Pyongyang: North Korea’s recent art performance commemorating the anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea featured elements seemingly influenced by K-pop and other external cultures, as shown in footage broadcasted by the country’s state-run television station.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the footage from Korean Central Television displayed a North Korean female singer with a “bowl haircut” performing a synchronized group dance with background dancers. This art performance took place on Sunday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Notably, the singer and her backup dancers diverged from traditional attire, opting instead for a white trouser suit, short skirts, and high heels.

The performance also included traditional North Korean songs rearranged into fast-paced tunes, indicating a blend of cultural influences. Despite North Korea’s strict enforcement of three so-called evil laws to prevent the influx of outside information and culture, the presence of South Korean cultural elements in the recent performance suggests a strategic allowance of external influences to bolster domestic ideology.

Furthermore, North Korea’s mass games, part of the party anniversary celebrations, featured circus-like acrobatics. These mass games have faced criticism from the West as potential human rights violations, with reports suggesting participants endure long hours without restroom breaks or food to maintain synchronized movements.