North Korea has a pop culture obsession with potatoes, and it's a dangerous sign

North Korea has a pop culture obsession with potatoes, and it’s a dangerous sign

DPRK state media has been replacing images of white rice — a symbol of prosperity — with the more humble spud

Tatiana Gabroussenko November 10, 2020

North Korea has a pop culture obsession with potatoes, and it’s a dangerous sign

KCNA

North Korean media’s recent focus on potatoes could mean difficult times for regular people. Food has always carried a political meaning in the DPRK, and images of North Koreans happily munching away on white rice — a traditional symbol of prosperity — are now being replaced with the more humble spud.

This year, North Korea is facing serious economic hardship caused by economic sanctions, three back-to-back typhoons, COVID-19 border closures and a destructive flooding season. Coincidentally — or perhaps not — state media also appears to have fostered in the return of the golden potato in news reports and cooking shows.

About the Author

Tatiana Gabroussenko

Tatiana Gabroussenko obtained her PhD in East Asian Studies at the Australian National University. She is currently a professor of North Korean studies at Korea University, Seoul. Her latest book, "Soldiers on the Cultural Front: Developments in the Early History of North Korean Literature and Literary Policy," was included in the Choice magazine list of Outstanding Academic Titles of 2012.

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