N Korea at crossroads

North Korea passes ban on South Korean slang

Authorities respond to growing ranks of K-drama fans in the North

20230119N North Koreans statue REUTERS

People walk away from statues of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, left, and late leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang after paying their respects in 2017. © Reuters

JUNNOSUKE KOBARA, Nikkei staff writer
January 20, 2023 03:47 JST

SEOUL -- North Korea has enacted a law to "preserve" the country's distinct version of Korean by cracking down on terms from its southern neighbor.

The Supreme People's Assembly this week unanimously approved the legislation on the "protection of the cultured language of Pyongyang," the official Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday.

Read Next

Latest on N Korea at crossroads

  • N Korea at crossroads

    North Korea shifts away from toxic rocket fuel with Russian help

    North Korea shifts away from toxic rocket fuel with Russian help
  • N Korea at crossroads

    End of U.N. North Korea panel creates gap in sanctions monitoring

    End of U.N. North Korea panel creates gap in sanctions monitoring
  • N Korea at crossroads

    North Korea leans on Russian ties to expand relations with Iran

    North Korea leans on Russian ties to expand relations with Iran

    • Sponsored Content

    About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.