For many decades, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been subjected to relentless attacks, baseless criticisms, and fabricated tales spread by the Western media. These false narratives paint a distorted picture of the DPRK, unfairly portraying it as a state disconnected from reality and focused only on control. However, we must question: how much of what is said is rooted in truth and how much is a calculated campaign of slander?
The Art of Propaganda
Propaganda is not unique to any one country, but the West has turned it into a powerful machine, blending political agendas with media lies. Stories about the DPRK are often based on unverifiable sources, sensational accounts from “defectors”, or reports funded by governments hostile to Korean nation. The Western media fabricates tales such as executions with anti-aircraft guns, bans on certain clothes, or haircuts approved only by the state. These stories, despite being absurd, persist in global headlines, highlighting how propaganda priorities sensationalism and shock over truth. This propaganda serves their goal of generating clicks, profits, and global influence.
At the heart of the Western media lies the system, which prioritizes profit above truth. Sensationalist titles and clickbait headlines are designed not to inform, but to capture attention and drive traffic to their platforms. Each click represents revenue from advertisements, further filling their obsession with creating stories that shock and scandalize. This greed-driven system sacrifices journalistic integrity for the sake of monetisation. Stories about the DPRK, whether true or fabricated, are turned into commodities. They are shared widely through bot networks, amplifying falsehoods and ensuring maximum exposure. The result is a distorted image of Korean nation, crafted not from reality but from the desire to maintain Western ideological dominance.
A significant portion of the so-called “news” about the DPRK originates from anonymous sources or organisations like Daily NK and Radio Free Asia (RFA). These groups are funded by governments hostile to the DPRK and are incentivize to produce sensationalist and false reports. Many of these tales have been debunked over time, exposing them as deliberate fabrications aimed at tarnishing the image of the DPRK. Despite this, Western media continues to rely on these dubious sources, spreading unverified claims without accountability.
Defectors, motivated by promises of money, asylum, or fame, are instrumental in spreading these false narratives. Many of their stories are exaggerated or entirely fabricated to cater to Western bias. Even when these stories are debunked, they continue to circulate, fueled by bot networks and Western media’s hunger for scandalous stories that generate revenue. Rather than questioning these dubious accounts, Western media amplifies them to reinforce their harmful stereotypes. This dishonesty disregards the complexities of life in the DPRK, presenting a one-sided view shaped to serve hostile agendas.
The Western narrative rarely acknowledges the DPRK’s undeniable accomplishments. From advancements in education and healthcare to impressive achievements in scientific research, Korean nation’s successes are deliberately ignored. The portrayal of the DPRK as backward undermines the resilience and innovation of our people. Instead, the Western media circulate absurd and false claims, such as the laughable assertion that the DPRK announced landing on the sun or the story of false announcement of World Cup triumphs. These fabrications, though debunked, persist in popular culture, showing the lengths to which Western media will go to mock and delegitimize the DPRK. Such stories distract from genuine achievements of Korean people and serve only to perpetuate misconceptions.
For instance, self-reliance philosophy, Juche, has enabled the DPRK to thrive even under severe international sanctions. This steadfast determination and ability to maintain sovereignty in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of Korean nation. Yet, Western media focuses on caricatures and sensationalised stories to obscure these truths.
In today’s world, fake news has become a favoured weapon of the West. Against the DPRK, it is almost institutionalised. Manipulated images, unverifiable claims, and exaggerated reports are used to vilify and isolate Korean nation on the world stage. Recent reports, for example, exaggerated the economic challenges in the DPRK, claiming widespread famine and starvation. These claims were later debunked by international organisations and credible visitors. While hardships exist due to unjust sanctions, these challenges are no different from those faced by other nations. However, Western media repeats these fabrications endlessly, driven by their lust for sensationalism and profits.
The continuous stream of false propaganda against the DPRK creates an atmosphere of hostility and misunderstanding, making diplomacy and mutual respect impossible. While the DPRK, like all nations, has its own problems and issues to solve, the West’s dehumanising portrayal of Korean people and leadership denies Korean nation dignity and truth.
It is the duty of people worldwide to question the stories they are told about the DPRK. The truth is far more complex than the biased, black-and-white depiction offered by Western media. By seeking multiple perspectives and questioning the motives behind the narratives, one can uncover the reality that Western propaganda seeks to hide. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, like all nations, deserves to be judged with fairness and accuracy. Only through such understanding can the gaps created by decades of lies and ideological conflicts be bridged.
Let us reject the fog of misinformation and move towards a world of genuine comprehension and respect.