North Koreans complained about government propaganda following media coverage of leader Kim Jong Un’s inspection of a tank unit, prompting the state security apparatus to take action, Daily NK has learned.
“When the marshal [Kim Jong Un] inspected the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division, the soldiers were photographed eating rice, meat, soup with red chili flakes, fresh vegetables and fruits. Most Chongjin residents who saw the photos dismissed them as propaganda,” a source in North Hamgyong Province told Daily NK on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Rodong Sinmun and other North Korean media reported on Mar. 25 that Kim had inspected the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division and the affiliated First Armored Infantry Regiment and watched the tank crews practicing obstacle-clearing and high-speed breakthrough drills, while also visiting the unit’s mess hall and barracks and taking an interest in the troops’ living conditions.
But according to the source, the soldiers’ unusually fine food attracted more attention from North Koreans than the tank unit’s military prowess, which the media coverage had sought to highlight.
The majority of Chongjin citizens who saw the photos and video of Kim’s inspection of the tank unit recognized that the media coverage was meant to emphasize North Korea’s military and economic status and inspire public pride, but said that the carefully staged propaganda was so far removed from reality that it only discouraged people.
Citizens who had already completed their military service were particularly irritated by the report, the source said. “I never saw this kind of [food] during my military service. I didn’t even get it on my birthday,” one said.
“This will get a big laugh from anyone who has been in the army,” another remarked.
“What makes me even angrier is that this propaganda is so on the nose,” said a third.