South Korean singer Kim Lianzi, often hailed as the pioneer of the Korean Wave, has garnered a massive following over the years. Even the former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was known to be a superfan, inviting her to perform in North Korea. However, recent reports have emerged that North Korea has unexpectedly banned Kim Lianzi’s songs. Despite this ban, North Korean citizens have expressed that enforcing such a restriction would be challenging due to her overwhelming popularity.
According to Radio Free Asia, a resident of Hamgyongbuk Province in North Korea revealed to the radio station that the ban on Kim Lianzi’s music originated directly from the supreme leader, Kim Jong Un. The specific reasons behind the prohibition remain unclear, but it is said to be a direct order from Kim Jong Un himself.
This resident noted that it is unprecedented for a singer’s name to be explicitly mentioned in a ban order. Recently, a friend working at the social security office informed him that Kim Jong Un had issued the directive to censor her songs.
Describing the decision as “shocking,” the resident emphasized that Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un’s father, was known to be a huge fan of Kim Lianzi. Her music resonated deeply with the North Korean people due to its lyrics and singing style that closely aligned with their emotions.
Kim Lianzi, now 65 years old, made her debut in 1974 at the young age of 15. Her music is characterized by repetitive rhythms and vocal inflections. She rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, earning the love of older generations of South Koreans. She also found success as a enka singer in Japan.
In 2001 and 2002, Kim Lianzi held two concerts in North Korea, receiving a warm reception from the audience. The 2002 concert was held at the personal request of then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
During her time in North Korea, photos of her with Kim Jong Il circulated widely in the official media, receiving high praise for her performances.
Despite North Korea categorizing South Korean music, films, and TV shows as “capitalist” trash to be banned, Kim Lianzi’s music has always been treated as an exception by the North Korean residents.
North Koreans clandestinely enjoy South Korean songs and programs, typically smuggled in via SD cards and USB flash drives from China. Listening to K-pop or watching Korean dramas can result in severe punishment.
However, a resident in Pyonganbukdo Province in North Korea shared with the radio station that most North Koreans believe the ban does not apply to Kim Lianzi’s music due to Kim Jong Il’s fondness for her.
He predicted that Kim Lianzi’s songs will continue to be sung in North Korea, and even the police tasked with cracking down on these songs would pass on confiscated SD cards to friends and family for listening or singing together.