The air around North Korea is getting crowded
At least ten foreign radio stations are aiming their broadcasts at the nuclear dictatorship
“DO YOU want to be pretty?” asks a teasing male voice. “Do you want to lose weight?” Such is the enticing introduction to a recent radio show aimed at North Koreans, “Let’s Learn Market Economics”. After a jaunty jingle and a skit about how falling in love will make the listener healthier and leaner, the remaining half-hour is devoted to a worthy, but rather less gripping, profile of a successful South Korean businessman.
Competition for North Koreans’ attention is increasing. The country’s approved media are crammed with fawning reports about the latest “field guidance” from its dictator, Kim Jong Un—indispensable tips on topics such as growing juicy apples or perfecting a nuclear weapon. But those who buy illicit short-wave radios can pick up at least ten foreign stations targeting North Koreans. The latest, BBC News Korean, went on air on September 25th.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline "Making waves"
Asia October 7th 2017
- Indonesian politics are becoming less predictable
- Japanese voters want a plan to handle a declining population
- The air around North Korea is getting crowded
- India’s prime minister is attacked from an unexpected quarter
- Australia admits more migrants than any other big Western country
- Events in Catalonia and Kurdistan are causing pangs in Taiwan
From the October 7th 2017 edition
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