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[CULTURE] · North Korea, South Korea · 4 sources

Part of situation: North Korean defectors and youth embrace K‑pop (4 clusters)

North Korean defectors embrace K‑pop at BTS concerts in South Korea

North Korea K‑pop BTS defectors cultural freedom

Lee Yeon‑su, a defected North Korean born in the so‑called Hermit Kingdom, travelled from Seoul to Busan to attend a BTS concert, marking her third such outing in months. She said, “Every time I come to a BTS concert, I realise how happy I am that I can like and support someone of my own free will,” emphasizing the newfound ability to choose an idol.

Growing up in a military family, Yeon‑su was taught that South Korea was the enemy and that listening to South Korean music was a crime punishable by imprisonment. After escaping in 2011, she discovered K‑pop, which she describes as opening a whole new world of freedom and helping her adjust to life in the South. Other defectors report secretly listening to K‑pop and watching performances despite the regime’s strict bans, noting that the music offers hope and a glimpse beyond Kim Jong Un’s imposed idol.

The stories illustrate how K‑pop, and BTS in particular, serve as a cultural bridge for North Korean refugees, contrasting sharply with the North Korean regime’s prohibition of foreign media.

Sources

Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol – then North Koreans discovered K-pop – Alsiasi [english.alsiasi.com]
11 days ago
Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop [ca.news.yahoo.com]
11 days ago
Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans found K-pop [www.bbc.co.uk]
11 days ago
Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop - MyJoyOnline [www.myjoyonline.com]
11 days ago