North Korean state television has recently aired a new propaganda film detailing an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the late leader Kim Jong-il, with the assailant portrayed as a counter-revolutionary. This film, titled "Days and Nights of Confrontation," marks a significant moment as it addresses a previously taboo topic in North Korean discourse. The film was initially shown in theaters in Pyongyang last year, but it gained broader attention when aired by the state media in January, according to sources from South Korean media outlets.

The film is a continuation of the narrative established in the previous installment, "One Day, One Night," which was centered on an assassination attempt on Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea and grandfather of the current leader, Kim Jong-un. In this new cinematic portrayal, the plot revolves around an explosion on a train that aims to kill Kim Jong-il. The storyline intricately ties the actions of the current regime to its predecessors, highlighting the ongoing legacy of threats against the Kim dynasty, and reinforcing the government's narrative of vigilance against perceived counter-revolutionaries.

Receiving accolades, including three awards at the Pyongyang International Film Festival, this thriller adds to North Korea's long tradition of using cinema as a means of propaganda. It reflects the regime's efforts to consolidate power by creating a shared historical narrative that vilifies dissent and celebrates loyalty to the Kim family. The framing of both assailants as counter-revolutionary elements reiterates the regime's constant emphasis on internal security and the dangers posed by both external and internal foes, showcasing the state’s continued reliance on propaganda to shape public perception and maintain control over the narrative surrounding the leadership.