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[KOREA DURING WARTIME] Novaia Koreia [i.e. New Korea] #3 (July) for 1950

Pyongyang: Novaia Koreia, 1950. Item #1809

64 pp.: ill. 29x21,5 cm. In original illustrated wrappers. In very good condition, spine and covers slightly rubbed, ink name of subscriber on front cover.

An early issue of the North Korean propaganda magazine “New Korea” released some days after the outbreak of the Korean War. In Russian. Printed after July 29, 1950, according to the chronicle on the last pages. The contemporary map of the Korean peninsula is printed on p. 61 indicating settlements, railways, sea ports and borders of country divisions. The country boundaries with China and the USSR are determined. According to this map, Korea hasn't been divided into two independent states earlier, so the Demilitarized Zone isn’t drawn.
The magazine “New Korea” was created at the New Korea Publishing House in early 1950. Since 1959, it has been published as “Korea Today” at the Foreign Languages Publishing House. Being aimed at foreigners, the periodical was initially printed for Soviet readers only. Over time, the publishers significantly expanded the list of languages. Since 1951 the edition has been released in Chinese; since 1957 in English; since 1962 in French; since 1964 in Spanish and since 1980 in Arabic.
In 1948, as a result of Cold War tensions, the occupation zones in Korea became two sovereign states. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union while South Korea was supported by the United States and allied countries.
In the mainstream of the Cold War, the imported into the USSR magazine widely spread news on the atrocities of the American intervention in Korea and the heroic struggle of the North Korean Army against it. The issue published a few texts by captive American soldiers who admitted guilt for their actions and advocated the withdrawal of foreign [especially American] troops from Korea. A group photo of some captives is added. Also, pictures of pilots, a sunk American battleship, and voluntary units are published.
Until the fall of 1950, the South forces retreated. In particular, Seoul was first taken under control of the North Korean Army on June 28, 1950. According to the North Korean Constitution of 1948, Seoul was considered the capital of the country while Pyongyang was a temporary alternative. The issue features pictures of “North Korean tanks that were warmly welcomed by residents of Seoul”, street demonstrations and recovery works.

Worldcat shows the only copy located in LoC.

Status: On Hold