The American TikToker detained in North Korea for mooning soldiers has been appointed the regime's prime media chairman. He got the job by promising to win the government one million Instagram followers.
The world reacted with bewilderment. Some questioned why the regime needs social media validation. Others wondered whether the appointment is a sincere attempt to bridge cultural divides or a cunning ploy to escape.
His first post as chairman, a sunrise over Kim Il Sung Square with the caption "no filter needed #DPRK," reached 40,000 likes before anyone in the country was allowed to see it.
The US government, which dismissed him a week ago, now says it is "watching with cautious curiosity."
