April 25, 2024
Features

Suspicious knowledge: foreign languages in North Korean culture

Propaganda has traditionally portrayed those interested in life overseas with suspicion

In the 1970s-1980s, clients of Soviet barbershops were exposed to a unique form of fun. While waiting in line they could read the colorful glossy magazine Korea Today, which was widely distributed in the USSR by the North Korean authorities and, for some unknown reason, settled down mostly in barbershops.

To Soviet readers, these magazines were a window into a crazy, upside-down world.

Become a member for less than $4 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.