Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop
Defectors tell the BBC that despite restrictions, K-pop has cut through in the stifling dictatorship.
Breakthrough research
Clear Feed signalJul 17, 2026Clear Feed signal
Breakthrough research
A shareable signal card for a notable story in the feed.
Signal ledger
24h
35
Signal score
1
Cues
BBC World
Source
Breakthrough research
Primary signal cue
Share card1200 x 630