North Korea is trying to influence you and you might not even know it
Using social media to spread propaganda
North Korea is often seen as lagging behind due to its isolation. However, the North Korean government appears to have finally recognized the influence of social media and influencers, and has decided to utilize them to disseminate propaganda.
Influencers have powerful voices and North Korea is on to it
A clever decision on North Korea's behalf, after all in this era of social media dominance, the power of influencers cannot be underestimated. Influencers have emerged as powerful voices, capable of shaping opinions and influencing millions of people worldwide.
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
A darker purpose behind these influencer's videos
In the West, influencers are commonly associated with promoting products or lifestyles. However, North Korea is using influencers for more insidious purposes.
Image: Olivia Natasha-YuMi Space DPRK daily/YouTube
North Korea is betting on YouTubers to help improve its image
According to Insider and CNN, North Korea has recognized the potential of social media platforms, particularly YouTube, to reach a global audience and shape public opinion.
Image: Olivia Natasha-YuMi Space DPRK daily/YouTube
A regime cultivated network of influencers
The regime has cultivated a network of homegrown influencers who produce content aimed at promoting a positive image of North Korea.
Something just doesn't add up
These influencers are sharing videos of their lives in North Korea that don't add up with what the West typically reports about life under Kim Jong Un's rule - youngsters who speak British English and say they love Harry Potter and going to amusement parks.
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
A new method for spreading propaganda
These North Korean influencers act as digital ambassadors, effectively disseminating propaganda that aligns with the state's objectives, softening the public's view of the country.
YuMi aka Olivia Natasha
In an article on the subject, CNN discusses YuMi, a North Korean YouTuber, who targets the international audience. YuMi has 20.8K subscribers on her YouTube channel and regularly adds new videos.
Image: Olivia Natasha-YuMi Space DPRK daily/YouTube
YuMi's mission seems to be to show that life is just peachy in Pyongyang
YuMi produces highly scripted sounding videos discussing North Korean culture, traditions, and daily life while subtly reinforcing positive perceptions of the regime.
Image: Olivia Natasha-YuMi Space DPRK daily/YouTube
Trying to alter perceptions about North Korea
It seems her goal is to present a relatable image of North Korea, engaging global viewers, fostering a sense of curiosity, and potentially altering perceptions about the country.
Image: Olivia Natasha-YuMi Space DPRK daily/YouTube
Her videos often come across as very staged
However, despite showing us all the "normal" things she does in Pyongyang, viewers can't help but notice the high end places she visits are nearly always practically empty with just a few well placed "extras" in the background.
Image: Olivia Natasha-YuMi Space DPRK daily/YouTube
Song A, a.k.a Sally Parks
Song A looks to be around 10 or 12 years old and boasts a cool 30.8K subscribers on YouTube. There are around 15 videos on her channel all depicting what looks like an average Western child's life.
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
Song A seems just like Western kids
Song A or 'Sally Parks' speaks to her audience in perfect British English about going to dance lessons, reading 'Harry Potter', visiting water parks and science centers, and generally shares a picture of an ideal childhood in North Korea.
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
Song A often sounds like she is reading a script
Song A's video are eerily similar to YuMi's, simply focused on a younger target audience. Her dialogue often comes across as scripted also.
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
Song A says some things that don't very natural for a child
In one video she talks about how all children in North Korea are privileged to take dance lessons in school so they can be prepared "physically, mentally, and morally," for example, which is not how a typical 11 year-old talks!
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
Song A is anything but an average North Korean kid
However, as much as Song A tries to convince the public her life is representative of that of all North Korean children, it could not be farther from the truth. According to Insider Song A belongs to one of the most elite families in Pyongyang.
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
Elite families enjoy a much higher quality of life
It is well documented that these elite families enjoy a quality of life and privileges that average North Koreans could never dream of.
Song A is the great-granddaughter of a North Korean war hero
According to the South Korean newspaper Segye Ilbo, Song A's mother is the granddaughter of Ri Eul Seoul, one of North Korea's "first-generation" war heroes who fought alongside Kim Il Sung, the regime's first dictator.
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
Song A lived in London
In addition, Insider reported that "a North Korean defector who worked at the country's embassy in the UK told Segye Ilbo that Song A's father was a diplomat in the same embassy, and that the girl was sent to London when she was younger."
Photo: Sally Parks/Song A Channel/YouTube
Manipulating their audiences
Insider reveals that North Korean influencers employ various propaganda techniques to manipulate their audience's perceptions. These techniques include carefully staged videos, controlled narratives, and selective portrayal of the country's positive aspects.
Highlighting progress, evoking sympathy
Through emotional appeal, promoting national pride, and highlighting technological progress, these influencers aim to evoke sympathy and shape a favorable impression of the regime.
Image: Olivia Natasha-YuMi Space DPRK daily/YouTube
Constant government supervision
Both CNN and Insider emphasize the active support and supervision provided by the North Korean government to these influencers. The government undoubtedly hopes to ensure a unified message and prevent the spread of information that could tarnish the regime's image.
North Koreans are forbidden from accessing the internet
For anyone who still may have doubts about these accounts being used for government approved propaganda, Insider points out that all North Koreans are forbidden from accessing the internet and posting photos or videos online.
Ethical questions
The strategic use of influencers by North Korea raises important ethical questions. The manipulation of social media platforms to spread propaganda undermines the authenticity and trust associated with influencer content.
YouTube -terms haven't been violated
However, a spokesperson from YouTube told Insider via email that after reviewing Yu Mi and Song A's accounts, since they did not violate terms of service little can be done.
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