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!