Kim Jong-un Mentions Like 'PPL'... North Korean Propaganda Now on YouTube

North Korean YouTuber 'Yumi' in Spotlight
Fluent English, Daily Life Receiving PT 'Vlog'
Changes in North Korea's External Propaganda Methods

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] North Korea's external propaganda methods are diversifying. Not only are they utilizing the global video platform YouTube, but videos showing the daily lives of North Korean residents in the form of 'vlogs' are continuously emerging.

This is a different approach from the past propaganda methods that unconditionally idolized the supreme leader. Experts analyze that North Korea has begun actively using YouTube as a means to present itself as a universal nation to the international community.

Vlog video of YouTuber 'Yumi' living in Pyongyang, North Korea. / YouTube capture

It's a Vlog, but Emphasizing the 'Kim Jong Un Room' Sign... Presumed to Be Operated by North Korean Authorities

Recently, a YouTube vlogger named 'Yumi,' who lives in Pyongyang, has become a hot topic domestically. The YouTube channel 'Yumi's Space (Olivia Natasha - YuMi Space DPRK daily)' has a total of 10 videos uploaded since August last year. Most of the videos feature Yumi herself introducing her daily life.

The most recent video, uploaded on the 13th, shows Yumi visiting a gym called the 'Unification Street Sports Center' and receiving personal training. Upon arriving at the center, Yumi says in English, "Today, I will show you a glimpse of my life. I make sure to exercise once a week." The video then shows Yumi exercising using various equipment.

There is also mention of Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers' Party. Yumi explains about the center, "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un transformed this into a service base for the people. It has developed into a mass sports hub for the treatment and health recovery of the people." A red sign reading 'The room visited by Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un' is also attached to the wall at the center's entrance.

Signboard next to the entrance of the gym at the 'Tongil Street Movement Center.' It reads, "The room visited by Dear Comrade Kim Jong Un." / YouTube capture

North Korea Actively Uses YouTube for External Propaganda
"Recognizing YouTube's Effect in Shedding the Stigma of a Closed Country and Creating a New Image"

It is generally inferred that Yumi's YouTube account is operated by North Korean authorities. Officially, North Korea is a country where internet use is prohibited, making it difficult for ordinary residents to publicly use YouTube. Considering that even in a vlog showing daily life, there is no omission of references to the General Secretary, it is believed to be a propaganda video produced by North Korean authorities.

There are also criticisms that Yumi's videos may differ from the actual lives of ordinary North Korean residents. Professor Kim Dongyeop of the University of North Korean Studies said, "Yumi's appearance may not be 100% false, but there is likely a gap from the daily lives of ordinary residents. North Korea allows internet use in certain areas, but it is restricted for the general population."

This is not the first time YouTube videos produced in North Korea have been released. According to Professor Ha Seunghee of Dongguk University's North Korean Studies Institute in her paper 'North Korea's Use of YouTube as an External Propaganda Medium' (2020), North Korea first began using YouTube in December 2014 through a channel called 'Chosun Today.' The frequency of use has gradually increased recently. Last year, videos by a child YouTuber named 'Songah,' who lives in Pyongyang, also became a hot topic domestically. In 2020, a YouTuber named 'Eun-ah,' who introduced major cultural facilities and tourist sites in North Korea, appeared.

Professor Ha analyzed that one reason North Korea began using daily vlogs as a propaganda tool was to avoid sanctions such as 'channel closures' on the platform. In her paper, she stated, "Having experienced channel closures due to violations, it appears that regime idolization and propaganda on YouTube will be indirectly embedded within the content to circumvent restrictions."

Previously, YouTube forcibly closed the account of North Korea's propaganda medium 'Uri Minjokkkiri,' which was first established in 2010, multiple times. To avoid such sanctions, it is analyzed that North Korea sought a format that could promote the country less directly while showing residents' daily lives.

Professor Ha also explained, "North Korea sought a way out through YouTube, which is used worldwide, to shed the stigma of being a closed country and move toward becoming a 'universal nation' with a new image," adding, "They recognized YouTube's effectiveness as a propaganda platform."