N.Korean media uses 'birthday dog' meme to make point | NK News
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September 25, 2026Sep 25, 2026

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N.Korean media uses ‘birthday dog’ meme to make point

KCTV current affairs program uses picture to illustrate argument that dogs are better taken care of than the poor in the U.S.

North Korea’s state-run KCTV network used the popular “birthday dog” Internet meme to criticize Americans’ extravagant lifestyles.

As seen in a video released on YouTube, KCTV’s current issue talk show Today’s World used the picture of Riley, more commonly known as the “birthday dog.”

“That is absolutely hilarious,” said Kim Heung-kwang, director of NK Intellectuals Solidarity. “I have heard of cases where DPRK media producers used the wrong pictures on a movie or newspaper, but this is the first time seeing it on the internet.”

Kim added that North Korean TV producers do not have access to