North Korea comes into focus at photo exhibit in Tehran 

July 3, 2018 - 18:12

TEHRAN – An exhibition underway at Tehran’s Palestine Museum of Contemporary Art is displaying photos of ordinary life in North Korea and a collection of books from the country, which has come into the spotlight in the world nowadays for its decision to normalize relations with the U.S. and its allies.

The showcase has been organized to celebrate the anniversary of Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s visit to North Korea in 1989 when he was Iran’s president.

“The photos and books feature North Korean people’s unity with their leader, their special spirit, their feelings, culture and achievements on economic projects and other fields,” Korean Ambassador Kang Sam-hyun told the Persian service of IRNA.

The photos depict Koreans enjoying ski resorts, successful factories, dynamic industrial cities, and a popular leader who is seen in meetings with the Korean people.

“This exhibition that is organized by the Korean government puts its focus on the progress and positive aspects of the country,” Iranian photographer Majid Saeidi told IRNA after visiting the exhibition.

He said that such exhibitions lack the investigative journalistic look.  

Due to travel restrictions from the Korean government, he also said Iranian artists have seen little of the country. According, he added that he has failed in his attempts to travel to the country.

The exhibition, which opened on Monday, also celebrates the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and North Korea.    

Photo: Visitors are seen in an exhibition of photos of North Korea at the Palestine Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran on July 2, 2018. (IRNA)

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