EFL
SEOUL — Karaoke is part of everyday life for many Koreans, most of whom love to sing. So popular is karaoke that even in communist North Korea — known as the "Hermit Kingdom" — singing rooms are proliferating, according to recent reports by North Korean sources.
Mainly in the former restaurants that have all closed due to lack of product.
| Just means more space for the dance floor ... |
In addition to the obligatory 'Let's safeguard socialism,' the available songs include harmless Korean traditional folk tunes enjoyed both in South and North Korea before the country was divided. "People know South Korean songs because of the Korean cultural trend sweeping throughout Asia and they love to sing them in private, but they are not available in singing rooms," said Lee Nam-Shik from Shineuiju, across from the Chinese city of Dandong. "Besides, they may get into trouble if caught singing South Korean songs, although the 'Dear Leader' seems to like them."
No indication if anything from Team America is available.
Of course, there are special cases where South Korean songs are allowed publicly. "Those people are trained to give a good impression to South Korean tourists, to demonstrate that they enjoy full freedom in the North," Lee, who now lievs in China said. "If you think that's the case for ordinary North Koreans, you are grossly mistaken."
But George Galloway says they are better-off than in the hellhole to the south.
"The average wage for North Korean workers is about 2,500 Won. Workers can use up a month's earnings in less than an hour's singing," said Lee. "I did not realize how funny it was singing songs like 'Let's Safeguard Socialism,' and 'Bless the Workers' in a karaoke place — and paying for it — until I saw singing rooms here in China."
Funny? Obviously gallows humor. |