Will inter-Korean summit pave way for K-pop landing in North Korea?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talks to South Korean musicians after their performance at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, April 1. / Joint Press Corps

By Park Si-soo

The historic concerts in North Korea early this month featuring South Korean pop stars hinted that its leader Kim Jong-un had listened to K-pop ― or is possibly a fan.

Kim's unexpected comment “I know Red Velvet,” made after he attended the April 1 concert with his wife and key aides, was evidence of his possible affection for K-pop.

Red Velvet is a five-member K-pop girl band who rose to stardom with upbeat electronic music, stylish Western fashion and high-voltage choreography. Kim said he “adjusted” his schedule to see Red Velvet.

Seoul's cultural minister Do Jong-hwan, who watched the concert sitting next to Kim, said the young leader showed “great interest in the songs and lyrics (of the South Korean singers).

This raises the question: Will Friday's inter-Korean summit open North Korea to K-pop?

It's hard to say yes or no at the moment. In the North, listening to the pop music of its southern rival is considered a grave challenge to the regime and subject to tough punishment. Early this month, Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported that five North Koreans were accused of treason after being caught dancing to K-pop.

Nevertheless, hopes are rising in the South that the summit will do something to change that.

“I was moved watching the concert in Pyongyang,” wrote Eunhyuk, a member of K-pop boy band Super Junior, on his Instagram, Wednesday. “I hope the summit will expand musical and cultural exchanges between the two Koreas.”