A Historical Documentary Analysis Depicting Mass Media Manipulation in North Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation stems from the global need for recognition regarding the use of propaganda in North Korea by the Kim regime to survive. Acknowledging the propaganda tactics used by North Korea can help educate people globally, helping them understand the serious and dangerous threat North Korea poses to the world and even its citizens. It is of uttermost importance that the depiction of these techniques is acknowledged and received, as the mere knowledge of North Korea’s hermit status is not enough. Ultimately, this investigation aimed to answer North Korea’s propaganda and censorship techniques to ensure successful control. Sources converged to provide an answer: the evident use of North Korean daily lives, museums, culture, and media are used as propagandistic measures to ensure the Kim regime stays in power. Without this use of propaganda, North Korea would not have been able to flourish into such an illiberal and hermit republic. The North Korean citizens are entirely isolated from the outside world; due to this, they are completely unaware of the dangers their country holds, as well as what the global world holds. Overall, this research paper aims to decipher and locate numerous propaganda techniques North Korea uses to keep the power of its illiberal state.