North Korea invites Britons to its version of X Factor – but rules are SLIGHTLY different

And there are strict rules about what can and can’t be sung, with music to be approved in advance and any surprises punished by disqualification.

Contestants will compete over three rounds before a panel of seven judges, including Kim Jong-un’s vice minister for culture, in the hope of finding fortune.

The one declared the winner will scoop $10,000 (£7,250) and a gold medal, with prizes of $5,000 (£3,650) and $3,000 (£2,175) for second and third place respectively.

Pyongyang’s Moranbong Theatre will host the final on April 12, after a last sing-off accompanied by North Korea’s National Symphony Orchestra.

In a bid to tempt foreigners, the regime will even throw in accommodation, board and basic medical coverage, as well as vocal coaching. 

Experts say the contest is an attempt by North Korea to present itself as a successful, modern state and a cultural destination.

Markus Bell, of the University of Sheffield, said this was true of other events too – like the Pyongyang fashion show and Pyongyang marathon.

He said: “This is part of North Korea‘s efforts to present itself to its people – and to a limited extent the world – as a strong, competent state and a desirable destination.

“It adds to the fashion show and marathon as events by which the regime showcases itself as a successful, modern state and as much a cultural destination as a fierce, nuclear power.” 

Dr Bell said it would also be a propaganda coup for North Korea to have foreigners singing praises to its deified past leaders, Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung. 

“There is a notable propaganda value in having foreigners perform North Korean revolutionary songs,” he said.

“The invitation to this event is written in Korean, English, Russian, and Chinese.

“This speaks to the powers that matter to North Korea and the kinds of people the regime would most like to see on stage, singing the praises of Kim Il-sung.” 

The North Korean songs contestants must sing are drawn from revolutionary operas said to have been written with personal guidance from Kim Jong-il.

Regime propaganda insists that the reason for the contest is simply to discover talented new singers and promote overseas exchanges and cooperation.

The contest was initially going to be called the Jongilbong Prize competition, and a promo video released last year set out some of the basics.

It said the winners would be invited to the Spring Friendship Art Festival Photos in Pyongyang, where they will meet “world-reputed figures in culture and art”.