'Robotic' N.K. weather broadcast shifts to more casual, modern style
SEOUL, April 29 (Yonhap) -- North Korea appears to have deviated from its signature stiff recitation of its daily weather broadcast and decided to add some "human touch" to it, as the state television network has revealed some noticeable changes in the style of delivering news.
The North's Korean Central Television (KCTV) has begun to air a somewhat different version of its regular weather forecast since last Saturday.
While it's the same anchorwoman reading the weather news, she's not nearly the same in terms of her gestures, which show a marked contrast from the earlier news format.
She now stands in front of a large screen displaying a satellite image of the Korean Peninsula, and on Sunday, she used hand gestures to explain in a kind manner that there would be thickening clouds. North Korean anchors are usually seated in news programs.
In contrast to an artificial and inflammatory tone of voice -- a default familiar to those who keep tabs on North Korea -- the weathercaster stressed her words with controlled intonation and rhythm.
She softly tapped the screen to move on to the next picture like she was using a touchscreen, in what appears intended at proving that the North is capable of employing modern technology in the news program, although it cannot be verified.
The weathercaster even made a blunder at one point during the program, when she repeatedly read part of the script to keep in line with the movements of the graphics. Making a mistake while on air was considered a serious breach of conduct and is known to be subject to heavy punishment.
Observers said such a change in the mode of news broadcasts, although most were probably meticulously programmed, can be seen as another attempt by the North to show that its regime is a modernized state and is pushing for more changes.

This composite picture, filed on April 29, 2019, shows a change in the weather forecast by North Korea's state television station, Korea Central TV. The weathercaster is standing and uses a soft hand gesture in the photo at bottom, a contrast to the previous version pictured at top in which she appeared seated in a more traditional way. (Yonhap) (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
BTS' J-Hope tries long hair in photo book to be released this month
-
BTS fails to win Grammy for 3rd consecutive year
-
DP hits back at Yoon's office over stock manipulation allegations involving first lady
-
Candidate registration opens for PPP leadership race
-
(LEAD) Candidate registration opens for PPP leadership race
-
BTS fails to win Grammy for 3rd consecutive year
-
DP hits back at Yoon's office over stock manipulation allegations involving first lady
-
Jay Park's Won Soju to be sold in U.S.
-
(2nd LD) Search under way for 9 missing after fishing boat capsizes
-
(LEAD) Ahn calls off campaigning activities amid row with Yoon's office
-
BTS fails to win Grammy for 3rd consecutive year
-
Pirates' Choi Ji-man says 'deeply hurt' to be dropped from WBC team
-
Ex-gov't employee summarily indicted for alleged attempt to sell Jungkook's lost hat
-
(LEAD) 23 Thai tourists out of contact after arriving in Muan Int'l Airport
-
(LEAD) N. Korea calls for 'perfecting' war readiness posture in meeting chaired by leader Kim