NIS to Block Video Praising North Korea's Kim Jong-un as a 'Friendly Father'

Kim Jong-un Praise Music Video Sparks Controversy on SNS
National Intelligence Service to Request Blocking from Korea Communications Commission

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) is set to take blocking measures against a North Korean praise song video that has become a hot topic on social networking services (SNS). If the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) decides to block access through its review, the video will no longer be viewable within South Korea.

An NIS official stated on the 11th, "We have determined that the 'Chingunhan Eobeoi' video falls under the provisions of Article 44-7 (Prohibition of Distribution of Illegal Information, etc.) of the Information and Communications Network Act, and we plan to request the KCSC to block domestic access." 'Chingunhan Eobeoi' is a praise song for North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, newly released by North Korea on the 17th of last month.

The Information and Communications Network Act stipulates that information containing acts prohibited under the National Security Act must not be distributed through information and communications networks.

Music video of the praise song for Chairman Kim Jong-un, "Dear Father," released by North Korea's Korean Central TV on the 17th of last month
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Currently, the 'Chingunhan Eobeoi' music video uploaded on YouTube can still be searched for and viewed in South Korea. The music video, edited with a fast-paced style and featuring a lively melody line, has become a kind of 'internet meme' and gained popularity on platforms like TikTok. An 'internet meme' generally refers to a type of idea or style that spreads online. However, recently, it often means funny photos or short videos circulating on the internet.

Last year, the NIS also requested blocking access to YouTube channels that promoted the North Korean regime by featuring young women, and the KCSC accepted these requests.

Meanwhile, in the United States, on the 5th, a video praising North Korea posted by an Asian woman on X (formerly Twitter) sparked controversy.

The video was filmed at an anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian protest held at New York University. In it, the woman praised North Korea’s support for Palestine while criticizing the United States and Israel. She stated, "North Korea has never recognized Israel as a state," and "They have always supported the Palestinians' right to self-determination and resistance," remarks that have drawn strong criticism.