South Korea Wages War with K-Pop
In a World Filled with Fear...
So we all know that the dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong-Un, is a bit of a wacko and has ramped up his threats to not only his asian neighbors but also towards the US and its western allies. More frequent missile tests, hostile broadcasts, and overall military aggression is giving a global spotlight on the petulant man-child that wants to rule the world.
As such, a great deal of attention is being put on its southern democratic counterpart South Korea. What has the country been doing in response to this ever-growing threat?
PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE
…..
This might just be the wildest conflict of the 21st century. On the border between North and South Korea, the “De-Militarized Zone / DMZ” (which is anything BUT demilitarized), South Korea has installed massive speakers on the wall: 대북방송.
Hundreds of speakers outfit the entire length of the DMZ, emitting a collective sound that covers a 24-kilometer radius.
And what is South Korea playing on these speakers?
Political announcements? Direct messages to the NK people?
Nope!
Girls' Generation
Would you risk your life to escape a military dictatorship for this?
No, I'm not kidding. In response to North Korea's continuous attacks on South Korean soil over the last several years, SK has responded by ramping up broadcast songs. The aim is to win over the hearts and minds of potential defectors with upbeat K-Pop.
And it's working.
The latest song to be played over and over is Girls' Generation's song GENIE: Tell Me Your Wish. The song is about... well you can probably guess, these lovely ladies fulfilling your wish whether it be in regards to your romantic life or actual physical freedom. According to reports, this song is hottest item to be bought and sold in the North Korea BLACK MARKET.
Other than these public concerts, SK also uses the broadcast system to transmit simple local news concerning holidays, national events, etc that tap into Korean emotions. This stands in stark contrast with ongoing messages of war and conflict from the North Korea dictator.
Can you imagine how Russia or Iran would respond if we transmitted Britney Spears (the teenage version) through their airwaves?
What do you think? Is this an avant-garde way to conduct modern-day conflict? Or is this a futile attempt that devolves into political agitation and just plain silliness? Let me know your thoughts below!
I bet this has the additional side-effect of demoralizing the enemy soldiers on the opposing side who are required to hear it on repeat all day.
Given how belligerent and regressive NK is, this is probably a relatively good strategy. It's hard to call it aggression.
Very good point. The purpose of these broadcast may be achieving a number of goals. Thanks for the comment!
LOLOLl I knew they usually use those speakers to warn north korea when they have conflicts, but didn't know this! Following, hope to hear more funny stories!
governments are using whatever means possible to win the information war. N.Korea seems ridiculous here, but its probably ridiculously effective.
I'll probably do more research on the rate of defection but I agree that it's an unconventional yet effective tactic.
I know, it's pretty wild... =P
The speaker contest at the DMZ has been there for many years. It is indeed an interesting place with also the most dangerous golf course right in the DMZ :)
Only thing I find bit hard to accept is that it is quite hard for South Koreans citizens to visit the DMZ while every foreigner can travel around there, although I understand they want to prevent espionage.
Interesting post. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks for reading!
You are welcome:)
Let me see..
How many countries North Korea invaded?
0
How many outside military bases Nkorea has?
0
Has Nk began it's ballistic missiles test recently?
Answer: No, it has been going on since 2006. Never seemed to bother anyone before.
Question: what do NKorea , Syria and Iran have in common?
Answer: The absence of Zionist Central Bank.
Question: Which were the last 2 countries to get a Central Bank trough " Democratic, peaceful means"?
Answer: Iraq and Libya.
Okay.
North Korea's ballistic missile program dates back much further to the 80s. Its only since the Bush administration put NK onthe "axis of evil" hitlist did they decide to excellerate their conventional & nucler capabilities
I would stay in the North Korean gulag.
Haha to each his/her own...
Jemmi isso! interesting
Nice ... Always amazing photos
Thanks for the comment
역시 잘하십니다..ㅎㅎ
Thank you Mister Dubi~ I'm your fan. kkkk
제가 더 팬입니다~~ 힘써주십시요^^
hwa-ee-ting!
Psycological / Cultural warfare is probbably exactly what is required, as the people of NK are so heavily indoctrinated.
It can be hard to liberate people that dont want to be liberated, due to a lifetime of hearing nothing but state propaganda.
Is K-Pop the best weapon in that arsenal?
Hard to say.
Very hard to say but that is a very good point. Thanks for the comment!