Recently, when North Korea released a propaganda song praising its leader, Kim Jong Un, there were allegations of United Nations security violations due to the appearance of expensive Japanese musical instruments, which North Korea cannot import, in the music video.
On the 30th, Radio Free Asia (RFA) quoted a post on the U.S. social media platform Reddit, saying, “In the video of a new propaganda song released by North Korean Central TV, North Korean performers are using Japanese synthesizers.”
Keyboard synthesizer enthusiasts on Reddit identified the products in the music video as Cognos from Japan’s Korg Corporation and FA-07 from Roland Corporation. The brand logos and product names appeared without any editing in the video. Both products are sold in online shopping malls for two to three million won (approximately $1,700 to $2,500).
The headphones the studio producers and singers wore also clearly display Japan’s ‘Sony’ logo. These products sell for hundreds of thousands won (approximately $200 to $300).
RFA pointed out that this is a violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1718 against North Korea, unanimously passed in October 2006 following North Korea’s first nuclear test. The resolution prohibits the export of ‘luxury goods’ to North Korea, items beyond the purchasing ability of ordinary North Korean citizens.
Despite the sanctions against North Korea, the country has long openly displayed luxury goods. It is known that Chairman Kim uses high-end foreign cars such as the Maybach of Mercedes-Benz from Germany. In September last year, during Chairman Kim’s visit to Russia, Kim Yo-jong, the vice director of the Workers’ Party, carried a bag from the French luxury brand Dior, and Kim Ju-ae, Kim’s daughter, was also seen wearing a Dior jacket in March.
Meanwhile, on the 16th, North Korea unveiled the latest propaganda song at a celebration performance for the second phase completion of the Hwaseong District in Pyongyang. The song contains a message urging the people to trust and follow Chairman Kim with a one-hearted mind. The next day, a music video-like clip featuring singer Ryu Kyung-soo performing the song was released.
Following the release of the song and music video, reports have emerged that North Korean residents are responding with bitter laughter. Daily NK quoted a source from North Hamgyeong Province, saying that North Korean residents react incredulously to the lyrics and video that feel disconnected from reality. In addition, there has been criticism among the younger generation accustomed to South Korean singing style, the song is too outdated to listen to.
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