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Musical Diplomacy in North Korea
The New York Philharmonic orchestra made music and history in North Korea last week. The musicians played a two-hour concert in the capital city of Pyongyang. That was a big deal, because foreigners are almost never allowed to visit North Korea. The concert was the first time any major American cultural group performed there.
The governments of North Korea and the United States have been at odds for a very long time. In 1950, the United States fought in the Korean War. The US was an ally of South Korea against North Korea. The war was fierce, and after three years a truce was declared. But South Korea has never signed that truce and the border between the two Koreas has been guarded ever since. North Korea often accuses the US of planning to invade their country and of spying. The US says that North Korea is developing nuclear weapons. Dictator Kim Jong Il rules the North Korean government. The country is very poor, and the North Korean people don't have as many freedoms as Americans or South Koreans do.
The musicians played many songs including the national anthems of both countries. The audience loved the concert, and gave the orchestra a standing ovation. Members of the philharmonic hope that the concert will help improve relations between the US and North Korea.
I'm Michelle and that's what happened in the world this week.
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