North Korea isn't the most popular country on the world stage, but for Swedish design studio Snask, much of that enmity comes down to a problem of image. The studio thus took on the task of rebranding the enigmatic east Asian nation, giving it a new flag, a new name, and (perhaps most importantly to those in the West) a new ideology.
Snask's North Korea rebrand is part of an ongoing series in Icon magazine called 'Rethink,' which gives designers a chance to redesign anything from Martian imagery to soccer jerseys. Snask's Rethink project is called 'Love Korea,' and it encourages the country to change its name to exactly that. The new flag uses a similar aesthetic to the DPRK's current banner, but it replace the emblem with a heart that incorporates elements of the Korean word for love.
What's Driving This Trend
- National Rebranding Campaigns
- Opportunity for design studios and branding agencies to reimagine and transform the image of countries or organizations.
- Rethink Projects
- Platform for designers to showcase their creative thinking by redesigning various aspects of different subjects.
- Cultural Exchange Through Design
- Designers can leverage their skills to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding through visual communication.
Who This Affects Most
- Design Studios
- Design studios can explore new and innovative approaches to rebranding countries or organizations to reshape public perception.
- Branding Agencies
- Branding agencies can offer their expertise in strategic rebranding initiatives, helping nations or companies to create a new and impactful identity.
- Media and Publishing
- Media outlets and publishing platforms can provide a space for designers to showcase their rebranding projects and foster discussions around cultural perceptions.
