Overview
Coke is probably the world’s most widely consumed beverage. Its popularity knows no boundaries, however, in North Korea, it is completely banned. The reasons behind the North Korean government’s decision to ban Coke are many, not the least of which are concerns over American influence and national political instability. This article will explore the reasons why North Korea has banned Coke, historical context around the ban, and discuss the potential impacts of the ban on the North Korean population. It will also examine how a large-scale effort to remove American influence and promote local patriotism of North Korean culture has caused the ban on Coke.
Historical Context
In 1981, a new economic aid and trade agreement between the United States and North Korea was signed, allowing the Coca Cola company to enter the North Korean market for the first time. During this period, Coke continued to be consumed by North Koreans and even the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was reported to be a big fan of the American beverage, regularly drinking it himself. The brand even became something of a status symbol and many North Koreans would show off their Coca Cola cans at parties and other social events.
However, by the turn of the 21st century, things began to change and the presence of Coke in North Korea became more and more rare. In 2004, the first reports of a ban on the beverage started to circulate, and these rumors were eventually confirmed in 2010 when it was officially declared that Coke was to be banned in North Korea.
Reasons for Banning Coke
The North Korean government has cited several possible reasons for their decision to ban the popular beverage from their country. Firstly, the government has blamed the presence of Coke in the country for undermining local North Korean traditions and culture as well as promoting foreign values and beliefs. In addition, Coke has been viewed by the government as a symbol of American imperialism and they view it as being linked to American imperialism in the region.
Moreover, in a country where the right to engage in commerce is strictly regulated, Coke has been seen as a means of “embargo-busting,” exposing North Koreans to western products and ideas which are viewed by the government as subversive and dangerous. Additionally, the North Korean government has alleged that criminal groups have used Coke to launder money and evade taxes.
Potential Impacts of the Ban
The ban on Coke has had a wide range of potential impacts on the North Korean population. The immediate impact of the ban was the removal of an enjoyable and popular beverage from the lives of many North Koreans. Furthermore, many have speculated that the ban was an attempt by the government to limit the exposure of North Koreans to foreign cultural ideas and products.
Additionally, some experts have theorized that the ban has had a detrimental effect on the North Korean economy by sabotaging relationships with foreign companies like Coca Cola, and thus stifling the foreign investment and economic growth. Moreover, the ban has reportedly increased prices of other beverages in North Korea and has been speculated to cause food shortages as farmers increasingly rely on the production of food grains to make a living.
Large-Scale Efforts to Remove American Influence
The ban on Coke is just a part of a larger effort by the North Korean government to reduce the influence of American culture and promote North Korean patriotism. This effort has included the removal of American music, films and books from the country, while simultaneously increasing the promotion of North Korean culture and identity.
The North Korean government has also cracked down on the consumption of Mickey Mouse merchandise and other merchandise, such as t-shirts, that have been deemed to have an association with America. Moreover, the government has permanently banned foreign travel for North Koreans, further limiting their exposure to foreign countries.
The Effects of Ban on North Korean People
The ban on Coke has had variable effects on the North Korean population. For those who regularly consumed Coke, the ban has been a real loss and has caused feelings of sadness and dissatisfaction with the government’s decision. In some cases, the ban on Coke has even been a source of protest, as some have called for the government to lift the ban and allow the people to once again enjoy their favorite beverage.
On the other hand, some North Koreans have welcomed the ban and have seen it as a way of protecting their culture, as well as ridding their country of American influences. Moreover, some North Koreans view the ban as a positive sign that the government is serious about promoting their native culture and traditions.
Local Realities
Away from the public rhetoric, however, the ban has had real, tangible effects. The number of North Korean citizens bringing contraband – including Coca Cola cans – into the nation from neighbouring China has increased markedly, proving that the citizens are keen to experience the beverage.
The high demand for this illegal contraband has in turn given rise to a new black market system, with well-organised smuggling rings operating within the border regions. This system has encouraged some of the impoverished citizens to try and make money by transporting the beverage across the border despite the risk of arrest.
Furthermore, there are reports of the beverage being served at places such as the exclusive Yangdok Hot Spring Resort and other enclaves that the country’s elite frequent.
International Debate
Due to the North Korean government’s increasingly strident political rhetoric, the West’s view of the country and its choices has been continuing to become increasingly negative. In the international community, debates have intensified on whether or not the stance of the North Korean government is justifiable or simply a sign of a dependently isolationist policy.
The banning has given rise to various theories, including the possibility that the government’s attempts to limit access to western brands is designed to increase allegiance to their own products. This theory resonates with the drive to cut off foreign influence as a whole and to encourage North Korean people to build a more ‘local’ economy.
Theories such as these are welcomed by some North Korean citizens, while others remain disenfranchised with their government’s policies, believing that their beliefs and cultural values should not be suppressed by their government.
Controversy over Health Benefits
Proponents of the ban cite the health effects of consuming Coca Cola – containing high amounts of sugar, caffeine, and carbohydrates – as one of the main contributing factors to the removal of the American beverage. They also contend that its long-term effects could lead to negative health consequences such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
Critics of the ban, however, point out that the North Korean government has enforced a ban on other sugary drinks that have not been declared off limits due to possible health risks. In this regard, many argue that the ban of Coke has nothing to do with health and safety concerns, but is rather politically motivated.
Business Losses
In addition, businesses and companies that have relied on the sales of Coca Cola products have suffered unpredictable losses due to the ban. This includes popular cafes, restaurants, and groceries. In some towns, the ban has resulted in a significant loss of business, forcing previously thriving companies to close their doors and leaving many North Koreans without jobs.
These losses can be particularly damaging to rural areas and small towns that had been previously reliant on sales of Coke in order to sustain their businesses and local economy. Moreover, many small business owners are now struggling to make up the income that they had previously gained through the sales of Coca Cola.
Local Replacement
The North Korean government has tried to replace the popular American soft drink with its own domestic brand, Kumfang. This beverage, which has been suggested by many to be a direct ‘copycat’ of the famous Coca Cola brand, is designed to provide North Koreans with an alternative to the drink that has been banned. However, many North Koreans feel that the quality of Kumfang does not compare to the Coke that many have come to know and love.
Furthermore, Kumfang also faces issues of availability, as the beverage is being sold at very limited locations and often with severe shortages. Thus, this insufficient availability has caused various businesses to close their doors due to the inability to replace lost sales of Coke with alternative products.
Conclusion and Summary
The North Korean ban on the widely consumed beverage Coke is a result of the nation’s efforts to reduce and limit foreign influences. Whilst the ban has caused disappointment and hardship for North Koreans, the North Korean government has defended the ban by citing health and safety concerns and blaming foreign influences as one of the main contributing factors to the ban.
The banning of Coca Cola has had a wide range of potential effects on the North Korean population – both positive and negative. Additionally, businesses, particularly those in rural areas, have been significantly affected by the ban and have become increasingly reliant on Kumfang – the domestic alternative to Coke.
Finally, the ban has become a source of controversy within the international community, as debates continue over the legitimacy of the North Korean government’s actions.
