Hallyu in North Korea: Cultural Infiltration and Its Reality

 

Hallyu in North Korea: Cultural Infiltration and Its Reality

Background of Hallyu's Influx into North Korea

The influx of Hallyu (Korean Wave) into North Korea is not just a cultural phenomenon but a politically significant one as well. Ironically, the introduction of Hallyu began during the arduous "March of Suffering" under Kim Jong-il's regime. During this time, North Korean citizens faced severe food shortages, forcing them to turn to marketplaces and smuggling for survival. It was through these channels that South Korean popular culture started to make its way into North Korea. Particularly in Hwanghae Province, geographically close to South Korea, citizens could watch South Korean broadcasts in real time, and the superior quality of South Korean products entering through the Kaesong Industrial Complex further fueled admiration for the South.

Spread and Expansion of Hallyu

Hallyu's infiltration into North Korea began in the early 1990s through the music of ethnic Koreans living in China. Initially, these songs were referred to as "Yanbian songs," but gradually, North Koreans recognized them as South Korean. Through black markets, Chinese pirated media began to spread, bringing South Korean movies, dramas, and variety shows into North Korea. Initially, North Koreans mistook these Korean-language media as content from ethnic Koreans in China but soon realized they were from South Korea.

Popular Hallyu Content

1. Dramas

   
   • Autumn in My Heart: One of the most recognized dramas in North Korea, easily accessible during the early 2000s when crackdowns were less severe. Many North Korean women were enamored with the romantic devotion shown by the male characters.
   • Stairway to Heaven, All About Eve, The Prince's First Love, Scent of a Man: These early Hallyu dramas were widely popular.
   • Boys Over Flowers, Rooftop Room Cat, Glass Slippers, Winter Sonata: Romantic dramas that gained significant popularity.
   • Dae Jang Geum, Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin: Historical dramas also garnered a large following, with Kim Jong-il himself reportedly watching them.
   • Crash Landing on You: A drama about North Korea that received immense attention from North Koreans.
   • Squid Game: This global hit, featuring a North Korean defector character, captivated many North Korean viewers.

2. Movies

   • The Man from Nowhere: A North Korean student was sentenced to 14 years for watching this film, indicating its widespread appeal.
   • The Descendants: Stories about ancestral burial grounds resonated with North Korean traditions, making it popular.

3. Variety Shows

   
   • 2 Days & 1 Night, Running Man: South Korean variety shows are well-known in North Korea. During a visit to Kaesong, a North Korean guide inquired about the wrestling skills of Kang Ho-dong, a famous South Korean entertainer.
   • Grandpas Over Flowers: The sight of elderly people traveling the world astonished North Koreans, as such activities are unimaginable in their society.
   • Three Meals a Day: This show about self-sufficient living in nature also gained considerable popularity.

4. Singers

   

• Cho Yong-pil, Choi Jin-hee, Lee Sun-hee: Popular among the older generation, with Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un also being fans.
• Psy: His hit song "Gangnam Style" significantly raised his profile in North Korea.
• BTS: Known as "Bangtan Bags" among North Korean youth, BTS enjoys immense popularity.
• BLACKPINK, Red Velvet: Their performances in Pyongyang increased their recognition.

North Korea's Suppression of Hallyu

North Korea has implemented strict measures to curb the spread of Hallyu. The introduction of the Anti-Reactionary Thought and Culture Law criminalizes all things related to Hallyu, imposing severe punishments on those caught consuming or distributing South Korean content. For instance, watching a South Korean drama can result in imprisonment in political prison camps or even public execution.

Suppression Tactics

1. 109 Sangmu, 727 Sangmu, 114 Sangmu: These organizations conduct random electronic device inspections and arrest individuals found with Hallyu content.
2. Pyongyang Cultural Language Protection Law: This law strictly prohibits the use of South Korean expressions, with severe penalties for violations.
3. State Security Department: While bribes were once common, increased crackdowns have reduced this practice.

Residents' Countermeasures

1. Use of Code Words: Residents use code words to refer to Hallyu content, such as "things from the lower region" or "good stuff."
2. Stealth USBs: Special USBs that require manipulation to access the content.
3. Dual Devices: Separate devices for actual use and for potential inspections.

Impact of Hallyu

Hallyu has had a profound impact on North Korean society, fostering curiosity about South Korean society and introducing new cultural experiences. This cultural infiltration encourages North Koreans to question their regime, widening the cultural gap between North and South Korea and potentially playing a positive role in reducing this divide.

Conclusion

Hallyu continues to exert a powerful influence in North Korea, bringing significant changes to the lives of its citizens. Despite severe crackdowns, Hallyu's spread persists, bridging the cultural gap between North and South Korea. It incites curiosity about South Korean society among North Koreans, exposes them to new cultures, and encourages critical thinking about their own regime.