Conversation at the Raftohouse: Meet the propaganda painter who escaped from North Korea.

Throughout the 1990s, Song Byeok served the totalitarian state of North Korea as a propaganda painter. But in 2002, he managed to escape.

In an interview with TV2 this summer, Byeok shared that after several shocking experiences, he suddenly realized which regime he was actually serving.

'They tore our family apart until it was completely destroyed. At that moment, I understood that we had to leave this country, no matter the cost,' the former propaganda painter told TV2."

Art as Political Criticism

On Thursday, September 19, the Rafto Prize 2024 was awarded to the Cuban artist and human rights activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara.

Song Byeok, who now lives in Germany, also creates political art.

After experiencing the most extreme forms of oppression from the North Korean authorities, Song Byeok now uses his artistic talent to exercise political criticism, including against Western hypocrisy.

Among other things, he has made satirical jabs at Donald Trump and former South Korean President Moon for being evasive in their criticism of the conditions in North Korea.

A Rare Opportunity

The conversation with Song Byeok at the Raftohouse on Monday, September 23, is organized in collaboration with the South Korean embassy in Norway.

It provides a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of life under the North Korean regime, while exploring the strong role art plays in political expression and resistance.

Some of Song Byeok's artwork will be showcased, and the conversation will be led by Lise Rakner, a professor of political science at the University of Bergen.

UiB professor and China and Korea expert Esther Song will also participate.

The conversation lasts from 3:00 PM to around 4:30 PM and is open to all. Welcome!

Attende the event on Facebook here.