there's also a LOT of other stuff going on this just one element. but i need time to think about that more.

what is love if not allowing someone to look at you when you yourself don't know what they'll see there?

those weird tempo shenanigans in the prechorus right into that incredibly emotional chorus... oh yesh this is EVERYTHING i want in a song

Because that might be too relatable, might feel similar to how opression works in other countries, and we can't have that! So instead people resort to "all guys in north korea are forced to get the same haircut as kim jong un" (completely made up and ridiculous lie)

It's a completely dysfunctional view of how opression works. You can't say "North Korean culture places a high of value on a 'proper' outward appearance as an expression love for your country, which isn't great for trans or gnc people, or anyone who doesn't conform to beauty norms"

But if someone outside of the imperial core is opressed that must mean they are universally completely brainwashed, controlled, and in misery 24/7. If ANY regular North Korean citizen is having a good time, this must either be fake and propaganda, or proof the regime isn't bad after all.

Westerners see themselves as the only one with the right to be simultaneously opressed and human. The US is currently under an authoritarian government... it's still got airports, theme parks, and even a substantial amount of people (especially those with privilege) having a pretty good time.