June 2021
North Korean Sports Poster Series | 8
The North Korean Sports Poster Series is a collection of sports-related North Korean propaganda posters. Koryo Studio delves deep to explore the symbolism behind the works.
English translations provided.
Title: Healthy Physical Strength is the Guarantee of Increased Production and Happiness! // 건전한 체력은 증산과 행복의 담보!
Banners: N/A
Artist: Pak Sang Rak 박상락
Other: Published by the National Art Publishing House and printed by the Pyongyang Art Printing Factory // 국립미술출판사 발행 평양미술인쇄공장 인쇄
Year: 1958.8.1
North Korean Sports Poster
Healthy Physical Strength is the Guarantee of Increased Production and Happiness!
Comparing Physical Fitness with a Steelworker
The silhouette of the steelworker is no coincidence.
This North Korean sports poster was made just a year after the ‘Chollima movement’ which represented success in increased production following the Korean War (1950-53).
The Chollima movement first came to light in 1957 when Kim Il Sung popped in on workers at the Kansong Steelworks Factory requesting them to increase their capacity. Indeed, they well and truly did this. In the end, they produced 60,000 tons more than its capacity.
From then on, the term ‘Chollima riders’ referred to people who surpassed their production targets.
This movement was the in-thing of the time, referenced everywhere in fine art, slogans, sculptures, texts, and in this case, referencing a steel worker as someone to exemplify.
You should do your part, whether it be the traditional sport of high swinging, callisthenics, swimming or football. It is your duty to be as fit as a fiddle so you can contribute.
