Tokyo — In North Korea, the release of Taylor Swift's new double album was completely overshadowed by the surprise drop of another brand-new song, complete with an elaborately produced music video. There were no tortured poets in sight for the release of "Friendly Father," an energetic pop-style piece of state propaganda praising North Korea's dictatorial leader Kim Jong Un.
The accompanying music video, released by North Korean state-controlled media this week, showcases numerous seemingly ecstatic residents of all ages singing catchy lines such as: "May this night never end, dear beautiful night of Pyongyang. The people believe and follow him with one heart! Let's boast of Kim Jong Un, a friendly father!"
The song has the charm of a beerhall polka — and the potential to become a propaganda classic.
"Friendly Father" was also performed live at a lavish event, with clips broadcasted by North Korean state TV, to celebrate the inauguration of a new apartment complex reportedly containing 10,000 homes in the capital city, Pyongyang.
Kim, as portly as ever and wearing a black leather jacket, was pictured arriving at the ceremony in an armored limousine believed to have been gifted to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The video, featuring cheering soldiers, beaming children, amped-up pop singers and an ecstatic marching band, was professionally shot and edited. Analysts say it's part of a push to recreate and reenergize the leadership cult around Kim, whose family has ruled over North Korea since the country's founding in 1948.
The happy utopia it depicts, however, is a cruel lie, and it likely won't fool many people inside or outside the Hermit Kingdom.
Not far beyond the cheering crowds and shiny new buildings, more than 25 million North Koreans live in crumbling housing with restricted access to health care and modern amenities, and no freedom of movement or expression.
North Korea remains one of the poorest countries on earth. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said almost half of its population was undernourished as recently as 2022.
More recent statistics aren't available, as Kim sealed his country's borders completely during the pandemic.
Following recent events, the Kim regime has allocated significant resources towards constructing fencing and guard posts along North Korea's border with China in order to prevent its citizens from fleeing. Despite the struggling state of the country's economy due to sanctions, the "Friendly Father" has prioritized the development and testing of ballistic missiles intended for carrying nuclear warheads.
While Kim may appear affable in public appearances, his actions reveal a different reality. The people's apparent loyalty to him is not by choice, but rather a result of his relentless pursuit to maintain power at any cost.
