Understanding South Korea's Decision to Ban a Viral TikTok Song

A popular North Korean propaganda song praising Kim Jong Un as a great leader and caring parent has gained widespread attention on TikTok. Various remixes and dance videos have garnered millions of views, prompting South Korea to ban the song for its psychological impact.

Seoul's media regulator recently announced the decision to block access to different versions of the song titled "Friendly Father," which unexpectedly became a hit on social media platforms.

The song was revealed in April at a nighttime concert in Pyongyang to celebrate the finishing of a housing project, as reported by North Korean state-run Korean Central News Agency.

The lyrics of the song commend Kim, the third-generation leader of North Korea, as "a great leader and a friendly parent." The music video shows North Koreans singing the orchestral song with enthusiasm, expressing gratitude for Kim's caring nature.

North Korean propaganda is a common occurrence, but this time it appeared on TikTok, a platform owned by Chinese internet giant ByteDance. The song called “Friendly Father” gained popularity as users worldwide created their own versions of the music video, adding dances and playful captions to their short one-minute clips. These videos collectively received over 2 million views.

However, this exposure on TikTok did not necessarily result in a propaganda victory for Pyongyang.

Alexandra Leonzini, a researcher at Cambridge University studying North Korean music, pointed out that Gen Z is not showing support for the regime. Instead, they are mocking the regime rather than showing solidarity.

However, South Korean security officials took action against the parodies. The Korea Communications Standards Commission chose to block 29 videos of the song after a request from Seoul’s National Intelligence Service.

In a statement, the regulator explained that the video falls under typical content associated with psychological warfare against South Korea. It was posted on a channel that aimed to connect with the outside world and mainly centered on idolizing and glorifying Kim unilaterally.

The ban on accessing North Korean government websites and media was expected due to the National Security Act of the country. This restricts exposure to Kim's autocratic regime and punishes behaviors that support its authoritarian and nuclear-armed neighbor.

According to Ha Seung-hee, a visiting professor of North Korea studies at Dongguk University, over 90% of the propaganda songs from the reclusive state idolize its leader. "Friendly Father" is no exception to this trend.

But it does show an improvement in production values, and could signal a new propaganda strategy for the country.

The music video of "Friendly Father" went viral on TikTok.

The music video of "Friendly Father" went viral on TikTok.

KCTV

Ha mentioned that in the past, North Korea's music videos typically featured nature and scenery, resembling something you might see at a karaoke with subtitles. However, there has been a shift in style now, with improved choreography and video editing evident in the music video "Friendly Father."

According to Ha, it was not North Korea's initial intention, but due to factors such as algorithms, the video garnered attention. Once Pyongyang realizes the effectiveness of this new approach, they may create more content using this method.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, North and South Korea have been separated from each other. Despite technically being at war, both governments have expressed the desire to reunify one day, although they still maintain a hostile relationship.

In North Korea, millions of people live in poverty under a totalitarian dictatorship that has lasted for over seven decades, spanning three generations of the Kim dynasty. The regime controls every aspect of life, from food distribution and education access to job assignments, and many individuals are forced into labor camps.

Editor's P/S:

The unexpected popularity of the North Korean propaganda song "Friendly Father" on TikTok highlights the complex and evolving nature of propaganda in the digital age. While the song