Kim Jong Un uses “influencers” of children as young as 11 to preach about their idyllic lives on social media in an attempt to spread North Korean propaganda.
Despite being one of the world’s most isolated countries – where the internet is banned and tourism is strictly controlled – these young girls try to sell North Korea as a thriving country full of endless possibilities.
An 11-year-old girl who speaks perfect English has more than 30,000 subscribers and her introduction video has been viewed more than half a million times.
Dressed in a floral dress in her pink bedroom, with rows of books and teddy bears behind her, Song A says, “Pyongyang, where I live, is a very beautiful and magnificent city. Have you ever been? When you come here you will be totally surprised.’
North Korea’s new leading influencer, who reportedly grew up in London, is part of a wave of young YouTubers who vlog about everyday life in Pyongyang, including trips to theme parks, water parks and even ice cream parlors.
Kim Jong Un (pictured with daughter on April 15) uses “influencers” of kids as young as 11 to preach about their idyllic lives on social media in an effort to spread North Korean propaganda
Song A (pictured), who is believed to be the daughter of a North Korean diplomat who worked in London, says Harry Potter is her favorite book
Song A, who is believed to be the daughter of a North Korean diplomat who worked in London, reveals that the reason for her fluent English is that her mother taught her the language at a very young age.
As she shows off her English by naming different body parts, her eyes can be seen darting to one side, often sounding like she’s reading something behind the camera.
She then adds, “My favorite book is Harry Potter, written by JK Rowling. I bet your favorite book is also Harry Potter. Next time let’s challenge who knows more about Harry Potter.”
During the pandemic, when North Korea was accused of covering up accurate Covid-19 statistics, Song A said in a video: “Everything is under control as before and everyone is fine.”
For decades, North Korea has been cut off from other nations, access to information and the outside world has been prevented, and citizens have no right to free speech.
In March, it was even reported that a North Korean agent would face a firing squad after he was caught using his internet privileges to “Google” Kim Jong Un.
Experts believe that these videos that keep popping up “represent an effort by Pyongyang to get people to like them.”
“This, while they have spent most of their time so far encouraging the international community to fear them,” added Dr.
He told MailOnline: “The videos themselves are interesting for several reasons. They tend to use females with the intention of creating a sense of innocence. The younger girl speaks with a Southern English (rather than American) accent.
“This is both mind-boggling and important. Perhaps Pyongyang sees this accent as an international signifier of integrity. Mention is made of Harry Potter in an effort to create bonds between young adults and children around the world.
“Having been to North Korea, I can tell you that most of the houses and streets are nothing like those in the background of the young woman’s video.
“Most people live in small and bare apartments and it’s rare to see cars outside of Pyongyang, let alone cars parked in a driveway like on a suburban street in Europe or North America.”
Another female influencer, who goes by the name of YuMi, posted a video of her trying out an ice cream shop
The video of YuMi trying out different ice creams has been viewed more than 150,000 times
The videos always contain a lot of praise for North Korean President Kim Jong-un
In more recent videos, Song A has made trips to a science center, a water park and a children’s hospital.
Filming herself with a selfie stick in the hospital, Song A tells viewers, “This is like a palace ruled by children and guarded by nurses and doctors.
“I thought the palace was a place for kings and queens and dancing and singing, but if you came here you’d know there’s a palace for patients.”
Song A’s grandfather is believed to be Pak Myong Guk, part of North Korea’s foreign ministry, while her great-grandfather, Ri Ul Sol, is believed to have been an elite military commander who guarded the Kim family.
As Song A’s channel continues to gain subscribers, it’s become clear she’s not alone.
Another popular female influencer named YuMi also shares videos showing North Korea as a country full of opportunities under the leadership of Kim Jong Un.
In a video by YuMi, which has been viewed more than 150,000 times, the young influencer browses a fridge of ice creams in a small shop.
At the beginning of the video, she says, “I’m feeling a little nervous. OK here we go.’
For decades, North Korea has been cut off from other nations, with access to information and the outside world prevented. Pictured: Kim Jong Un and daughter on November 27, 2022
Kim Jong Un built two new skyscrapers to resemble his “most powerful” missile in Pyongyang
Experts believe that these videos that keep popping up “represent an effort by Pyongyang to get people to like them.” Pictured: Kim Jong Un and his daughter on April 14
She later goes through the different flavors – including an ‘egg milk’ ice cream. As she pulls out the next one and points to the package, she says, “This is milk flavor—the picture is so cute.”
After leaving the store, she adds, “Almost all the ice creams you’ve seen in the store come from the Oil General Health Drinks Factory.
“It was built under the leadership of President Kim Jong-un, who wants to develop and produce more nutritious health drinks and nutritious foods for the people of Pyongyang.”
But in reality, the stock appears to be limited with only a single row visible in a refrigerator behind her during her taste test. And tables are sparsely filled during a visit to a fresh fish market in another cutscene.
Earlier this year, North Korean sources described chronic food shortages resulting from the pandemic and sanctions imposed on the country during Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
YuMi has also regularly posted videos, including vlogging about new streets, performances, restaurants and gyms.
People walk on the street at the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, North Korea on November 25, 2021
They all fall under her “tour series” in which she explores different parts of North Korea.
While filming a gym workout, she sits down to explain: “President Kim Jong-un turned it around [the building] to a modern fitness center.
‘He then provided concrete guidance on site and ensured that it was developed into an integral center for physical training and curative gymnastics.’
Park Seong-cheol, a researcher at the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights, said CNN that YuMi’s videos “look like a well-prepared play written by the North Korean government.”