A Radio Free Asia (RFA) report yesterday highlighted that during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s speech at temporary accommodations for flood victims in Uiju County, he used several South Korean expressions that are rarely heard in North Korea.
According to a source from North Pyongan Province, “The video recording of Kim’s visit and speech is being broadcast repeatedly on Korean Central Television.” The source added, “People were surprised by his use of South Korean expressions, which are rarely used.”
The source noted that at the beginning of the speech, Kim deviated from traditional terms, using “Jumin” to address residents instead of the usual “Dongji” (comrade) or “Inmin” (people). He referred to seniors as “Eoreusin” rather than “Noin” or “Neulgeuni” (old man), and he used the South Korean term “TV” instead of “Tellebijyon.”
He specifically mentioned that terms like “Byeongyakja” (invalid), “Heomji” (rugged terrain), “Eumnyosu” (beverage), and “Pyeomhwe” (disparagement) are rarely used in North Korea.
Furthermore, the source criticized the speech’s authenticity, arguing that it would be illogical for Kim to use words from the speech without his approval. The source also pointed out the inconsistency of Kim urging residents to use the Pyongyang dialect while he openly used South Korean language terms.
Meanwhile, it is known that in North Korea, people typically refer to the elderly as “Noin” or “Neulgeuni” and use the respectful terms “Harabeoji” (grandfather) or “Halmeoni “(grandmother).
The reportedly anti-spy poster includes the directive, “Report those who use abbreviations like ‘Tellebi’ for ‘Tellebijyon’ and ‘TV’ instead of the full term ‘Tellebijyon.'”
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