warned that if left unchecked, it would cause North Korea to "crumble like a damp wall."
K-pop is a genre of popular music that originated in South Korea. It is characterized by its catchy melodies, elaborate music videos, and synchronized dance routines, and it is particularly popular among young people.
The Influence of Foreign Media on North Korean Millennials:
Despite the severe punishments, North Korea's Generation Z has found ways to access information about the outside world. This generation is more accustomed to mobile phones and consumer goods, and they are especially interested in K-pop. USB sticks and DVDs containing South Korean media are smuggled through market channels, allowing some North Koreans to catch a glimpse of a world beyond their borders.
The Rejection of Reactionary Thought and Culture Act:
In 2020, North Korea introduced the Rejection of Reactionary Thought and Culture Act, which lays out punishments for various cultural offenses. One of the milder offenses is for speaking, writing, or singing like a South Korean. Those caught in the act can face up to two years of hard labour in a prison camp. The same law prescribes tougher punishments of up to 15 years of hard labour for those caught watching South Korean videos, with the possibility of the death penalty for people who distribute them.
The Impact of South Korean Media:
Despite the government's efforts to restrict access to outside information, South Korean media is increasingly popular among North Koreans. A survey conducted among North Korean defectors residing in South Korea revealed that 60% of the 400 participants had access to international media before their escape. This highlights the determination of individuals to seek alternative sources of information and entertainment, despite the risks involved.
The Case of Hee-Jin Ryu:
Hee-Jin Ryu, a former star of North Korea's synchronized swimming team, was drawn to the free and extravagant lives depicted on South Korean screens. The characters' ability to freely express love and emotions contrasted sharply with the restricted environment of North Korea, where public expressions of affection were reserved solely for the regime's leaders. Hee-Jin's yearning for South Korea grew as she watched these shows secretly in her apartment at night, ultimately leading her to defect and seek asylum in Seoul.
Hee-Jin is now a regular panelist on ‘’Now On My Way’’, a defector talk show that she credits with opening her eyes to the reality of Kim Jong Un's repressive regime.
"Our show is probably the most closely monitored by the North Korean authorities," said Now On My Way's lead producer, Goon Lae Kim.
A Christian Response:
As North Korea's government continues to wage a relentless war against outside information and culture, the more stringent regulations on smuggling in ‘’propaganda’’ will undoubtedly have a very negative impact on Christians who are severely persecuted if caught with any Bibles or Christian literature.
In addition, Christians are considered a "hostile class" in the Songbun system, in which people's status is determined by their family history, their political reliability, and their loyalty to the state. As such, Christians are regarded as the lowest in society and are constantly "vulnerable and in danger."
A recent report from the US State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom, based on interviews with defectors and research by non-governmental organizations, says as many as 70,000 Christians have been imprisoned in camps along with those believers from other religions. The report also notes that an entire family, including their two-year-old child, was recently imprisoned following the discovery of their religious practices and possession of a Bible. The family was sentenced to life in prison.
These believers are a reminder that we are all connected as a body of Christ. Our prayers make a difference in their lives, even though we may never meet them.