Not just Mickey Mouse: The New Korean dictator loves pop culture
Seoul (AsiaNews)
- Kim Jong-un, third son and heir of the late North Korean "Dear Leader" Kim
Jong-il loves Western popular culture. And
this, even if this does not guarantee an opening of the Stalinist regime, it at
least gives some hope for diplomatic relations with Pyongyang. The
latest evidence of this passion, discussed since his appearance on the national
political scene, comes from the great show last Friday broadcast by North
Korean state television.
In
addition to staging several Disney characters intent on dancing for the public -
a choice that has angered the U.S. company, who received no royalties - in the
course of the show clips from Rocky IV were
aired, dancers with short skirts and low cut tops and even a local version of
"My Way", the masterpiece of Frank Sinatra.
State
television repeatedly framed the dictator, of course, clapping and giving the thumbs
up to every performance. Even
the final scene of Rocky - when the American boxer sends his Soviet rival to
the rug - was greeted with applause despite the obvious political significance.
Added
to this show is the opening of a fast food restaurant in the capital, the
passion of the young dictator for Eric Clapton and his statement that
"Korea should take the best from each country and make it better." Although
it is not a real opening, some analysts believe it is a good omen for the
future.
A
representative of the South Korean Unification Ministry said: "For now
it's just entertainment, and the father also loved American movies and brandy.
We'll see: what is certain is that it will be easier to approach him, since
doesn't seem overly convinced of the ideology of his grandfather Kim Il-sung. "
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