Art as a Propaganda Tool: North Korea
- João Pedro
- Mar 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 18
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly known as North Korea, employs art as a fundamental instrument of propaganda. As a state-controlled endeavor, artistic production is dedicated to glorifying the regime, adhering to the principles of Socialist Realism, which is heavily influenced by Soviet and Chinese aesthetic traditions.
What is Socialist Realism?
Socialist Realism was the official artistic doctrine of the Soviet Union, designed as an ideological tool for the construction of socialism. It required art to depict reality in a truthful and historically accurate manner while always emphasizing revolutionary progress and the creation of the "new socialist man." Its goal was to educate and ideologically transform workers, rejecting bourgeois culture and exalting heroic figures associated with socialism. Inspired by 19th-century Realism, the movement was strongly influenced by the personal tastes of leaders such as Stalin and Lenin, promoting an art style that was accessible, comprehensible, and aligned with proletarian ideals.
Juche Ideology
Juche is the ideology created by the first leader of the DPRK, Kim Il Sung, based on the principle that human beings are masters of their own destiny, possessing independence, creativity, and consciousness. The doctrine emphasizes both national self-sufficiency and the independence of the working class, asserting that the emancipation of the people is only possible when they become the true holders of power. To achieve this, it is essential to establish a people’s power, with the political party playing a central role as a revolutionary force, promoting unity and cohesion between workers and peasants around the leader (cult of personality) and ensuring the effective implementation of independence without external interference.
In economic terms, Juche holds that self-sufficiency is the foundation of national sovereignty. Without an autarkic and independent economy, political and military autonomy cannot be guaranteed. Likewise, national defense is considered essential for sovereignty, but military strength does not rely solely on technology or weaponry; rather, it is rooted in the ideological fervor and revolutionary spirit of the army and the popular masses. This perspective is reflected in the Songun policy, which prioritizes the military sector, engaging the entire population in the construction of a genuinely popular army.
Furthermore, Juche promotes proletarian nationalism, arguing that revolution in one country contributes to the international socialist revolution, uniting national and global struggles for socialism.
Mansudae Art Studio
The Mansudae Art Studio, founded in 1959, is one of the largest art studios in the world, employing approximately 4,000 people. Its productions range from grand monuments to small watercolors and melancholic landscapes, all aligned with North Korean aesthetics.
The studio is composed of around 13 creative groups, covering various forms of art such as ceramics, sculpture, mosaics, and fine art painting, in addition to operating approximately 10 factories and several supply departments. Mansudae is the main institution responsible for the production and dissemination of North Korean propaganda, establishing itself as a fundamental pillar of the artistic and ideological expression of the regime.
The North Korean art produced by Mansudae Studio plays a crucial role in the ideological formation of the population, serving as an instrument of state propaganda. By following the principles of Socialist Realism and the Juche ideology, its works exalt the figure of the leaders, glorify the history of the country, and promote values such as loyalty, patriotism, and collectivism.
Statues depicting various soldiers, farmers, and workers during the anti-Japanese struggle:
Grand Monument on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea. Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
Through monuments, paintings, mosaics, and sculptures spread across North Korea, the government continuously reinforces the official narrative of the regime, portraying its leaders as protectors and guides of the nation. These visual representations create an atmosphere of veneration, contributing to the construction of a cult of personality around Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un.
“The Year of Shedding Bitter Tears,” by unidentified North Korean artists, depicts the funeral of Kim Il-sung in 1994.
Moreover, Mansudae's art also educates the population by depicting scenes of revolutionary struggle, hard work, and socialist progress, reinforcing the idea that collective effort and obedience to the State are essential for the nation's prosperity. This aesthetic is also reflected in media, education, and even urban design, creating a visual environment that shapes citizens' perception of reality and strengthens national unity under the regime's leadership.
Thus, North Korean art not only decorates public spaces but also plays a direct role in shaping national identity and maintaining political power, ensuring that State ideology remains present in the daily lives of the population.
Mansudae Art Studio Abroad: The Mansudae Overseas Project Group is responsible for all international projects. This division was created in the 1970s and has since developed projects in various nations, including Algeria, Botswana, Cambodia, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Malaysia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Senegal, Syria, Togo, and Zimbabwe.
North Korea, through Mansudae Art Studio, utilizes international artistic production as a strategic tool that provides diplomatic, economic, and propagandistic benefits. The construction of monuments in other countries strengthens its political and cultural relations, especially with governments that share ideological affinity or seek alternatives to Western influence. Additionally, the export of monumental works generates revenue for the regime, which is particularly significant given the international sanctions that restrict other forms of trade.
In terms of propaganda and prestige, Mansudae's work reinforces North Korea’s image as an artistic and cultural power, showcasing its ability to create grand and enduring monuments. These works also serve to spread the principles of Socialist Realism, promoting an aesthetic that values revolutionary and nationalist ideals. At the same time, by collaborating artistically with other nations, the North Korean regime expands its soft power, establishing strategic alliances and maintaining relationships with governments that may support it politically in international forums.
Thus, the Mansudae Studio's projects go beyond mere artistic production, functioning as a global influence tool that integrates art, politics, and economy to strengthen North Korea’s interests on the international stage.
Below are some of the projects carried out by the Mansudae Overseas Project Group.
GERMANY
The Art Nouveau "Fairy Tale Fountain" was completed in 1910. The original figures were melted down during World War II and were not replaced for a long time. Using photographs from the 1920s, they were reconstructed in 2005/06 by the Mansudae art studio.
CAMBODIA
Angkor Panorama Museum
ETHIOPIA
The Tiglachin Monument, a memorial to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
NAMIBIA
Heroes' Acre, an official war memorial of the Republic of Namibia.
The State House of the Republic of Namibia, the official residence and workplace of the President of Namibia.
Independence Memorial Museum
SENEGAL
African Renaissance Monument, representing Senegal's 50th anniversary of independence.
African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal. Photo: Sbreitinger
References
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