- North Korea enhances English education despite anti-US sentiments.
- Kim Jong Un’s reforms prioritize practical English skills.
- English proficiency aids in job opportunities and global integration.
North Korea is significantly bolstering its English education programs under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, despite its hostile stance toward the United States. The country’s state-run media has been promoting the value of learning English, showcasing new initiatives like “English learning rooms” in schools and emphasizing practical language skills.
Defectors from North Korea note that English proficiency is increasingly seen as a valuable asset for better job prospects and higher social status. English skills are particularly crucial for those seeking managerial roles or opportunities to work overseas.
Kim Jong Un’s Strategic Push for English Proficiency
Despite its anti-American rhetoric, North Korea is intensifying its efforts to promote English education under Kim Jong Un. State-run media has been highlighting the importance of practical English skills, with new initiatives like dedicated “English learning rooms” in schools. The 2013 education reforms extended compulsory schooling to 12 years and introduced English from elementary school, aiming to enhance technological and scientific knowledge through better language skills.
North Korean defectors report that proficiency in English is becoming increasingly important for securing better employment opportunities. Those with strong English skills are often favored for higher positions and overseas assignments, where such proficiency is essential. Educational materials reflect this focus, prioritizing listening and speaking over grammar to ensure students can effectively use the language in real-world situations.
The 12-year Compulsory Education Code underscores the necessity of English for international exchanges and technological adoption. North Korean textbooks and educational resources post-reform emphasize practical applications, teaching students how to type in English and engage in conversations. This shift aims to better equip students for the demands of a globalized world, despite the country’s isolationist policies.
English education also plays a role in North Korea’s internal social dynamics, with fluency seen as a marker of being cultured and sophisticated. This perception was particularly pronounced during the diplomatic engagements between Kim Jong Un and former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the growing significance of English proficiency in the country.
North Korea’s strategic emphasis on English education underlines its recognition of the language’s importance for technological and scientific advancement, job opportunities, and international engagement, despite its outward hostility toward the United States.
“In the Kim Jong Un era, English has become an essential means to benefit from developments in global business and technology.”
