Control and propaganda: how the North Korean regime uses the heatwave to project stability

North Korea is experiencing a severe climate crisis, with record temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in most provinces, including a maximum of 42.5 degrees Celsius on August 2. This unprecedented heatwave has prompted authorities to allow massive movements of citizens towards coastal resorts, such as Wonsan Kalma.

These extreme weather events have generated a rare exposure of the daily life of North Koreans, with images broadcasted by state television showing people relaxing on beaches, an unusual sight for the regime in Pyongyang. This media openness suggests an attempt by the regime to use the climate crisis to project an image of stability and social relaxation to the international community, in contrast to the classic propaganda themes associated with militarization and strict control of information.