North Korea’s ‘New DPRK’ YouTube channel: new public diplomacy attempt or international propaganda? A case study

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a research study on the videos posted by the New DPRK YouTube channel during a specific time period. The objective is to determine whether the channel represents a form of public diplomacy or international propaganda in the field of diplomacy. The study is based on the theoretical frameworks of public diplomacy and soft power by Joseph Nye Jr. and other authors. The videos analysed were categorised into twelve groups based on their objectives, target audience and composition. These categories provide a comprehensive understanding of the videos posted by New DPRK. In conclusion, the study suggests that although the YouTube channel exhibits some characteristics of a public diplomacy strategy, it does not align with the theoretical framework adopted in the study of public diplomacy.