North Korea’s Former Poet Laureate
When he first met Kim Jong-il, Jang Jin-sung was surprised to see the godlike figure crying to folk songs, stroking a Maltese puppy, and wearing high heels.
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Listen to Episode 187 of Slate’s The Gist:
Today on The Gist, a look at how propaganda thrives in North Korea from the perspective of Kim Jong-il’s former poet laureate, Jang Jin-sung. He’s the author of Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee—A Look Inside North Korea. For the Spiel, a new way to understand the fiery conversation about vaccines.
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