북한 유년기 아동물에 나타난 미국 표상

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the representations of America in publications for children in North Korea and examine the process of North Korean children of internalizing America as an absolute evil. In North Korea, Kkotbongori is a children’s magazine that targets young children between four and five years old. The magazine defines America as the invader and reinforces the children's hostility towards America by summoning all the historical events of the past, including the Korean War. There is a special emphasis on the aspects of American imperialism as a brutal slayer close to a butcher of people. This representation requires attention as it can instill anger and hostility in children and further become an object of fear and horror. In North Korean society, the Dhole, American Imperialism is one of the most typical American representations. The Dhole is used for class education in children's books as cultured reading through various adaptations and variations. Children internalize its character and features, especially through the stories of personified animals in children's stories and fables, and it is connected to the representations of America. This study raises questions about this educational approach that emphasizes extreme hostility toward America. Following the inflow of foreign culture penetrating into the daily life of North Korea despite the regime's regulations, the new generation of North Koreans will feel a gap between education and reality. There should be alternatives, even in the goal of North Korea to complete a socialist system.