North Korea officially bans private education as a manifestation of the capitalist lifestyle. However, this form of business thrives because it enables and accelerates the artistic careers of young Koreans. And being an artist in Pyongyang is very useful because it increases recognition in the eyes of various organizations and often allows you to avoid being drafted into the army or hard work, e.g. on construction sites. “When someone with musical talent comes to the organization, they can be sure that they will be warmly welcomed,” says a source for Daily NK.
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Artists in North Korea valuable for propaganda
One Daily NK source from North Korea's North Hamgyong province said that tuition fees at music “guesthouses” vary depending on the teacher and typically range from 120 to 300 Chinese yuan ($17 to $42) per month per student. In rural areas, some tutors even accept payments in kind, such as farm produce. Room and board fees are charged separately and are not the cheapest, but still “parents are lining up” for private tutors.
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Musicians are treated well in North Korea, including: due to the fact that the state willingly uses them for propaganda campaigns. Music is used to popularize the ideology of the North Korean regime. Many schools and enterprises organize artistic groups, and musicians playing guitars and accordions are especially welcome.
Private tutors organize monthly “talent shows” so that parents can see their children's musical development, Daily NK's source added.
