North Koreans don't need DVR technology any more. The most important purpose of these devices -- to fast forward through commercials -- no longer applies, now that the reclusive Communist state has banned television commercials from the airwaves.
According to the Yonhap news agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was upset when he saw commercials showing up on Korean Central Television in early July. The report quotes a source close to Kim as saying the ruler's response to the ad was: "What is this? That kind of rubbish appeared when China started reforms and openness." He was obviously pissed and hasn't been open to suggestions that he follow China's lead in embracing a limited form of capitalism.
Cha Sung-Su, head of the station, has been fired, according to Yonhap, and the last commercials were shown on August 31, 2009.
On July 2, the state's television station aired commercials for Taedonggang beer, according to the Unification Ministry in Seoul, South Korea. Since then, according to the weekly magazine Tongil Sinbo, demand for beer has risen. Of course, if they featured a few bikini-clad babes playing beach volleyball, the need for suds would spike, but one can only expect small, measured steps. There have also been commercials for the quail dishes served at the famous Okryugwan restaurant in Pyongyang, as well as for hairpins and ginseng.
Can't get enough footage about Korean beer, or anything else officially approved for consumption by outsiders? Well, if you speak the language, the interview below might be insightful.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-09-2009 @ 7:38PM
Isador Katz said...
Once again, I must give Kim Jong-il credit for holding the line and staying the course. Think about the wasted time and funds involved in promoting products that we don't need or want in the US. You do yourself and your people proud, Kim Jong-il. Thanks for setting a good example for all.