Louis Cole has released a video responding to media claims that his latest vlogs are propaganda for the North Korean government.
Travel vlogger Louis Cole has been criticised in mainstream media, by the likes of Forbes and Vanity Fair, for intentionally or otherwise becoming “a tool for propaganda”. Louis visited the country for ten days, with a surf school that gives classes to local tour guides and children.
Various publications have condemned Louis’ vlogs for failing to mention any of the issues surrounding life in North Korea, with many citing a 2014 UN report which contains evidence of alleged atrocities committed in the country.
The vlogs have also been condemned by Human Rights Watch for undermining the work of journalists who have exposed the conditions faced by North Korean citizens.
Phil Robertson, deputy director of the watchdog’s Asia division told The Independent: “Reporting from a government-controlled bubble is arrogant reporting that ignores what’s behind the façade. Cole does not even mention the grim daily reality of forced labour and other rights abuses suffered by ordinary North Koreans day after day. Incredibly, Cole adds insult to injury by criticising ‘negative’ media coverage from journalists who actually bothered to dig beneath state propaganda.”
Louis’ team sent a response to Forbes following the claims, which is now included in their article. The response denies allegations that the videos Louis uploaded were influenced or paid for by the North Korean government, saying: “This allegation is categorically untrue”.
Louis has also responded to the claims in a video on his channel:
He states: “I do not agree with the North Korean ideologies, but I do care for and love the people there”. He adds that the aim of his vlogs was not to investigate, but to document the positive experience he had as a tourist. He admits that he assumes a prior understanding of the political situation in his vlogs, and reflects that he could have encouraged viewers to research the issues in more depth.
UK YouTubers have responded to Louis’ vlog series and the response video. Emma Blackery, Hazel Hayes and Sammy Paul have all tweeted their concerns:
What's sad is I think he's a nice guy who messed up rather than a bad guy who's been caught out. It's impossible to be apolitical with NK.
— Sammy Paul (@ICOEPR) August 17, 2016
@RAI_NIK As I have said to Louis personally — I would've gone out, filmed it all, uploaded in one go with an intro about the atrocities.
— Emma Blackery (@emmablackery) August 17, 2016
@funforlouis I've done a lot of research into DPRK and raised a lot of money to help those that have escaped. Your coverage was detrimental.
— Emma Blackery (@emmablackery) August 17, 2016
@funforlouis Hey Louis. I did. And I believe it wasn't a paid deal. It just felt weird to me that you didn't even mention the troubles there
— Slayzel Slays (@TheHazelHayes) August 17, 2016
Louis has since continued to publish vlogs from his time in North Korea.
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