Portrayal of North Korea in Western Documentaries: Shaping Public Perception and Foreign Policy

Abstract

This study draws on Boulding’s national image theory and employs Herrmann’s image typologies as an analytical tool to examine how perceptions in Western countries influence documentary portrayals of North Korea. A comparison of documentaries by filmmakers from countries with and without official diplomatic ties to Pyongyang reveals that while both use emotional appeals, their narrative strategies diverge: non-diplomatic states emphasize threat and otherness, reinforcing hostile imagery, whereas diplomatic states highlight individual humanity to foster empathy. These portrayals reflect broader foreign policy orientations and align with different aspects of Herrmann’s six image types. The study argues that entrenched national images can hinder diplomatic engagement and concludes that critically reassessing these internalized perceptions is essential for more nuanced and effective foreign policy.