Music News

The hacker who broke into a North Korean radio station and started broadcasting hair metal

North Korea is one f-ed up country. Citizens are required to have a radio, but the only approved units tune only to North Korean radio stations. Attempts to listen to foreign broadcasts are, er, strongly discouraged lest the populace be exposed to ideas and concepts contrary to that of the Dear/Great Leader.

In November 2017, a hacker known as The Jester managed to break into a North Korean broadcasting facility used by the Pyongyang Broadcasting Station (known as–and I’m not kidding–Pyongyang BS) in the city of Kanggye, 185 miles north of the capital and along the border with China.

This particular facility was chosen with great care. Broadcasting at 621 and 1053 kHz (AM radio frequencies), 3250 and 6400 kHz (in the shortwave band), the station is used for alerts about nuclear tests or emergencies.

The Jester, who previously broke into jihadist websites and eve messed with the site run by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For his North Korean trick, he set it up so this song ran on repeat. Well done, son.

If you want to hear a recording of the broadcast, go to Digital Music News.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39679 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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