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More articles by 'Tatiana Gabroussenko'
City boy, country girl: How one North Korean film tackles the urban-rural divide
The story of a rich Pyongyang heir who falls for a patriotic girl from the provinces frankly showcases social inequality
March 30, 2022
No god but the supreme leader: North Korea’s crusade against Christian boogeymen
The DPRK views missionaries as a threat to state ideology, which functions like a religion centered on the Kim family
January 24, 2022
The cruel tales and emotional exhibitionalism of North Korean children’s shows
Programs teach kids to hate and fear the outside world while promoting the virtues of dying for one's country
November 26, 2021
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
November 12, 2021
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
October 28, 2021
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
October 6, 2021
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
September 13, 2021
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
July 28, 2021
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
July 7, 2021
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
June 21, 2021
