By Kwame Bediako
North Korean President Kim Jong-un has agreed to broadcast English Premier League matches in his country. This decision, while significant, comes with stringent restrictions that reflect the country’s cautious approach to international culture. The matches will not be aired live, as North Korea deems the window too Westernised. Instead, they will be re-edited to align with local standards and broadcast at a later convenience.
The agreement includes the omission of scenes featuring South Korean players. Players such as Son Heung-min of Tottenham, Kim Ji-soo of Brentford, and Hwang Hee-chan of Wolves will be edited out of the broadcast. This decision is likely motivated by geopolitical tensions between the two Koreas, as North Korea often takes measures to isolate South Korea in cultural exchanges, including sports and entertainment.
Another notable condition is the omission of English text visible in stadiums which will be replaced with Korean graphics, ensuring that programming remains localized. Furthermore, matches will be shortened, edited to remove any extra breaks or replays, reducing the timeline from 90 minutes to 60 minutes. The edited version will still retain key moments, but it will lack the full experience associated with live matches.
Additionally, the deal specifies the removal of any scenes that display LGBTQ+ symbols. Such scenes, even subtle ones, will be carefully edited out to ensure compliance with North Korean social and political standards. This reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining traditional values and avoiding international scrutiny that could arise from divergent content.
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