Pyongyang has called a political thriller commissioned by Channel 4 a "slanderous farce" and has threatened to sever diplomatic ties with the UK if the series is broadcast.
The Channel 4 drama Opposite Number will follow CIA and MI6 agents working on an undercover mission in Pyongyang to secure the release of a kidnapped British nuclear scientist before he is forced to help the country's nuclear weapons programme.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It went on to dismiss the show's writers as "hooligans and rogues under the guise of artistes" who are intent on spreading lies about North Korea. The show had been "orchestrated at the tacit connivance, patronage and instigation by 'Downing Street'", added the NDC.
The statement ends with a warning that the UK "would be well advised to judge itself what consequences would be entailed if it ignores the DPRK's warning".
Westminster, however, seems unfazed by the threats, telling the Daily Telegraph: "It is for Channel 4 to decide upon its programming schedule. British media is editorially independent of the British government, and as such we would not be involved in the development or production of programmes."
The UK currently maintains diplomatic relations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and even has an embassy in Pyongyang. Westminster insists its policy is one of "critical engagement" with regards to the country's nuclear programme and poor human rights record.
The show is written by British playwright and screenwriter Matt Charman. "North Korea is one of the last truly impenetrable nations on the planet, and one of the most dangerous for the West," says Charman. "I wanted to write a drama that could blow the lid off our understanding of who we think the North Korean people are and what their government truly wants."
-
Why is the Trump administration talking about ‘Western civilization’?Talking Points Rubio says Europe, US bonded by religion and ancestry
-
Quentin Deranque: a student’s death energizes the French far rightIN THE SPOTLIGHT Reactions to the violent killing of an ultraconservative activist offer a glimpse at the culture wars roiling France ahead of next year’s elections
-
Secured vs. unsecured loans: how do they differ and which is better?the explainer They are distinguished by the level of risk and the inclusion of collateral
-
Epstein files topple law CEO, roil UK governmentSpeed Read Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the US, is caught up in the scandal
-
Iran and US prepare to meet after skirmishesSpeed Read The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East
-
Israel retrieves final hostage’s body from GazaSpeed Read The 24-year-old police officer was killed during the initial Hamas attack
-
China’s Xi targets top general in growing purgeSpeed Read Zhang Youxia is being investigated over ‘grave violations’ of the law
-
Panama and Canada are negotiating over a crucial copper mineIn the Spotlight Panama is set to make a final decision on the mine this summer
-
Why Greenland’s natural resources are nearly impossible to mineThe Explainer The country’s natural landscape makes the task extremely difficult
-
Iran cuts internet as protests escalateSpeed Reada Government buildings across the country have been set on fire
-
US nabs ‘shadow’ tanker claimed by RussiaSpeed Read The ship was one of two vessels seized by the US military
