October 01, 2023

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.

More articles by 'Tatiana Gabroussenko'

Too good to be true: North Korean films that double as propaganda for the South

Too good to be true: North Korean films that double as propaganda for the South

While aimed at discouraging defection, a pair of DPRK films counterproductively exaggerates South Korea’s wealth

Too good to be true: North Korean films that double as propaganda for the South
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko November 12, 2021
Snake oil: North Korea peddles folk cures as a panacea for all ills

Snake oil: North Korea peddles folk cures as a panacea for all ills

State media promotes traditional remedies as a substitute for modern medicine — but citizens don’t buy the hype

Snake oil: North Korea peddles folk cures as a panacea for all ills
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko October 28, 2021
Jesters in the king’s service: Standup comedy in North Korea

Jesters in the king’s service: Standup comedy in North Korea

Popular propaganda performers lampoon social vices, but their satirical barbs never stray toward dissent

Jesters in the king’s service: Standup comedy in North Korea
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko October 6, 2021
Kids these days: North Korea calls on youth to emulate their virtuous parents

Kids these days: North Korea calls on youth to emulate their virtuous parents

A North Korean radio drama gives important insights into growing generational divides inside the country

Kids these days: North Korea calls on youth to emulate their virtuous parents
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko September 13, 2021
When North Korean doctors stood up to the government against overwork

When North Korean doctors stood up to the government against overwork

Medical doctors argued the Cheollima labor campaign would harm public health, but the regime responded with hostility

When North Korean doctors stood up to the government against overwork
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko July 28, 2021
North Korean serial ‘Echo of Hallasan’ spins Jeju massacre into tale of unity

North Korean serial ‘Echo of Hallasan’ spins Jeju massacre into tale of unity

The 2002 TV production showcases a shift in tone toward South Korea during the Sunshine Policy era

North Korean serial ‘Echo of Hallasan’ spins Jeju massacre into tale of unity
Short satirical films are a window into North Korean society

Short satirical films are a window into North Korean society

The genre eschews big social topics in favor of humorous, entertaining critiques of everyday problems

Short satirical films are a window into North Korean society
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko June 21, 2021
A “New Spring” of culture in Kim Il Sung’s North Korea

A “New Spring” of culture in Kim Il Sung’s North Korea

Brief period of relaxed censorship produced rich literature like Chon Se Bong’s 1958 novel

A “New Spring” of culture in Kim Il Sung’s North Korea
All glamor, no edge? North Korean music is going back to conservative values

All glamor, no edge? North Korean music is going back to conservative values

North Korea's most recent Lunar New Year's concert signals a return to more traditional tastes

All glamor, no edge? North Korean music is going back to conservative values
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko February 18, 2021
Why Kim Jong Un couldn’t be bothered with more ‘on-the-spot’ guidances in 2020
COLUMN

Why Kim Jong Un couldn’t be bothered with more ‘on-the-spot’ guidances in 2020

It may be a North Korean tradition, but the young ruler is making his own leadership traditions this year

Why Kim Jong Un couldn’t be bothered with more ‘on-the-spot’ guidances in 2020
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko December 25, 2020
1 2 3 4 5 8