'This, when they've spent most of their time up to now, encouraging the international community to be scared of them,' Dr Colin Alexander, a Political Communications senior lecturer specialising in East Asian politics at Nottingham Trent, added. In fact, in March, it was reported a North Korean agent would face a firing squad after he was caught using his internet privileges to 'google' Kim Jong Un.Įxperts believe that these videos which keep cropping up 'represent an attempt by Pyongyang to get people to like them'. Next time let's challenge who knows more about Harry Potter.'ĭuring the pandemic, when North Korea was accused of covering up accurate Covid-19 statistics, Song A said in a video: 'Everything is under control as it used to be and everyone is just fine.'įor decades, North Korea has been closed off from other nations, with access to information and the outside world prevented and citizens lack the right to free expression. I bet your favourite book is Harry Potter too. She then adds: 'My favourite book is Harry Potter written by J.K Rowling. North Korea's new leading influencer, who reportedly grew up in London, is part of a wave of young YouTubers vlogging everyday life in Pyongyang, including trips to theme parks, water parks and even ice cream shops. Have you ever been? If you come here you will be totally surprised.'

Wearing a flowery dress in her pink bedroom, with rows of books and teddy bears behind her, Song A says: 'Pyongyang, where I live, is a very beautiful and magnificent city.

Speaking perfect English, one 11-year-old girl who goes by Song A, has racked up more than 30,000 subscribers, while her introductory video has been watched over half a million times. Kim Jong Un is using child 'influencers' as young as 11 to preach about their idyllic lives on social media in a bid to spread North Korean propaganda to the world.ĭespite being one of the world's most isolated nations - where the internet is banned and tourism is strictly managed - these young girls try to sell North Korea as a flourishing nation filled with endless opportunities.

Eddie glaude book on james baldwin