A viral song on TikTok titled “Friendly Father” praises North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The song urges listeners to sing about Kim Jong Un, referring to him as their “friendly father.” Despite some listeners not liking Kim Jong Un, they have acknowledged that the song is catchy. The upbeat and catchy nature of the song has been compared to music by the band Abba, with rich orchestral sequences. Some experts believe that North Korean authorities intentionally created a simple, catchy song in order to embed a sense of loyalty and gratitude towards the ruling party in citizens.
In North Korea, South Korean pop music and Western music are banned, with some defectors citing the enjoyment they found in listening to outside music as a factor in their decision to defect. North Korean defectors have described how American and South Korean music evoked strong emotions in them, contrasting with the lack of emotion experienced when listening to North Korean music. The government in North Korea uses propaganda songs as a form of education, with residents taught choreographed dances to these songs and lyrics printed in newspapers. It is believed that these songs are intended to instill loyalty and gratitude to the ruling party.
The song “Friendly Father” serves as an example of the artistic output in North Korea that aims to educate citizens and instill loyalty to the ruling party. Expert Alexandra Leonzini of Cambridge University suggests that the authorities intentionally create “earworm” songs with simple lyrics that are easy to sing and remember. The goal is to embed the message of loyalty and gratitude to the ruling party into the minds of listeners. North Korean music expert Peter Moody notes that the song exhibits traits that make it catchy and memorable, drawing comparisons to the style of Abba music.
Despite the catchy and upbeat nature of the song, some listeners have expressed discomfort with the lyrics praising Kim Jong Un, acknowledging that they do not necessarily like the leader. However, the power of propaganda songs in influencing emotions and thoughts is recognized among experts. It is believed that these songs, which are played every morning throughout the country and taught to citizens, have the ability to embed a sense of loyalty and gratitude to the North Korean regime. Ultimately, the use of music as a tool for propaganda and education highlights the control and influence that the North Korean government has over its citizens through artistic expression.
