A North Korean propaganda song, “Friendly Father,” is gaining unexpected popularity on TikTok. The catchy tune praises Kim Jong Un, the authoritarian leader of North Korea, and has young people worldwide dancing and posting remixes.
Jordan Daniels, a 31-year-old pianist and software engineer from California, posted a cover of the song on TikTok, noting his discomfort with its origins. Daniels clarified that he did not support the Kim regime despite its catchy melody. His video has been viewed over 19,000 times.
North Korea’s music, designed to be memorable and keep the population in line, is now reaching a global audience. Connor Blakley, founder of Youth Logic, points out that Gen Z often participates in viral trends without fully understanding their implications.
“Friendly Father” premiered in April at a housing project ceremony in Pyongyang. It features a music video with emotional performances from military officials and civilians. While banned from South Korean TV, it aired on a Japanese news segment and has since found viral success online.
A North Korean expert, Peter Moody, notes that while the song was intended for domestic audiences, its unexpected international popularity offers a rare glimpse into the isolated nation’s propaganda efforts.