Latest News

New North Korean song praising Kim Jong Un a hit on TikTok, South Korea to block access

South Korea to ban North Korean song praising Kim Jong Un that’s going viral on TikTok

A patriotic song released on North Korean state TV has unexpectedly gone viral on TikTok since its release on 17 April.

The synth-electro pop song praises leader Kim Jong Un, and has surprisingly become an earworm for users on TikTok.

In response, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) has requested to block the song’s access to South Korean audiences.

North Korean song praising Kim Jong Un becomes a hit on TikTok

Titled “Friendly Father“, the track has an upbeat tempo and a catchy melody, reminiscent of pre-00’s pop songs like those from Abba and winning over many TikTokers, according to the BBC.

However, the twist is, the song sings praises of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, featuring lyrics that describe him as “warm-hearted like your mother”, and a “friendly father”.

Another line talks about how the “great leader” makes “all our wishes come true”.

Source: CNA on Youtube

The music video is equally cheery, featuring workers from all walks of life singing, bopping to the tune, and boasting about Mr Kim.

According to Korea Times, the propaganda song was released on 17th April to celebrate the new 10,000-home development in Pyongyang.

In an interview with BBC, Alexandra Leonzini, a Cambridge University scholar, says that all art produced in North Korea is made to instil loyalty and gratitude to the ruling party.

In the same article, some analysts say this may be a sign that Mr Kim is shoring up his image as North Korea’s “Supreme Leader”.

 

Source: CNA on Youtube

Despite its original purpose, the song has found a surprising amount of popularity outside North Korea.

The song has reached meme status on TikTok, with some users even seemingly genuinely praising it. Some also commented that they can’t stop listening to the song.

South Korea looking to block access to the song

According to Korea Times, the NIS has requested for the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block access to the North Korean song.

Source: CNA on Youtube

The NIS says that the song violates a law that prohibits the spread of banned content under the National Security Act.

Last year, the commission also approved several requests from the NIS to block North Korean media. If the commission approves this latest request, the song will become unavailable in South Korea.

Also read: President Biden signs bill that will ban TikTok in the US, app vows to fight back

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from CNA on Youtube

Buranond Kijwatanachai

I'm the kind of guy who says he loves reading, but the books I actually read have more pictures than words.

Recent Posts

4 winners split S$13M TOTO jackpot on 14 Nov, 1 winning ticket bought from Tong Aik Huat again

Tong Aik Huat also sold a winning ticket for the 21 Oct draw.

15 Nov 2024, 1:39 am

Online model seller in Japan scammed by buyer who returned different kit with pieces cut out

The seller was soured by the experience with Mercari, saying the platform only provided compensation…

14 Nov 2024, 6:57 pm

Woman in Indonesia steals formula milk by placing them between thighs

The woman walked away naturally despite the boxes between her thighs.

14 Nov 2024, 6:20 pm

Leopard in Thailand caught wriggling on zoo visitor’s pickup truck, netizens joke driver should bring it home

The leopard reportedly jumped off the truck once it saw zoo staff approaching.

14 Nov 2024, 5:53 pm

Motorist in M’sia crushed to death after container falls from trailer, lorry driver arrested

The trailer driver made a V sign for the media while being escorted to the…

14 Nov 2024, 5:42 pm