top of page

Pop Culture

North Korean pop culture

Pop culture in the Republic of Korea is alive and well.  With songs like "Let's Learn,” and "Our Dear Leader," The Moranbong Band has gained a following by Kim Jong Un.  As with many things, there is a strict code on what behavior is expected of their pop stars, and family ties are very important.

Pyongyang has an international film festival that takes place every two years. Movies from America rarely get in. "Koryo Tours has worked closely with the festival organisers to expand and improve the range of films shown at the festival and thus seen by large numbers of the DPRK population. We have arranged for many films from around the world to be entered in competition, the most well-known include ‘Bend it like Beckham’ ‘Mr. Bean’, ‘The March of the Penguins, and ‘Bride and Prejudice’. Koryo Tours also take tourists to the festival and are able to attend the main ceremonies as well as see Korean and international films with a local audience."

~Pyongyang International Film Festival website

Menbong Group Singers

South Korean influence

South Korean movies and music had been leaking into the DPRK via thumb drives.  All media from South Korea is forbidden in the DPRK. being found with this media can lead to imprisonment or death.

Pyongyang International Film Festival

Full screen is best to read caption.

3/3/2014  Tristen (Kodee) Johnson

bottom of page