Reunification Messages in North Korean Songs

Abstract

This study aims to compile all North Korean songs related to reunification and ana-lyze their lyrics to understand the messages of reunification that the North Korean au-thorities sought to convey both domestically and internationally. Given that the core ele-ments of North Korea’s strategy toward the South and its reunification line are largely reflected in these songs, the study’s findings confirm that the North Korean authorities have been utilizing songs as a means of spreading the Supreme Leader’s pronouncements and the Party’s policies. This study holds significance in that it re-examines North Korea’s strategy toward the South and its dis-course on fatherland reunification from a fresh perspective, thereby presenting foundational data that can help provide an overall understanding of the implications of North Ko-rea’s existing reunification-related songs.