Jun-sang
Dong-wook
Dear Dong-wook,
We did it. A full Beatles concert. In Pyongyang. Well… sort of.
The hall was packed—workers, students, even some old comrades who probably hadn’t heard a single note of rock in their lives. And, of course, the government observer, sitting stiffly in the front row, making notes in his little book. We knew we had to be careful.
So, we made some… adjustments.
"Can’t Buy Me Love” became "Collective Prosperity is the Greatest Joy.”
"Help!" was now "Loyalty Guides Us Forward."
*"Revolution"… yeah, we didn’t even try that one.
But despite the rewrites, despite the nerves, it felt like the real thing. The guitars rang out, the harmonies soared, and for a moment, as the crowd clapped along (a little stiffly, but still), I could almost believe we were playing in some tiny club in Liverpool, not under the watchful eye of the State.
Afterward, the inspector nodded approvingly. "A fine performance of proper ideological spirit," he said. We’re still trying to decide if that was a compliment.
Still, we played. And somewhere, beneath the surface, I think the music still had its truth.
Next time, we might even try Hey Ju— …ah, never mind.
Your ever-cautious brother,
Jun-sang
"Loyalty Guides Us Forward" (Officially Approved Version of HELP! in Pyongyang)
[Verse 1]
Loyalty! We stand together, side by side,
Guided by the truth, our nation’s pride,
Every step we march, we won’t divide,
We follow the Leader’s way!
[Chorus]
Loyalty guides us forward every day,
Keeps us strong and never led astray,
Hand in hand, we build a bright array,
Together, we will shine!
[Verse 2]
We work as one, united in our cause,
Standing firm, obeying all the laws,
Through the struggle, we will never pause,
Advancing side by side!
[Chorus]
Loyalty guides us forward every day,
Keeps us strong and never led astray,
Hand in hand, we build a bright array,
Together, we will shine!
Related Postcards
