How did North Korea permit this rare foreign musical performance?

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North Korea Allowed Joss Stone's Performance as an Unofficial Gig for Tourists and Guides

British singer-songwriter Joss Stone performed an informal concert in Pyongyang, North Korea, as part of her Total World Tour, which aims to visit every country globally. The performance, which took place at the Yanggakdo cinema complex, was specifically for approximately 40 tourists and guides. This event marks a rare instance of a foreign musician performing in the country, with arrangements facilitated by Koryo Tours, a company specializing in North Korean travel.
Performance Details and Tour Context

Joss Stone's concert in Pyongyang was an "unofficial gig" held at the Yanggakdo cinema complex. She was pictured singing for a small group of around 40 tourists and guides. This performance is part of her ongoing Total World Tour, a project she embarked on five years ago with the goal of performing in every nation. Stone, who has already performed in over 175 countries, had recently sung in nations such as Syria, Pakistan, and Iraq prior to her North Korean visit.
Pre-Visit Announcements and Rehearsals

Stone announced her intention to travel to North Korea on Instagram before her departure. In a video message recorded at Beijing Capital International Airport, she stated her excitement for the trip to Pyongyang. She also mentioned that she was rehearsing a traditional Korean folk song, 'Arirang', which is recognised as Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage by both North and South Korea, to perform for her audience.
Role of the Tour Operator

The visit and subsequent performance were facilitated by Simon Cockerell, the director of Koryo Tours. Cockerell's company focuses on organising trips to North Korea. He described Stone's performance as an "unofficial gig" and shared photographs of the event on his Instagram account. He also expressed a desire for future performances with a full band and a larger local audience.
Rarity of Foreign Musical Performances in North Korea

It is uncommon for North Korea to permit foreign musicians to perform for its general populace. While there have been instances, such as the invitation of a few South Korean pop artists last year during a period of improved inter-Korean relations, such events are infrequent. Stone's concert, being for a limited group of tourists and guides, falls within this context of restricted foreign artistic engagement.

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How did North Korea permit this rare foreign musical performance?

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