PSYOP HISTORY

Psywar Leaflets from the Korean War

The J. B. Haynes Leaflet Collection, 1st Radio Broadcasting & Leaflet Group

Published January 2020

1st Radio Broadcasting & Leaflet self-created insignia
1st RB&L Group self-created insignia

Less than five years after the end of World War II, on 25 June 1950, the North Korean People’s Army (NKPA) crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea, starting the Korean War. Woefully unprepared, the U.S and its United Nations (UN) allies scrambled to defend the Republic of Korea. One of the U.S. Army’s shortcomings since the end of WWII was psychological warfare (psywar). In June 1950, the Tactical Information Detachment (TID), at Fort Riley, KS, was the only psywar unit on active duty. Three months later, it deployed to Korea and was re-designated as the 1st Loudspeaker and Leaflet (L&L) Company. Aided by the Psywar Division, G-3, Eighth U.S. Army (EUSA), the 1st L&L provided tactical psywar support to combat units across the peninsula. Joining the 1st L&L a year later was the 1st Radio Broadcasting and Leaflet (RB&L) Group, a strategic psywar asset of the UN Command (UNC) and the Far East Command (FECOM). Below are 1st RB&L Group leaflets, each with a brief explanation of its design and purpose. Between June 28, 1950 and July 27, 1953, theater psywar elements produced and disseminated some 2.2 billion leaflets, promoting the surrender of thousands of North Korean and Chinese Communist troops.

Leaflet was requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet designed to encourage defection because of cold weather North Korean People’s Army must endure.
Leaflet was requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet designed to encourage defection because of cold weather North Korean People’s Army must endure.
Wounded enemy soldier visualizing food, a fire and medical aid.
Wounded enemy soldier visualizing food, a fire and medical aid.
This leaflet stresses the casualties suffered by the Korean army.
“7,500 Korean companies destroyed” This leaflet stresses the casualties suffered by the Korean army.
Leaflet designed to show how the war is affecting civilians.
Leaflet designed to show how the war is affecting civilians.
Portrait of soldier staring at the stumps of his arms. In the background is a dreamlike presentation of the same soldier holding his son at arm“s length.
Portrait of soldier staring at the stumps of his arms. In the background is a dreamlike presentation of the same soldier holding his son at arm’s length.
Outstretched hands reaching toward the UN symbol against, a background of light.
Outstretched hands reaching toward the UN symbol against, a background of light.
Designed to show the individual Korean soldier that the communists have not kept their promises of the “good life.”
Designed to show the individual Korean soldier that the communists have not kept their promises of the “good life.”
“Communist aggression writes the Korean tragedy!”
“Communist aggression writes the Korean tragedy!”
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to show civilians that communist propaganda hides the truth from them.
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to show civilians that communist propaganda hides the truth from them.
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to discredit the communist regime of Korea because of its betrayal of the people through fallacious reforms
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to discredit the communist regime of Korea because of its betrayal of the people through fallacious reforms
Suggested and requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet (for Plan “Eris”) designed to create dissension between Chinese Communist Forces and North Korean People’s Army. Leaflet exploits the fact that the Chinese Communist Forces has virtually taken over control of North Korea industry, railroads, economy, etc.
Suggested and requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet (for Plan “Eris”) designed to create dissension between Chinese Communist Forces and North Korean People’s Army.
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to convince target audience that Soviet Control of Korea is the aim of North Korea Communist leaders.
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to convince target audience that Soviet Control of Korea is the aim of North Korea Communist leaders.
Another in a series of leaflets under Plan “Eris,” the purpose of which is to create dissension between NKPA and Chinese Communist Forces. Leaflet exploits long standing desire of Chinese leaders to colonize Korea with Mao Tse Tung and the Chinese Communist Forces being the latest invader.
Another in a series of leaflets under Plan “Eris,” the purpose of which is to create dissension between NKPA and Chinese Communist Forces.
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to show that Communism has deprived everyone of their individual freedoms.
Leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to show that Communism has deprived everyone of their individual freedoms.
Political cartoon type illustration of a Russian General demanding North Korea as ammunition from Kim Il Sung.
Political cartoon type illustration of a Russian General demanding North Korea as ammunition from Kim Il Sung.
Designed to show another winter of war and death approaches while communists stall at peace talks.
Designed to show another winter of war and death approaches while communists stall at peace talks.
This leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to show that the North Korean Civilians are being deceived and that Russia is their real master.
This leaflet (for Plan Fraud) is designed to show that the North Korean Civilians are being deceived and that Russia is their real master.
Designed to induce the farmers not to work for the comnunists.
Designed to induce the farmers not to work for the comnunists.
Designed to induce the farmers to assist the partisans.
Designed to induce the farmers to assist the partisans.
Leaflet exploits the Chinese-Russian plot to divide North Korea and the exclusion of Kim Il Sung from the recent Sino-Russian conference in Moscow.
Leaflet exploits the Chinese-Russian plot to divide North Korea and the exclusion of Kim Il Sung from the recent Sino-Russian conference in Moscow.
Designed to remind the North Koreans of Kim Il Sung’s aggression three years ago, and to show that the UN is determined to counter further aggression.
Designed to remind the North Koreans of Kim Il Sung’s aggression three years ago, and to show that the UN is determined to counter further aggression.
Leaflet (for Plan Patriot) is designed to commemorate the 1919 Korean revolt and to show that people in North Korea should revive the spirit of that time to fight comunist slavery.
Leaflet (for Plan Patriot) is designed to commemorate the 1919 Korean revolt and to show that people in North Korea should revive the spirit of that time to fight comunist slavery.
This leaflet (No. 3 for Plan Patriot) contrasts life under the Communist flag with life under the banner of the UN. The slogan “Tong Il Dog Lip Manse (Long Live Korean Independence and Unification!)” will again be utilized.
This leaflet (No. 3 for Plan Patriot) contrasts life under the Communist flag with life under the banner of the UN. The slogan “Tong Il Dog Lip Manse (Long Live Korean Independence and Unification!)” will again be utilized.
This leaflet (No. 2 for Plan Patriot) is essentially a surrender leaflet.
This leaflet (No. 2 for Plan Patriot) is essentially a surrender leaflet.
Massive UN guns, tanks and planes arrayed against a single North Korean soldier armed only with a rifle. Drawing has been purposely distorted and magnified to create the illusion of power.
Massive UN guns, tanks and planes arrayed against a single North Korean soldier armed only with a rifle. Drawing has been purposely distorted and magnified to create the illusion of power.
Illustration showing Kim Il Sung addressing an “Anniversary Rally” at which the greater part of the guests are the skeletons of North Korean Communist soldiers.
Illustration showing Kim Il Sung addressing an “Anniversary Rally” at which the greater part of the guests are the skeletons of North Korean Communist soldiers.
Leaflet designed to accentuate soldier’s fear of our artillery.
Leaflet designed to accentuate soldier’s fear of our artillery.
Leaflet titled “Where is Your Food?” With winter coming, what will happen to this homeless woman and her children?
Leaflet titled “Where is Your Food?” With winter coming, what will happen to this homeless woman and her children?
“Why be hungry?” Korean leaflet enticing Korean communist soldiers to escape to U.N. lines.
“Why be hungry?” Korean leaflet enticing Korean communist soldiers to escape to U.N. lines.
Leaflet presents number of Koreans dead and wounded from time battle line discussions were started until a decision was reached.
Leaflet presents number of Koreans dead and wounded from time battle line discussions were started until a decision was reached.
Winter scene illustration of wounded soldier. In the background are soldiers around a fire.
Winter scene illustration of wounded soldier. In the background are soldiers around a fire.
Leaflet (for Plan Hold-up) stresses continued aggressive policy of Communists--directed from Moscow.
Leaflet (for Plan Hold-up) stresses continued aggressive policy of Communists—directed from Moscow.
Designed to show North Korean troops that Communist graft and corruption are depriving the people of what is rightfully theirs.
Designed to show North Korean troops that Communist graft and corruption are depriving the people of what is rightfully theirs.
Leaflet (for Plan Deadlock) is designed to show that Korean unification under the communists would mean slavery and subservience to Russia.
Leaflet (for Plan Deadlock) is designed to show that Korean unification under the communists would mean slavery and subservience to Russia.
Requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet designed to exploit lack of helmets in North Korean People’s Army.
Requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet designed to exploit lack of helmets in North Korean People’s Army.
Designed to get farmers of Hwang Hae-Do to withold rice from communist collectors.
Designed to get farmers of Hwang Hae-Do to withold rice from communist collectors.
Leaflet (for Plan Deadlock) designed to show UN is working to unite Korea in freedom.
Leaflet (for Plan Deadlock) designed to show UN is working to unite Korea in freedom.
Designed to evoke nostalgia because soldiers are away from home during Fall Festival
Designed to evoke nostalgia because soldiers are away from home during Fall Festival
“The Sky Thunders -- The Earth Rocks Human Flesh Cannot Stand Against Tanks and Planes”
“The Sky Thunders -- The Earth Rocks Human Flesh Cannot Stand Against Tanks and Planes”
Cartoon leaflet discussing false promises made to drafted soldiers in the North Korean army.
Cartoon leaflet discussing false promises made to drafted soldiers in the North Korean army.
Leaflet exposing Kim Il Sung as an impostor masquerading under a famous name.
Leaflet exposing Kim Il Sung as an impostor masquerading under a famous name.
Cartoon showing a Russian pushing a Chinese Communist, who in turn is pushing a North Korean soldier forward.
Cartoon showing a Russian pushing a Chinese Communist, who in turn is pushing a North Korean soldier forward.
Anti-morale leaflet in connection with New Year's.
Anti-morale leaflet in connection with New Year's.
Korean “Good Treatment” Leaflet. Panel of 3 photographs of North Koean POWs, showing clothing being issued, rice being received and medical treatment being dispensed.
Korean "Good Treatment" Leaflet. Panel of 3 photographs of North Koean POWs, showing clothing being issued, rice being received and medical treatment being dispensed.
U.N. plans for Korean unity and prosperity, and the Communists’ attempt to destroy these plans.
U.N. plans for Korean unity and prosperity, and the Communists’ attempt to destroy these plans.
Anti-Morale Leaflet. Principal illustration shows North Korean routes of supply being smashed by UN planes; cartoon on reverse side shows bombs carrying flags with designs suggesting various of the UN active in Korea.
Anti-Morale Leaflet. Principal illustration shows North Korean routes of supply being smashed by UN planes; cartoon on reverse side shows bombs carrying flags with designs suggesting various of the UN active in Korea.
Cartoon on the right showing UN troops receiving inoculations; in the left panel, the conventional Eastern symbols of “Evil Spirits” labeled Sickness, Disease and Death are shown attacking North Korean soldiers who have not received preventive medicine. On the reverse side of the leaflet, a North Korean prisoner of war is shown receiving UN inoculation and destroying an “Evil Spirit” representing Disease.
Cartoon on the right showing UN troops receiving inoculations; in the left panel, the conventional Eastern symbols of “Evil Spirits” labeled Sickness, Disease and Death are shown attacking North Korean soldiers who have not received preventive medicine.
Designed to illustrate that Communist Party members in the enemy forces will receive the same good treatment given all other North Korean People’s Army soldiers who surrender to UN Forces.
Designed to illustrate that Communist Party members in the enemy forces will receive the same good treatment given all other North Korean People’s Army soldiers who surrender to UN Forces.
Designed to persuade Communist officers to surrender by appealing to their sense of responsibility to the men of their command.
Designed to persuade Communist officers to surrender by appealing to their sense of responsibility to the men of their command.
Three panel illustration on page 1, depicting from left to right: starvation, shellfire and exhaustion. The reverse side portrays Communist soldiers surrendering to UN troops.
Three panel illustration on page 1, depicting from left to right: starvation, shellfire and exhaustion. The reverse side portrays Communist soldiers surrendering to UN troops.
Illustration showing barricade of dead North Korean soldiers.
Illustration showing barricade of dead North Korean soldiers.
Portrait of a UN soldier repairing the broken toy of two Korean children, Reverse side illustration: figures representing North and South Korea joining hands against a background of the UN flag and individual flags carrying the words: PEACE, UNIFICATION AND REHABILITATION.
Portrait of a UN soldier repairing the broken toy of two Korean children.
Illustration showing U.N. war material production, with planes, tanks, guns and vehicles ready to be loaded on ships
Illustration showing U.N. war material production, with planes, tanks, guns and vehicles ready to be loaded on ships
Leaflet designed to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Communist stand on the 30th Parallel.
Leaflet designed to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Communist stand on the 30th Parallel.
North Korean soldier standing on battlefield with dead around him. He covers his eyes.
North Korean soldier standing on battlefield with dead around him. He covers his eyes.
Illustration portraying Tangun, Legendary father of the Korean nation, reuniting Korean soldiers now with the Communist Army and those with the ROK.
Illustration portraying Tangun, Legendary father of the Korean nation, reuniting Korean soldiers now with the Communist Army and those with the ROK.
Illustration of woman and child. Looking down at them is an unconcerned Chinese communist soldier.
Illustration of woman and child. Looking down at them is an unconcerned Chinese communist soldier.
Illustration of a wounded soldier. In a dream world representation is the face of a woman.
Illustration of a wounded soldier. In a dream world representation is the face of a woman.
This leaflet is designed to educate yet reach the enemy soldier on an emotional level. For this reason the fable style was used in the text.
This leaflet is designed to educate yet reach the enemy soldier on an emotional level. For this reason the fable style was used in the text.
“The world you knew … The UN is working to restore it.”
“The world you knew … The UN is working to restore it.”
Family feast setting, including the phantom-like figure of the soldier to whom the leaflet is addressed.
Family feast setting, including the phantom-like figure of the soldier to whom the leaflet is addressed. “Yours will be the empty place at your family’s new year reunion … in the hearts of your family there is great emptiness … ”
The dead of Korea petitioning for the return of their lives.
The dead of Korea petitioning for the return of their lives.
Illustration of a tired soldier. Above him in a dream is a dead soldier.
Illustration of a tired soldier. Above him in a dream is a dead soldier.
Illustration showing giant Soviet soldier snaring the three North Korean cities of Chongjin, Najin and Unggi.
Illustration showing giant Soviet soldier snaring the three North Korean cities of Chongjin, Najin and Unggi.
Illustration showing several ships - The type used during the Imjin War.
Illustration showing several ships - The type used during the Imjin War.
Designed to show both troops and civilians that Communist domination of Korea means cultural subjugation.
Designed to show both troops and civilians that Communist domination of Korea means cultural subjugation.
Suggested and requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet attempts to show individual enemy soldier the fallacy of the Communist “Land Reform” program.
Suggested and requested by Psywar EUSAK. Leaflet attempts to show individual enemy soldier the fallacy of the Communist “Land Reform” program.
Leaflet for Plan “Patriot” points out that the Korean farmer’s life under Communist rule consists of endless forced contributions to support the government.
Leaflet for Plan “Patriot” points out that the Korean farmer’s life under Communist rule consists of endless forced contributions to support the government.
Designed to contrast people’s life under the regimes of the Republic of Korea and Communist Korea.
Designed to contrast people’s life under the regimes of the Republic of Korea and Communist Korea.
Leaflet (for Plan Liberator) is designed to exploit the seventh anniversary of Korean liberation by showing that Russia did not help Korea until Japan’s defeat was certain, then substituted communist oppression for Japanese rule in North Korea.
Leaflet (for Plan Liberator) is designed to exploit the seventh anniversary of Korean liberation by showing that Russia did not help Korea until Japan’s defeat was certain, then substituted communist oppression for Japanese rule in North Korea.
Leaflet (for Plan Invader) is designed to convince audience that the war could have been over long ago except for communists long range plan for world conquest.
Leaflet (for Plan Invader) is designed to convince audience that the war could have been over long ago except for communists long range plan for world conquest.
Designed to show that Korean puppet rulers permit continuation of the of war while their Chinese masters stall on repatriation issue at peace talks.
Designed to show that Korean puppet rulers permit continuation of the of war while their Chinese masters stall on repatriation issue at peace talks.
Designed to instruct students how they may help their people and to warn them against following in footsteps of present administrators.
Designed to instruct students how they may help their people and to warn them against following in footsteps of present administrators.
Designed to show puppet communist leaders of Korea take orders from Russia and China.
Designed to show puppet communist leaders of Korea take orders from Russia and China.
Designed to induce farmers to resist excessive demands upon their time and energy.
Designed to induce farmers to resist excessive demands upon their time and energy.
Designed to discourage the North Korea Farmer and to induce his escape to ROK.
Designed to discourage the North Korea Farmer and to induce his escape to ROK.
Leaflet, based on a Time magazine cover, is designed to cause Kim Il Sung to lose “face” by showing his subservience to Stalin.
Leaflet, based on a Time magazine cover, is designed to cause Kim Il Sung to lose “face” by showing his subservience to Stalin.
Leaflet was suggested and requested by Psywar EUSAK. Designed to observe the fifth anniversary of founding of North Korean People’s Army.
Leaflet was suggested and requested by Psywar EUSAK. Designed to observe the fifth anniversary of founding of North Korean People’s Army.
Designed to alienate the NKPA soldier from communism by predicting a needless death if he continues to serve in the NKPA.
Designed to alienate the NKPA soldier from communism by predicting a needless death if he continues to serve in the NKPA.
Designed to create resentment between North Korea civilians and communist leaders who requisition housing for troops, and to induce civilians not to turn their homes into military targets by billeting communist troops.
Designed to create resentment between North Korea civilians and communist leaders who requisition housing for troops, and to induce civilians not to turn their homes into military targets by billeting communist troops.
Designed to create North Korean resentment of Chinese Communist Forces because of the arrogance of Chinese Communist Forces soldiers.
Designed to create North Korean resentment of Chinese Communist Forces because of the arrogance of Chinese Communist Forces soldiers.
Designed to create dissension between North Koreans and Chinese Communist Forces by showing one case of a Chinese Communist Forces soldier having violated a Korean woman as typical.
Designed to create dissension between North Koreans and Chinese Communist Forces by showing one case of a Chinese Communist Forces soldier having violated a Korean woman as typical.
Designed to create dissension between North Koreans and Chinese Communist Forces by showing that Chinese Communist Forces control North Korea railways.
Designed to create dissension between North Koreans and Chinese Communist Forces by showing that Chinese Communist Forces control North Korea railways.
Designed to intensify dissension between North Korea people and North Korea communist regime because of tax drain imposed by the communists
Designed to intensify dissension between North Korea people and North Korea communist regime because of tax drain imposed by the communists
Designed to turn North Korea college students against North Korea communist regime because of supression of free education.
Designed to turn North Korea college students against North Korea communist regime because of supression of free education.
Designed to intensify the bitterness of ex-students in the NK, directly toward their communist regime by showing that the communists draft schoolage youths for hazardous duty in their aggressive war.
Designed to intensify the bitterness of ex-students in the NK, directly toward their communist regime by showing that the communists draft schoolage youths for hazardous duty in their aggressive war.
Designed to curry North Korea middle school student disfavor for North Korea communist regime by stressing better opportunities for South Korean students, and forced discontinuance of North Korea students’ education to go to army or labor camp.
Designed to curry North Korea middle school student disfavor for North Korea communist regime by stressing better opportunities for South Korean students, and forced discontinuance of North Korea students’ education to go to army or labor camp.
Designed to weaken allegiance of North Koreans to their communist government by showing that communists suppress the truth and propagate manifest lies.
Designed to weaken allegiance of North Koreans to their communist government by showing that communists suppress the truth and propagate manifest lies.
Designed to induce farmers to have their fields checked by military demolition squads before beginning their spring plowing by showing that many shells and bombs on their land may be duds.
Designed to induce farmers to have their fields checked by military demolition squads before beginning their spring plowing by showing that many shells and bombs on their land may be duds.
Designed to support North Koreans’ dislike of their communist regime because of its watchdogs and constant intrusions upon the people’s privacy.
Designed to support North Koreans’ dislike of their communist regime because of its watchdogs and constant intrusions upon the people’s privacy.
Designed to reinforce resentment of North Koreans toward their communist regime by showing that communist taxes result in a shortage of food for the people.
Designed to reinforce resentment of North Koreans toward their communist regime by showing that communist taxes result in a shortage of food for the people.
Designed to embitter North Koreans against the Chinese Communist Forces for prolonging the war.
Designed to embitter North Koreans against the Chinese Communist Forces for prolonging the war.
Designed to alienate North Koreans from their communist regime by showing that its army brings danger to civilian life and property.
Designed to alienate North Koreans from their communist regime by showing that its army brings danger to civilian life and property.
Illustration of an old Korean scholar with a horsehair hat on and smoking a pipe, seated in front of a group of young Korean students teaching them the customs and morals of the Korean people.
Illustration of an old Korean scholar with a horsehair hat on and smoking a pipe, seated in front of a group of young Korean students teaching them the customs and morals of the Korean people.
Designed to create animosity between the North Korea soldier and his communist masters by pointing out to the soldier that his family back home is not being cared for and that his children are being sent to foreign lands.
Designed to create animosity between the North Korea soldier and his communist masters by pointing out to the soldier that his family back home is not being cared for and that his children are being sent to foreign lands.
Designed to create dissension between the soldiers and civilians of North Korea and the Chinese Communist Forces by showing them that the Chinese Communist Forces monopolize the hospitals, nurses and medicine of North Korea but fail to treat the soldiers of North Korea.
Designed to create dissension between the soldiers and civilians of North Korea and the Chinese Communist Forces by showing them that the Chinese Communist Forces monopolize the hospitals, nurses and medicine of North Korea but fail to treat the soldiers of North Korea.
Designed to invoke nostalgia on the part of the North Korea soldiers and civilians, and alienate them from their Communist Masters by showing them that they are being forced to fight an aggressive war in North Korea.
Designed to invoke nostalgia on the part of the North Korea soldiers and civilians, and alienate them from their Communist Masters by showing them that they are being forced to fight an aggressive war in North Korea.
Designed to encourage acts of petty nuisance by the North Koreans which will embarrass their Communist Masters in North Korea.
Designed to encourage acts of petty nuisance by the North Koreans which will embarrass their Communist Masters in North Korea.
“Your Leaders can’t produce tanks and the Russians will not provide them!!! Don’t smash your body against UN steel! Escape to the UN lines and safety.”
“Your Leaders can’t produce tanks and the Russians will not provide them!!! Don’t smash your body against UN steel! Escape to the UN lines and safety.”
Steps to be taken by North Korea soldiers in surrendering to UN Forces.
Steps to be taken by North Korea soldiers in surrendering to UN Forces.

FURTHER READING

Harris Presses & Psywar Leaflets The 3rd Reproduction Company, 1st Radio Broadcasting & Leaflet Group

1st RB&L Group Products for Korea The J. B. Haynes Leaflet Collection

The “Proper Ganders” 1st RB&L Group: Strategic Psywar in Korea

The Ganders Strategic PSYWAR in the Far East Part I: Introduction and Movement to the Far East

The Ganders, Part II 1st B&L Group Conducts PSYWAR in Korea

From a Standing Start U.S. Army Psychological Warfare and Civil Affairs in the Korean War

Top Priority RB&L Missions Radio Tokyo, VUNC, and KBS

The 1st RB&L Advance Tackles Far East Command Priorities

Voice of the U.S. and Aggressors The 2nd Loudspeaker & Leaflet Company

1st L&L in Korea A Photographer’s Record, 1952-53