Over 750 Contents Uploaded Since 2018
Japan: "Impossible Without Support from North Korean Authorities"
A British woman named Zoe has been revealing daily life in North Korea one after another on social networking services (SNS). There is even a video of her freely strolling through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with North Korean soldiers, leading some to suspect that she might have been hired by the North Korean authorities for external publicity.
Zoe's SNS contains over 750 pieces of content related to North Korea. These have been uploaded since 2018. The content includes tourist spots such as department stores, beer factories, and restaurants in Pyongyang, as well as everyday life of residents, such as a North Korean father dressing his daughter. The most eye-catching content is undoubtedly her appearances with North Korean soldiers. The video of Zoe walking through the DMZ with North Korean soldiers has reached 1.43 million views. Typically, North Korean soldiers maintain rigid expressions, but on Zoe’s account, they are seen smiling brightly.
Zoe chose a photo taken with North Korean soldiers as her profile picture. She explained, “Many people say, ‘It’s the first time I’ve seen North Korean soldiers smile.’ I wanted to exclude political noise and remind people of the ordinary daily life of these people who laugh and cry.”
Zoe’s account was brought to public attention through reports by Japanese media. Japanese press suggested that Zoe’s channel might be for North Korean external propaganda. Byun Jin-il, editor-in-chief of the Korea Report, a Japan-based Korea specialist magazine, cited the fact that “North Korea fundamentally does not allow free filming of soldiers” as a reason. FNN also emphasized in a broadcast titled “The Mysterious British Woman Promoting North Korea,” quoting Professor Lee Sang-chul of Ryukoku University in Japan, that “it is impossible without 100% support and cooperation from the North Korean authorities.”
This is not the first time a foreign woman has revealed North Korean scenes on SNS. In January, a Russian female influencer shared videos of skiing at a North Korean ski resort and receiving spa treatments.
Special caution is required for domestic YouTube users. Experts point out that not only simply watching videos presumed to be produced by North Korea but also actively sharing or supporting them may constitute a violation of the National Security Law.
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