S. Korean dramas gain hold in NK

South Korean variety show “Infinity Challenge” is gaining growing popularity in North Korea. (Photo : The Korea Times)

It’s no longer just South Korean dramas causing a stir in North Korea: America’s “Desperate Housewives” and “Sex and the City” are also being circulated in the isolated state.

This was unveiled by Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling Saenuri Party, who in a report Monday shed new light on the widening array of pop culture across the border, citing sources. In addition to the U.S. hits, South Korean variety shows “Running Man,” “1 Night, 2 Days” and “Infinity Challenge” are also popular.

“These days, South Korean shows are available in the North Korean markets just a week after airing,” the report said, adding that in particular, teenagers and housewives are “left out of the conversation” if not versed in the programs. Soldiers access the material as well.

The lawmaker said that personalities such as comedian Yoo Jae-suk, pop star Lee Hyo-ri and groups 2PM and Girls Generation were household names.

The report gave new insight into the information seeping into the North despite strict state controls, a force that the regime will have to increasingly reckon with as positive perceptions of the outside world could challenge propaganda narratives.

Such media are said to be available at the informal markets that have sprung up in recent years in the form of DVDs, CDs and flash drives brought across the porous border with China.

The lawmaker said that strict punishments are in place for watching South Korean material ­ the countries are still technically at war ­ but that they do little to deter the proliferation.

The regime under young leader Kim Jong-un has hinted at a more open stance toward American culture.

The twenty-something, who took power after the death of his father Kim Jong-il last year, earlier this month took in a show featuring Disney characters and a performance of the theme song to “Rocky” ­ during which footage of the fictional boxer played in the background.

The concert raised questions about what attitude the young leader will take in regards to foreign media, given that the regime is known as one of the worst repressors of information in the world and derives power partly by rallying support against “hostile forces” such as Seoul and Washington.

Pyongyang has made moves to invite more foreign investment and may take steps to reform its economy with the encouragement of China. Analysts say that such a development might open the gates for even more outside information that could prove tricky for the regime. <The Korea Times/Kim Young-jin>

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