North & South Korea's Underground Information War
The border between North and South Korea, heavily guarded and fortified, is the unlikely battleground for a silent war: a war of information.
South Korea's Information Offensive
South Korea uses various tactics to penetrate the North's iron curtain. Giant loudspeakers blast South Korean pop music and subversive messages across the border. More subtly, thousands of USB drives and micro-SD cards, loaded with South Korean films, TV dramas, and news, are smuggled into North Korea every month. These efforts aim to challenge North Korean propaganda and expose its citizens to the outside world.
Kim Jong Un's Counter-Offensive
Kim Jong Un's regime, aware of the threat posed by outside information, is fighting back. Stricter laws have been introduced, increasing the punishments for those caught consuming or sharing foreign media. Border security has been tightened, with new electric fences making it more difficult to smuggle information across the border. The regime is also employing technological countermeasures, such as modifying phone software to eliminate South Korean slang.
The Impact of US Aid Cuts
Recent aid cuts from the US, a major funder of these information efforts, have further complicated South Korea's efforts. This has potentially given Kim an edge in this ongoing conflict. Steve Herman, a former VOA bureau chief based in Seoul, argues the move cut off “one of the very few windows into the world the North Korean people had.”
Defectors' Testimonials
Despite the regime's efforts, foreign media continues to reach some North Koreans. Defectors report that exposure to foreign media inspires dissent and motivates them to escape. The shows highlight freedoms and standards of living unavailable in North Korea, challenging Kim's narratives.
Crackdown on Cultural Influence
Recognizing the cultural influence of South Korea, Kim's regime has cracked down on related trends. Restrictions have been placed on language and dress influenced by South Korea. Members of 'youth crackdown squads', patrol the streets, tasked with monitoring young people's behavior and cracking down on South Korean cultural influences.
The Future of the Information War
The future of this information war remains uncertain. The information war's impact on the North Korean populace is undeniable.