Music as Propaganda and Resistance in North Korea

By: Madeline Choi

Music in North Korea serves as a powerful tool for political indoctrination, cultural identity, and, in some cases, subtle resistance. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the regime has carefully controlled musical expression, using it to reinforce ideological loyalty while simultaneously suppressing outside influences. North Korea’s music industry is primarily designed to glorify the ruling regime and instill nationalistic ideals in its citizens. According to KBS World Radio, songs are often infused with nationalistic themes, celebrating the accomplishments of the Supreme Leader and the collective strength of the North Korean people and emphasizing loyalty to the country and its leader. Ensembles such as the Moranbong Band, formed under the direct influence of Kim Jong-un, exemplify the intersection of music and propaganda, blending Western-style pop elements with politically charged messages (KBS World, 2022).

Although North Korea traditionally favors revolutionary anthems and state-sponsored folk music, it has also made efforts to modernize its music scene. The Moranbong Band, which is North Korea’s take on “Western” pop music, incorporates electronic instruments and contemporary visuals while still adhering to ideological guidelines. These modernization efforts make sure to carefully prevent the exposure to foreign and “indoctrinating” music and such efforts remain tightly regulated, as the government ensures that all musical productions align with state ideology.

Despite strict censorship, foreign music, particularly South Korean and Western pop, has infiltrated North Korea through illegal means. According to research from Clark University, smuggled USB drives containing K-pop and other foreign media have become a clandestine form of resistance among North Korean youth (Clark University, 2021). Listening to such music is considered a serious crime, with harsh punishments for those caught in possession of unauthorized content. However, the continued demand for foreign music reflects a growing cultural curiosity and an increasing challenge to the regime’s information monopoly.

In conclusion, music in North Korea functions as both a tool of state control and an avenue for subtle defiance. While officially sanctioned music reinforces ideological narratives, underground access to foreign media reveals an evolving cultural landscape that may influence future shifts in North Korean society.

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Works Cited

Korean Broadcasting System (KBS). (n.d.). Music in North Korea. KBS World. https://world.kbs.co.kr/service/contents_view.htm?lang=e&board_seq=419201

Rocky Road Travel. (n.d.). Music in North Korea. https://www.rockyroadtravel.com/music-in-north-korea/

Clark University. (n.d.). North Korea’s musical environment. Clark University. https://wordpress.clarku.edu/musc210-cgr/music-censorship-and-piracy-in-north-korea-2/north-koreas-musical-environment/