Diana Farah

North Korean influencers have been popping up on the feeds of many users on YouTube, showcasing the daily life in North Korea that people around the world can’t see.

The North Korean government is known to disseminate propaganda through social media; however, it remains unclear if the YouTuber’s videos are sponsored by the state or not. It is worth noting that the video sharing platform is completely banned in North Korea and has been fully blocked since April 2016. The North Korean government has warned that anyone who tries to access it is subject to punishment. 

One content creator, who goes by the name Yu Mi, has been active on YouTube since August 2022 on her channel ‘Olivia Natasha- YuMi Space DPRK daily.’

The influencer currently has about 5.1k subscribers and her most viewed video, titled ‘Workout at Tongil Street Fitness Center in Pyongyang-YuMi Tour Series,’ has about 40k views and shows Yu Mi working out at a typical-looking gym.

Her other videos involve her buying drinks and sweets at a grocery store, visiting an amusement park and eating bulgogi, or marinated stir-fried beef, at a restaurant.

Her channel was created on June 21, 2022 and currently has 10 videos.

Yu Mi’s videos consist of her giving commentary on how peaceful and normal life is in Pyongyang, she also goes around asking other residents for their opinions.

In one video, she asks people in Pyongyang about what they do in their recreational time. In another, she even goes on to ask residents whether they prefer Ronaldo or Messi.

Analysts say that the places Yu Mi visits are known for being enjoyed by those highest in the social and political order in North Korea.

Another influencer with similar content goes by the name of Im Song-a and is an 11-year-old YouTuber who also lives in Pyongyang.

She was identified as a daughter of a North Korean diplomat to the UK and great-granddaughter of Ri Ul-sol, an ex-marshal of North Korea’s Army, in July last year by Thae Young-ho, a North Korean defector.

Im Song-a has about 20.2k subscribers and typically posts videos that have to do with her daily life as a child. Her channel was created in January last year.

Currently, she has 12 videos published, with one even discussing life during quarantine. Her most viewed video accumulated about 387k views, in which she introduces herself and talks about North Korean life for children.

Im Song-a seems to have her comments section turned off, while Yu Mi receives comments expressing how wonderful life seems in North Korea, with quite a few praising North Korean leader Kim Jon Un, despite claiming they are from other parts of the world like the US, Russia and others.