[imText1]Dandong, China — How do Pyongyang residents feel about the New York Philharmonic’s visit? The DailyNK surveys residents’ reactions.
“I never could have imagined an American orchestra in Pyongyang, the capital city of the Republic,” said Han, a North Korean student in Dandong, China. “It is thanks to the meritorious service of the General who directly leads with the military-first policy.”
“As North Korea advances to become a powerful country, thanks to the development of nuclear weapons, American is not trying to occupy, but to be friendly with our republic,” explained Han, who believed that such a visit would not have occurred had it not been for Pyongyang’s nuclear stockpile.
Han told the DailyNK that students’ interest in America has been growing as English classes have become widespread. Han believes that the orchestra’s visit will “amplify students’ interest in America.”
Jeong, another student in Dandong, also expressed surprise: “I can’t believe that a world-renowned American orchestra will perform in Pyongyang.”
“I am really interested in music. If I had stayed in Pyongyang a few days longer, I would have participated in the performance,” lamented Jeong. “After my friends watch it, I know they will not stop boasting about the experience.”
Jeong expressed uncertainty about who would be able to attend the concert live. “Foreign orchestra performances are so rare. Tickets will probably go to major party cadres and to members of the League of Socialist Working Youth and their families.”
In contrast to the two students, Ms. Kim, a Pyongyang resident, expressed concern about the crackdown that is sure to follow the performance.
“I was surprised that an American orchestra would come to Pyongyang. However, when the performance is over, I am worried about how terribly the authorities will attempt to control and threaten the people.”
Ms. Kim explained that Roh Moo Hyun’s visit to Pyongyang last October was followed by a harsh crackdown on market activities, and she is worried such actions will be repeated: “After this performance, it is obvious that the authorities will strictly regulate and supervise the people so they do not fantasize about America.”
A source from Shinuiju, North Pyongan, detailed the atmosphere of Shinuiju on the eve of the performance. “I don’t know about the Pyongyang mood,” explained the resident, “but here in Pyongan Province, residents don’t care.”
He added, “An American orchestra performing in Pyongyang is indeed shocking, but most people are more concerned about what will happen after the orchestra leaves town.”
North Korean authorities reportedly removed many of the anti-American slogans and banners from the streets of the capital ahead of the performance.
