Faux Disney characters in North Korea

[Tom Morrow]

Faux Disney characters in North Korean leader's show

Disney Characters Perform in North Korea Time Magazine Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh took the stage in North Korea during a concert for new leader Kim Jong Un, in an unusual — and unauthorized — performance featuring Disney characters. Performers dressed as Minnie Mouse, Tigger and others danced and pranced as footage from Snow White, Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast and other Disney movies played on a massive backdrop, according to still photos shown on state TV. The inclusion of characters popular in the West — particularly from the United States, North Korea’s wartime enemy — is a notable change in direction for performances in Pyongyang. Actors and actresses also showed off new wardrobes, including strapless gowns and little black dresses. Kim himself established the group that performed, and the changes may be a sign that he is seeking to carve out a different image from his father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, by easing restrictions on Western culture, said Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korean studies professor based in Seoul, South Korea. The state-run Korean Central News Agency said Kim has a “grandiose plan to bring about a dramatic turn in the field of literature and arts this year.” Associated Press complete article

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Was That Mickey Mouse in North Korea? Wall Street Journal Kim Jong Eun and other top North Korean officials attended a variety show that included imitation Disney characters such as Minnie Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. The WSJ’s Isabella Steger speaks with South Korea Bureau Chief Alastair Gale. video Speakeasy — —

Related Article:

Kim Jong-un enjoys unauthorised Disney show (YouTube)
London Telegraph

Submitted by Ezra

[ShrunkenNed]

All I keep thinking of is an episode from the Simpsons.

"I'm Sherry Bobbins."
"Did you say Mary Po..."
"No, no... I'm Sherry Bobbins. A completely original character, like Rickey Rouse or Monald Muck."

[Ezra]

There's nothing Disney can do about the infringement. North Korea is one of the few countries left on Earth that has never entered into any world trade agreements, so they're not bound by international copy rights.

North Korea has suppressed anything modern or from outside cultures for decades. To actually showcase it in a performance for Kim Jong Eun is probably a sign of progress. Also, women appearing in off-the shoulder gowns and mini-dresses is significant in what has been a very repressive culture. This may be the first attempt by Kim to signal the world that old Stalinist ways are going to change under his rule.

Even if Disney could do something, I'm not sure that they should for two reasons: Politically, this is a good sign, and perhaps shouldn't be stomped on by the West. And, North Korea could become an emerging new market for Disney. North Korea could voluntarily enter into the kind of trade agreements that could be advantageous to Disney.

[bodhran105]

Ever since that missile failed- I mean- Hit it's... target... the sea...

I better quit.

So I guess copyright laws don't touch North Korea?

[Ezra]

So I guess copyright laws don't touch North Korea?

Nope. They never joined the World Trade Organization, and never signed any trade agreements with anyone. They're one of the last holdouts.

[bodhran105]

Ohh, sorry. Your post wasn't there when I posted mine. I guessed it was something where they had to work with trade agreements.

[Ezra]

I guess we were both typing at the same time. Sorry.

[Executioner]

Who knows what they are playing in that country, but it is strange that they they did this. The world can only hope they are showing a change in ways towards joining the rest of the world and modern society.