Culture
Information related to the North Korean culture and culture in North Korea
Settling in Seoul: The movies and books that influenced a North Korean escapee
The Kim regime heavily restricts artists, but South Korean culture shines a light on what the Koreas share in common
State media review: North Korea hypes ‘victory’ over US ahead of major holiday
An in-depth review of preparations for Korean War anniversary, extreme weather, a travelog bashing Buddhism and more
July 20, 2023
Why North Korean films depict foreigners as ditsy Kim family worshipers
State narratives twist history to avoid glorifying outsiders, portraying even Soviet heroes as dependent on DPRK peers
July 17, 2023
Ask a North Korean: Are alcoholism and drunk driving major problems in the DPRK?
The regime treats drinking as a ‘political cancer,’ but alcohol is the only way for many to escape their harsh reality
State media review: Heavy rains hit North Korea’s agricultural heartland
An in-depth review of disaster mitigation, celebrations for a China-DPRK defense treaty, mask-wearing trends and more
July 13, 2023
North Korea reveals new smartphones, as Kim Jong Un uses likely Chinese model
NK News analysis suggests DPRK brands are importing components for devices, in apparent sanctions violation by Beijing
July 13, 2023
Tuning into mystery: Border trip uncovers obscure TV broadcast into North Korea
Receivers can pick up South Korean programs that air on rare frequency, part of apparent effort to get info into DPRK
July 13, 2023
North Korean threats over US planes, DPRK internet access and more – Ep. 297
Bada Nam discusses why North Koreans are digital ‘hostages’ and how even elites have a hard time surfing the web
July 12, 2023
Ask a North Korean: What did state propaganda teach you about love?
While praising sacrificial love between comrades, schools discourage romance and treat it as taboo
State media review: North Korea claims economic success but admits shortages
An in-depth review of Cabinet meetings on economy, water-logged cities and ‘random’ fashion sins
July 6, 2023
