Pyongyang Mansudae Cultural Mission

The Pyongyang Mansudae Cultural Mission, North Korea’s first cultural delegation to Singapore, arrived on November 4 under the leadership of acting Minister for Culture, Mr. Li Chang Sun. During their twelve-day goodwill visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Mr. Jek Yeun Thong, signaling a gesture of diplomatic warmth through cultural exchange. Founded in 1946, the troupe had previously toured Cuba, Europe, Asia, and Africa, presenting performances that reportedly drew near-capacity audiences. Their visit marked an early instance of cultural diplomacy between North Korea and Southeast Asia, foregrounding the role of performance in shaping inter-state relations during the Cold War era. Their visit in 1971 also included attending a performance by the People’s Association’s girls’ cultural troupe on November 12—an event showcasing eight dances reflective of Singapore’s multiracial makeup—marking a moment of mutual recognition through the language of performance.