김정은 시대 북한 공연예술의 현황과 특징

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the current status and characteristics of North Korean performing arts during the Kim Jong-un era. During the Kim Jong-il era, literature and art were prominently noted as the core of propaganda and agitation. However, in the Kim Jong-un era, the field of literary and artistic creation is experiencing a severe downturn. Such stagnation is not limited to performing arts; it extends across all facets of literary and artistic endeavors. In the realm of cinema, there has been a noticeable dearth of new productions, with not a single new film introduced in the six years following the production of three art films in 2016. This severe slump in the creation of new works extends beyond the cinematic sphere and is indicative of a broader trend across all domains of literature and art. With the exception of sporadic one-off performances, notable works that have been introduced as new creations in the field of performing arts are limited to the light comedies “Showdown”, “Scent”, “Northern Region”, the one-act play “Starting Point”, the opera “Eternal Victor”, and the play “Eternal Service”. The underlying factor contributing to the decline in the cultural and artistic landscape can be attributed to a shift in roles. The subjects and formats previously associated with propaganda have undergone transformation. The primary agents of propaganda have transitioned from artists to ‘cells’, the grassroots organizations within the Labor Party. Additionally, the formats employed have shifted towards practical business methods using specific numbers and edited materials. To compensate for the lack of substantial content, works from the Chollima period and extravagant spectacles were introduced. The celebration performance held on major holidays have featured extensive use of high-tech technologies including large electronic screens, colorful ‘fire decorations’, laser lighting, media facades using large buildings, and drones. These developments in performance reflect the Kim Jong-un regime’s emphasis on scientific and technological achievements. It is anticipated that North Korean performing arts will continue to prioritize the spectacular format of performances over the artistic substance of their content.