Could Kim Jong-un Have Watched 'The Interview'? Exhibitionism in North Korea and Beyond

The question of whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has seen the controversial film 'The Interview' is not merely speculative but has deeper implications for understanding the regime's willingness to expose its leadership to Western influences.

Fair Exposure to Western Culture

Contrary to the idea that North Korea is completely isolated from Western culture, the country has shown a degree of openness. For instance, films like 'Bend it Like Beckham' have been aired on television, and children receive cultural items such as Mickey Mouse backpacks. However, these cultural exchanges are heavily filtered and controlled. This means that the regime's people, including Kim Jong-un, may have limited and carefully curated access to such content.

Censorship and Film Exposure

The nature of North Korea's strict censorship policies presents significant challenges when it comes to Kim Jong-un's potential exposure to 'The Interview'. Foreign films are generally banned, especially those that depict the regime negatively. This is a stark reality for the country's people, and it suggests that such a controversial and satirical film like 'The Interview' would not typically be accessible to Kim Jong-un.

Even if high-ranking officials have illicit means to access foreign films, the content of 'The Interview', which satirizes the leader and the regime, would be a significant risk for their position and the country's stability. It is less likely that such individuals would seek out films that could be seen as challenging the regime's authority.

Response to 'The Interview'

The response by the North Korean government to 'The Interview' underscores its stance on Western influences. The film was condemned in 2002, when 'Die Another Day' was released. It is reasonable to assume that the regime would be similarly opposed to 'The Interview', further reducing the likelihood of Kim Jong-un watching it.

Possibilities and Speculations

Despite the significant barriers, it is plausible that Kim Jong-un has seen or is at least aware of 'The Interview'. Stalin, another historical figure known for his intense control over media, would intentionally keep himself informed of opposition underground press. Given his father's known film interests, it is not out of the question that Kim Jong-un shares similar tastes. However, such speculation is based on limited and uncertain data, making the exact extent of exposure highly speculative.

The regime's typical response to such content is to condemn it and control access to it. This raises the intriguing possibility that Kim Jong-un, or other high-ranking officials, could have seen the film through unofficial means, possibly to gauge public reaction or for personal interest. However, any such viewing would be a significant risk for the regime.

Conclusion

The question of whether Kim Jong-un has seen 'The Interview' reflects the broader tension between North Korea's closed society and its increasing engagement with the outside world. While it is fair to say that he may have some awareness, the actual exposure to the film itself, given strict censorship and the film's satirical nature, is not likely. Understanding this dynamics requires a nuanced approach, recognizing both the regime's control mechanisms and the rare instances of cultural infiltration that can occur.

The implications for these dynamics are significant for understanding not only the political psyche of the North Korean regime but also its potential vulnerability to Western influences. As such, the issue of 'The Interview' itself becomes a window into the regime's hesitance to completely isolate its leadership from Western media and entertainment.