List of North Korean propaganda slogans

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North Korean propaganda uses slogans to tell citizens how to behave, think, and dress.[1] Their themes echo the propaganda of socialist countries, such as Maoist China, in emphasizing the strength of the military, the creation of a utopian society, and devotion to the state and the Supreme Leader.[2][3] Some slogans have urged Korean reunification (or support for bilateral relationship-building efforts such as the April Spring Friendship Art Festival[4][5]) but leader Kim Jong Un formally abandoned reunification as a goal in 2024.

Many slogans encourage the timely production of crops, such as vegetables, mushrooms, and other staple foods. These messages became more prevalent following the 1996 famine that killed an estimated 3 million people.[6] Slogans frequently contain calls to action designed to bolster patriotic feelings, encourage citizens to further the country's economy,[7] or support the sustainability and creation of renewable and non-renewable resources, such as electricity, coal and water.[a][b] They were also written to remind citizens of tasks and plans set up by the government, such as the "20 × 10 Policy", which aims to build "modernized" factories in 20 cities and counties per year over the course of 10 years.[9] Posters have been created to promote the April Spring Friendship Art Festival, the largest international competition in North Korea.[10][11]

An illustration of North Korean children killing an American soldier.
A poster depicting three North Korean children dressed as a soldier, sailor and airman shooting an American soldier, supported by one as a nurse. Translated: "It is exciting to play as soldiers beating and seizing the Americans."

Soldiers from capitalist countries, such as South Korea and the United States, are portrayed in a negative light, often depicted being killed or humiliated by North Korean soldiers.[7][12] In propaganda slogans, the American government and military are often referred to as "imperialists".[13] Posters have occasionally been made in support of Korean reunification, especially after the Inter-Korean summits,[7] but in 2024, North Korea formally abandoned efforts to peacefully reunify Korea.[14][15] A fundamental ideology in the country,[16] single-hearted unity,[c] also referred to as "single-minded unity", is the practise of uniting to pursue a common goal. In the case of North Korea, Kim Jong Un has stated that the population's thinking and morals are "united closely around the leader".[17]

Slogans by decade

Notes

References

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