 "North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Reuters file")
In a bizarre turn of events, a North Korean propaganda song that sings praises for Kim Jon Un has gone viral in South Korea, so much so that the country had to take the extreme step of banning it.
South Korea’s media regulatory body said that the music video, which describes Kim as a “friendly father” and “great leader,” went viral on TikTok. Meanwhile, the song was banned as it “violated” the country’s National Security Act.
A statement by the Korea Communications Standards Commission said, “The video is typical content linked to psychological warfare against South Korea, as it was posted on a channel operated to connect with the outside world and is mainly focused on unilaterally idolising and glorifying Kim.”
While it is not clear how the song would be barred from platforms, authorities have decided to block 29 versions of the music video. The decision came after South Korea’s National Intelligence Service requested its ban.
Meanwhile, many South Koreans think that the song should not be removed and should stay more accessible so “more people could enjoy the joke.”
North Korea released the song last month which features North Koreans of different backgrounds ranging from children to troops and medical staff exuberantly belting out lines such as: “Let’s sing, Kim Jong Un the great leader” and “Let’s brag about Kim Jong Un, a friendly father”.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsA live performance of the song accompanied by an orchestra and watched by Kim was also broadcast on state television as part of a ceremony to mark the completion of building 10,000 new homes.
With inputs from agencies