Culture
Information related to the North Korean culture and culture in North Korea
State media review: North Korea celebrates Cold War capture of US ship
An in-depth analysis of the USS Pueblo crisis, Kim Jong Un’s two favorite schools, Lunar New Year festivities and more
January 26, 2023
From Kim Jong Il’s jokes to cold noodles: The best books for sale in North Korea
Propaganda predominates at Pyongyang’s foreign language bookstore, but some works offer a revealing look at the country
January 24, 2023
A kinder, gentler North Korea? How the DPRK’s popular culture embraced humanism
Amid unprecedented hardships, several films and dramas promoted a surprising spirit of acceptance and forgiveness
January 23, 2023
North Korean civilians start military parade training, imagery shows
Timing of formation practice in Kim Il Sung Square on Saturday suggests parade only weeks away
January 21, 2023
How the ROK’s education obsession puts North Korean defectors at a disadvantage
DPRK schooling standards lag far behind South Korea, and money can be a major obstacle to academic success
January 20, 2023
Ask a North Korean: How do people in the DPRK express individuality?
Fashion police hammer down the nail that sticks out, but people still find subtle ways to display their own style
State media review: North Korean drama doubles down on violence and adult themes
An in-depth analysis of a provocative spy show, criticism of the UN chief, updates on COVID and more
January 19, 2023
North Korea cracks down on speech with new law to counter foreign influence
Rubber-stamp parliament meets for budget talks, but glowing state media report on economy thin on monetary specifics
January 19, 2023
What the titles of Kim Jong Un’s daughter reveal about his succession plans
Descriptors like ‘beloved’ and ‘noble’ tie girl to Kim Jong Il, though this doesn’t guarantee she’s heir to the throne
January 18, 2023
North Korean museum targets drug use, K-pop in campaign against social ills
Propaganda display also acknowledges ‘smuggling’ issue but relies on images of early-2000s tech
January 16, 2023
