It’s well-established that North Korean propaganda seeks to draw a straight line from the ancient Korean kingdoms of Koryo and Goguryeo to the modern Kim family. Pyongyang believes presenting Kim Jong Un as the present-day heir of a millennia-old dynasty helps establish his legitimacy to rule over the entire Korean Peninsula.
But North Korean propagandists are more reticent about the connective tissue of unified Korea’s longest-lasting dynasty, Joseon (1392-1910). A typical middle school history textbook published in 2017 and devoted entirely to the Joseon era presents a good snapshot of the way the country sees this era.
It’s well-established that North Korean propaganda seeks to draw a straight line from the ancient Korean kingdoms of Koryo and Goguryeo to the modern Kim family. Pyongyang believes presenting Kim Jong Un as the present-day heir of a millennia-old dynasty helps establish his legitimacy to rule over the entire Korean Peninsula.
But North Korean propagandists are more reticent about the connective tissue of unified Korea’s longest-lasting dynasty, Joseon (1392-1910). A typical middle school history textbook published in 2017 and devoted entirely to the Joseon era presents a good snapshot of the way the country sees this era.
Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
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.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
