North Korea's Viral TikTok Hit: Dictator Kim Jong Un's Anthem Takes the World by Storm

A propaganda song praising North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has become a viral sensation on the popular social media platform TikTok, sparking a mix of amusement and concern among users.

North Korea's authoritarian regime may be known for its strict censorship and repressive policies, but a propaganda song extolling the virtues of its enigmatic leader, Kim Jong Un, has unexpectedly captured the attention of TikTok users worldwide. The song, titled "Friendly Father," has become an unlikely viral hit, eliciting a curious blend of reactions ranging from amusement to unease.

According to BBC News, "Friendly Father" is a paean to Kim Jong Un, hailing him as the "great leader" and "friendly father" of the North Korean people. The lyrics urge listeners to "sing about Kim Jong Un" and "brag about him." TikTok users have responded with a mix of humor and disbelief, with some jokingly inquiring about the availability of the full album and others expressing amazement at the "dystopian" nature of the song.

The song's popularity on TikTok, a platform primarily associated with youth culture, highlights the peculiar appeal of propaganda music in the digital age. Despite North Korea's ban on Western and South Korean music, experts suggest that "Friendly Father" may resonate with listeners due to its catchy melody and upbeat tempo. Peter Moody, a North Korea expert at Korea University, characterized the song as "Abba-esque" in its infectiousness.

Alexandra Leonzini of Cambridge University believes the North Korean authorities intentionally crafted "Friendly Father" as an "earworm" with simple lyrics that are easy to sing and remember. Propaganda music in North Korea serves as a powerful tool for indoctrination, instilling loyalty and gratitude towards the regime. Defectors have reported that the government plays propaganda songs throughout the country every morning, and citizens are taught choreographed dances to accompany the music.

The lyrics of "Friendly Father" are explicitly designed to reinforce the cult of personality surrounding Kim Jong Un. Defectors have emphasized the profound impact that such songs have on North Koreans, who are constantly exposed to this propaganda from childhood. Keith Howard, a professor at the London School of African and Oriental Studies, explained that effective propaganda songs "embed the message" and ensure that the lyrics and ideology become deeply ingrained in the minds of listeners.

The viral success of "Friendly Father" on TikTok has served as an unexpected window into North Korea's carefully controlled media landscape. While the song may elicit amusement among some, it also raises concerns about the pervasive influence of propaganda in shaping perceptions and suppressing dissent within the country.