Hidden transcripts in marketplaces: politicized discourses in the North Korean shadow economy

Abstract

Although most North Koreans say ‘yes’ in front of power to avoid trouble, they murmur something different behind its back. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the ‘hidden transcripts’ of the ordinary powerless in contemporary North Korean society. Based on refugee testimonies, the paper examines how mere mortals question, mock, and challenge official rhetoric of the regime at the ever-prospering markets. In particular, a discourse analysis of ‘those who think differently’ and a practice analysis of ‘those who act differently’ are provided. The long-term effects of hidden transcripts of the ordinary powerless on the evolution of the North Korean system are discussed in the conclusion.

Keywords:

• North Korea
• hidden transcripts
• social resistance
• shadow economy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hyung-min Joo

Hyung-min Joo received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Korea University. His recent publications include “Is North Korea Putting All of Its Eggs in One Basket?” in North Korean Review (2011) and “Visualizing Invisible Hands: The Shadow Economy in North Korea” in Economy and Society (2010).