North Korea’s 99 Red balloons fly by

North Korea is teasing the world with nuclear weapons in a parallel dynamic with Russia.

Let's talk about North Korea’s activity over the last week. It is confirmed North Korea, Kim Jong un, sold ballistic missiles to Russia for President Putin to use in his war in Ukraine. North Korea has tested advanced technology for hypersonic warheads and underwater nuclear weapons systems. North Korea has also solicited the help of Russia to test those systems using satellite communications.

North Korea has dissolved language concerning reconciliation with South Korea. When North Korea agreed to place reconciliation on the table it was a major step. Now, this political tool is gone. Kim Jong Un stated that while he wants to avoid war, he won’t hesitate to launch nuclear weapons.

These actions in the last few weeks are indicative of the messaging process, which I discussed in a previously post, by the Russian Federation. The propaganda portrayed life in North Korea as the height of Marxist communism in action. How the people love Kim Jong Un. How splendid life exists in North Korea free from Western evils. This content was specifically in Russian, so an English speaking audience will be not see direct effects.

It leads one to wonder why Russia would want to change perspectives of life in North Korea to Russians. Perhaps, there will be an open exchange of goods and services, border arrangements, or exchange programs for businesses or citizens. All signs indicate Russia and North Korea’s relationship is evolving publicly.

We need Nena. I would ask if you recall the 80s hit song 99 Red Balloons (English version) 99 Luftballons (German version). But if you say no it will make me sad. Nena's 99 Red Balloons is about the precarious actions that could trigger the launching of nuclear weapons. The dark theme all to the tune of an 80s pop beat.

This iconic piece of cultural Cold War history had people dancing while thinking about critical world events. The Cold War and Arms Race may have ended in 1991, but we stepped into a parallel dynamic with North Korea and Russia. As before, we need popular culture to bring us through on a global scale. 

Combined with North Korea’s relationship with Russia and its threats of nuclear weapons, the world needs to apply as much pressure as possible on both these nations. The USG has its resources and tools. Without the active support of the entertainment sector, it becomes a one man band.

With Mark Zuckerberg building a mansion bunker off the coast of Hawaii, frankly people see Armageddon nearing. North Korea’s missile tests and threats affect America’s mood. We all remember when Kim Jong Un threatened to target Los Angeles over the Interview in 2014. The Obama Administration had to intervene with the film’s release.

99 Red Balloons alarmed people to the reality of an accidental nuclear war. It forced pressure on governments to communicate differently. In the 1980s Western culture -music, movies, TV shows- did not alone conquer the Arms Race. Culture did rally people in the same direction.

99 Red Balloons gave a sense of perspective, too. There is something better to this world. This will not help North Korean’s much as they are prescribed music. Surely, their leader is able to listen.

Lately, the only entertainer I have heard weave North Korea’s behavior into an apolitical conversation is Kat Williams. Both on Club Shay Shay and Joe Rogan in 2024. Comedy is a great start, but music is universally understood. There is transcendence in music.

We need you, Nena. We need you to sing about red balloons triggering nuclear war. North Korea is throwing out all sorts of signals. Wo sind Sie? Wir brauchen Ihre Hilfe! Est gibt zu viele Luftballons...

~E

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