Pyongyang Allusions and Cultural References

When authors give shout outs to other great works, people, and events, it's usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • George Orwell, 1984 (1.2, 2.20, 2.22, 3.44-3.48, 4.110, 6.83, 7.104)
  • Karl Marx (1.41)
  • Sword of Damocles (5.77)

Historical References

  • Various leaders of North Korea, Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il are mentioned throughout, along with the Korean War.

Pop Culture References

  • Aphex Twin (1.5)
  • Corto Maltese (1.70)
  • Tintin (1.78)
  • Mister Bean (3.84)
  • The Soviet “Internationale” (4.35)
  • Daft Punk (5.36)
  • Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, “Get Up, Stand Up” (5.42-5.48)
  • Serge Gainsbourg (5.93)
  • Captain Planet (6.48-6.52, 9.92)
  • St. Germain Tourist (6.65)
  • Bimbo Jet (7.100)
  • “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow (7.100)
  • “Santa Lucia” (7.100)
  • Easy Rider (7.101)