Locating North Korea in Communication Research
London: Routledge (2025), xiv, 171 pp.
Contains figures, tables, index
Series: Routledge Research in Digital Media and Culture in Asia
ISBN 978-1-03-230662-9 (pbk); 978‑1‑003‑30613‑9 (ebook)
"This volume showcases continuity and change in communication with and within North Korea. By approaching the country from three distinct angles - news media, popular culture, and digital technology - the volume looks at media portrayals of North Korea, at cultural discourses in various media, and at the impact of new and emerging technologies. Taking a variety of communication studies perspectives, the book first addresses why North Korea matters for the general audience, academic audience, and communication scholars in particular, and how communication studies can benefit from studying North Korea. Drawing on insights from history and international relations, the book shows how the Cold War and Old-World Order shape media and communications in places like North Korea, as well as how the desire for people to communicate and to be understood can surpass such a regime's tight control. This multifaceted look at communication within this fascinating and under-studied nation will appeal to scholars, researchers, and upper-level students of communication studies, media studies, journalism, new and digital media, political communication." (Publisher description)
INTRODUCTION
Media Dynamics in North Korea: A Historical Overview and Post-pandemic Perspectives / Soomin Seo, Seungahn Nah, Dal Yong Jin, and Yong-Chan Kim, 1
SECTION 1: NEWS MEDIA AND NORTH KOREA
1 It Takes Two Wackos to Make History: The U.S. News Media’s Construction of the North Korea-United States Summits / Siho Nam, 9
2 China-North Korea Relations in Media and Communication: Shifting Narratives: China’s Emerging Dominance in North Korea Media Coverage / Seong-Hyon Lee, 27
3 Making News about North Korea: Changes in Journalistic Norms and Approaches Since 2000 / Soomin Seo, 46
SECTION 2: DIGITAL MEDIA, VISIONS, AND IMAGES
4 Mobile Phone Use and the "Trust" Network of Market Activity in North Korea / Sunkyung Choi, 67
5 Seoul in Pyongyang and Pyongyang in Seoul: The Mediated Cities in a Divided Land / Yong-Chan Kim and Piao Wenling, 81
6 Of Macs and Nikes: Desire and Authenticity in North Korea’s Child YouTuber Clips / Soomin Seo and Ye Ju Ki, 92
SECTION 3: NORTH KOREA, POPULAR CULTURE, AND PEOPLE
7 Views of North Korean Resettlers on Media and Media Literacy Education: A Ten-Year Comparison of Resettlers’ Experiences and Perspectives / Jiwon Yoon, 107
8 The New Visions of Shin Sang-ok in North Korean Cinema / Gabor Sebo, 126
9 Paths under the Bright Star: The Path to Awakening and the Transformation of North Korean Cinema in the Mid-1960s / Xiaoqian Song, 151
Media Dynamics in North Korea: A Historical Overview and Post-pandemic Perspectives / Soomin Seo, Seungahn Nah, Dal Yong Jin, and Yong-Chan Kim, 1
SECTION 1: NEWS MEDIA AND NORTH KOREA
1 It Takes Two Wackos to Make History: The U.S. News Media’s Construction of the North Korea-United States Summits / Siho Nam, 9
2 China-North Korea Relations in Media and Communication: Shifting Narratives: China’s Emerging Dominance in North Korea Media Coverage / Seong-Hyon Lee, 27
3 Making News about North Korea: Changes in Journalistic Norms and Approaches Since 2000 / Soomin Seo, 46
SECTION 2: DIGITAL MEDIA, VISIONS, AND IMAGES
4 Mobile Phone Use and the "Trust" Network of Market Activity in North Korea / Sunkyung Choi, 67
5 Seoul in Pyongyang and Pyongyang in Seoul: The Mediated Cities in a Divided Land / Yong-Chan Kim and Piao Wenling, 81
6 Of Macs and Nikes: Desire and Authenticity in North Korea’s Child YouTuber Clips / Soomin Seo and Ye Ju Ki, 92
SECTION 3: NORTH KOREA, POPULAR CULTURE, AND PEOPLE
7 Views of North Korean Resettlers on Media and Media Literacy Education: A Ten-Year Comparison of Resettlers’ Experiences and Perspectives / Jiwon Yoon, 107
8 The New Visions of Shin Sang-ok in North Korean Cinema / Gabor Sebo, 126
9 Paths under the Bright Star: The Path to Awakening and the Transformation of North Korean Cinema in the Mid-1960s / Xiaoqian Song, 151
