Inside the Grip of North Korean Fiction: My Bizarre Journey

Mike Chinoy, a non-resident senior fellow at the University of Southern California's US-China Institute and a former Beijing bureau chief and senior Asia correspondent for CNN, has recently published a new book titled "Assignment China: An Oral History of American Journalists in the People's Republic." The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own and can be read more on CNN.

"Thunderclap," a novel published in 2018 by Kim Ryong Yon, a member of the North Korean Writers Union, revolves around a fictional Korean American CNN correspondent named Byun Sa-hwang. In the story, she is preparing for a reporting trip to North Korea in 2009 and finds herself grappling with conflicting emotions.

Mike Chinoy

Mike Chinoy

On the one hand, she is desperate to make the trip, as it was "the dying wish left by my father for me to visit the homeland where my ancestors were buried."

She is filled with concern as she ponders, "How is it possible that North Korea, known as the United States' most formidable adversary, would allow someone like me, an American citizen and reporter, to enter their country?"

Seeking reassurance, she seeks solace in the company of a fellow CNN correspondent. However, the source of her inspiration is not a fictional figure. Rather, it is a real person named "Michael Chinoy," who happens to be counted among the limited few real-life Americans who play a significant role in North Korean literature.

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However, the portrayal of the fictional me and the fictional CNN I am associated with in "Thunderclap" aims to convey that the network had a sympathetic stance towards the North Korean regime, although this was never the reality. I became aware of this when I received an email from Meredith Shaw, a Korea scholar and associate professor affiliated with the Institute of Social Science at the University of Tokyo, who is currently working on a book about the representation of foreigners in North Korean literature.

Shaw directed me towards the novel she translated, in which I am quoted as stating, "Korea's unparalleled political system, where the leader and the people are unified, is its greatest asset."

In Thunderclap, the fictional version of myself and the fictional CNN I am associated with are portrayed in a manner that falsely suggests our sympathy towards the North Korean regime, despite this never being the truth.

Mike Chinoy made a notable statement about CNN's perception by the fictional character Byun Sa-hyang. According to her, CNN stood out among other Western media sources because of its unique perspective. Byun Sa-hyang mentioned that Mike Chinoy's involvement in the team covering the 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the DPRK in 1998 had influenced her opinion, stating that the actual state of the country had left a positive impression on him.

Michael Chinoys remark only intensified my determination, making my heart unbearable with the weight of it. I felt compelled to go, I had no other choice!

Throughout my career as a CNN correspondent, I embarked on a total of 14 journeys to North Korea, even continuing to visit after leaving the network. Furthermore, I had the privilege of meeting Kim Il Sung, the late leader of North Korea and the grandfather of the current dictator Kim Jong Un, on three separate occasions. Notably, my CNN camera crew and I were the sole Western journalists granted permission to report on the 1998 celebrations in North Korea.

But the language attributed to me in "Thunderclap" is entirely made up.

North Korea 50th Anniversary: CNN Coverage ‒ 9/9/98

In my live report, which can be seen here, I described Kim Jong Il, the leader of North Korea, as being revered like a virtual deity in a nation where unwavering loyalty to the supreme leader is instilled from birth. In this country, the individual's significance diminishes in the face of the pervasive influence of the state. Additionally, during the height of the 1998 famine that devastated North Korea, I acknowledged that we were unable to visit the areas of the country that were hardest hit by food shortages.

So, what accounts for this positive portrayal of both myself and CNN, which starkly contrasts with the way other authoritarian regimes, such as those in Russia and China, have often vilified the international media? According to Shaw, Western media surprisingly receives a certain level of reverence, with foreign journalists being portrayed as unwavering champions of truth.

CNN has had a complex relationship with North Korea, particularly evident in their interactions over the years. In 1989, I had the opportunity to travel to Pyongyang, followed by cameraman Mitch Farkas three years later. Together, we were the only foreign journalists allowed to accompany the Rev. Billy Graham, who had been advocating for a visit due to his wife's connection to a missionary-run school in Pyongyang in the 1930s. As a result of Graham's efforts, CNN was granted visas and I had the privilege of meeting North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.

In 1994, as tensions regarding North Korea's nuclear program escalated, I returned to Pyongyang with a camera crew and CNN International Editor Eason Jordan. This time, our access was made possible through the assistance of representatives from the Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church, commonly known as the "Moonies." Moon had previously visited Pyongyang in 1991 and had formed a cordial understanding with Kim Il Sung, further showcasing the leader's affinity towards religious figures.

In April 1994, the North Korean government reached out to the Moonies with a request to organize a goodwill delegation of "international VIPs" to commemorate Kim's 82nd birthday in Pyongyang. After persistent persuasion, my colleagues and I were granted the opportunity to report on this delegation. It was revealed that the decision had been personally authorized by Kim Jong Il, the son of the esteemed Great Leader.

During the visit, we were privileged to have a remarkable lunch with Kim Il Sung. In attendance were Eason, myself, and a select group of about a dozen other guests. We took advantage of this unique opportunity to inquire about the nuclear program and other pressing matters. Additionally, I had the honor of conducting the very first live TV shot from Pyongyang.

Former CNN International Editor Eason Jordan stands behind North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and US President Jimmy Carter in Pyongyang in 1994.

Eason Jordan and I, accompanied by a camera crew, were the sole foreign journalists granted permission to report on former President Jimmy Carter's momentous journey. Carter strategically utilized a CNN interview, held at his residence in Pyongyang, to exert persuasive influence on the Clinton administration. As a result, negotiations resumed, and the notion of a military strike on North Korea's nuclear facilities was discarded.

The October 1994 Agreed Framework deal was reached through talks that were made possible by keeping the door open for negotiations. According to this agreement, Pyongyang agreed to halt the production of its plutonium-based nuclear program in exchange for improved relations with the United States and the supply of proliferation-resistant light water nuclear reactors.

A noteworthy detail is that a North Korean novel titled "Eternal Life," published in 1997 and written by Song Sang Won and Baek Bo Heum, members of the North Korean Writers Union, showcases the heroic accomplishments of Kim Il Sung. This novel also includes a chapter on the visit by Jimmy Carter, in which my colleague Eason Jordan is mentioned by name. Similar to me, Jordan is portrayed sympathetically, and the novel presents an embellished account of a conversation with Kim while waiting for Carter to arrive.

"How are you, Mr. Jordan?" At the sound of his name called by such a booming, hearty voice, Jordan looked up from his equipment and froze, his eyes instantly bulging out.

"Ah, Premier!"

"Bingo!" Comrade Kim Il Sung stuck out his hand. Jordan rushed over to shake it.

"Ive been looking forward to this," Comrade Kim Il Sung added cheerfully. "Have you been well, old friend?"

"Good to hear. How about you?"

Beaming with good health, he chuckled and added, "Mr. Jordan, it's not enough for you to only attend formal events here. I insist on having you return as my esteemed guest. Please bring your wife and children this autumn."

Jordan mentioned in an email that this account is a combination of official records, eavesdropping, enlightened speculation, and wishful thinking.

Surprisingly, less than a month after our encounter, Kim Il Sung passed away due to a heart attack. However, during our interaction, he appeared to be in good health, and we did have several pleasant conversations.

To scholar Shaw, the continuous reference to Eason Jordan and his friendly interactions with the Leader suggest that he, similar to Mike Chinoy, is a reporter whose coverage did not sufficiently upset the regime to surpass their satisfaction with CNN's reputation.

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U.S. tourist and Korean War veteran Merrill Newman was freed by North Korea and arrived at the Beijing airport on December 7, 2013. He had been detained by North Korean authorities in October 2013, moments before his departure from the country following an organized tour. Newman, a resident of Palo Alto, California, had acquired all the necessary documents and planned his trip through a travel agency approved by North Korea.

Analysis of these books reveals a captivating aspect - the authors seemingly had access to official records, potentially including transcripts of monitored phone calls. In the book "Eternal Life," a verbatim transcript, likely from a tapped phone line, of a call between Carter and Clinton administration officials is presented. It is known that the former president made multiple calls from the presidential guest house in Pyongyang using an open line. However, it is uncertain if Carter indeed used the language ascribed to him or if it was fabricated by the North Koreans.

Little information is available about the authors or the process of vetting and writing these two novels. "Eternal Life" was published over twenty-five years ago, but only became accessible on North Korea websites in the past decade. The digital version of "Thunderclap" was released just last year. Kim Ryong Yon, the author of "Thunderclap," is known for other novels featuring North Korea's leaders and is believed to be a member of an esteemed organization called the 4.15 Writers Group (named after Kim Il Sung's birthday). Paek Bo Hum and Song Sang Won, both in their 80s, have a rich literary history, including stories with Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. "Eternal Life" is highly regarded as one of North Korea's most significant novels within the country.

Regardless of how they were compiled, the inclusion of references to me, Jordan, and CNN illustrates the North Korean regime's desire to showcase its global recognition and admiration to its people. Surprisingly, the passages involving us in the novels deviate from the usual polemical nature found in a system famous for its exaggerated and extreme rhetoric.

Since North Koreans have limited access to reading materials, they are unlikely to be aware of the critical reports I have filed on my trips, except for a few officials. This holds true for CNN correspondents, such as Will Ripley, who have visited the country in recent years.

Furthermore, CNN's portrayal of the network as having a special relationship with Kim Il Sung puts them in a privileged position, as described by a former US North Korea intelligence analyst. This may account for CNN's rare access over the years and the positive portrayal in literature more recently.

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Upon Byun Sa-hyang's arrival in Pyongyang, she hastily files her report, fearing the potential spread of baseless rumors by the American media, such as the detention of a CNN reporter in North Korea. Her initial account portrays the joyous scenes of children in the streets, playing and laughing in the capital city. An almost poetic depiction accompanies her words, describing the exceptionally clear and blue sky over Pyongyang, wherein peaceful doves gracefully soar instead of fierce hawks.

After witnessing her report, I am moved to send Sa-hyang a message, urging her to remain steadfast and unwavering. I express my admiration for the remarkable city of Pyongyang and propose a meeting in Beijing upon her return. Warm regards, Michael Chinoy.

However, "Thunderclap" depicts Sa-hyang exploring Pyongyang independently, without the guidance of the government. She seeks to personally witness and experience the truth of North Korea and convey it authentically. However, the reality for journalists is quite the opposite.

During my numerous visits to North Korea, I frequently faced restrictions imposed by government minders. I was not allowed to venture beyond my hotel, not even for a simple jog. Additionally, there were several instances when our pleas to halt and film were rejected.

According to Meredith Shaw, "Thunderclap" challenges and disproves all the prevailing notions about reporting on North Korea. Byun Sa-hyang's exploration of Pyongyang in the film is akin to a sophisticated manipulation that invalidates the repeated grievances of actual journalists.