Overview of Webinar, Beyond Politics: Contemporary North Korean Culture and Common Misconception2/28/2021 By: Haajar Abu Ismail Image: a screenshot of the webinar event with the guest lecturers, Dr. Immanuel Kim and Megane Visette The words ’North Korea’ doubtlessly bring to mind a string of negative connotations. Some are wildly imaginative while others are grounded in truth, but what they both overshadow is the existence of a unique, North Korean culture. Too often, Kim Jong Un is perceived as the main representation of what North Korea is, if not the only one that exists. HanVoice McGill hosted a Webinar to tackle exactly these issues, featuring guest speakers Dr. Immanuel Kim and Ms. Megan Visette. Dr. Kim is a specialist in North Korean literature and cinema and Professor at George Washington University, and Ms. Visette is a Government Relations Specialist and Director of Knowledge Management at HanVoice Support Association. What follows is a comprehensive overview of their valuable insight on North Korean film and stereotypes respectively, and hence, culture as well.
Indeed, what better lens into a nation’s culture than its film productions? Dr. Kim shed light on the mystery of North Korean cinema, which is introduced with a specific set of North Korean works, “5 Guerrilla Brothers," "Sea of Blood" and especially, “Flower Girl.” Centered on topics ranging from war to drama, they are by no means a light watch. Though, while these are cinematic masterpieces in their own right, popular North Korean cinema most often takes form in Comedy. Or more specifically, the Romantic Comedy. Yes, that does mean North Koreans love Rom-Coms just as much as the rest of us, and they’re a lot more similar than you might think. The films in this genre feature satire towards the West as well North Korean themselves, the ‘mistaken identity trope’ when you assume someone’s identity is other than who they actually are, and not to mention a healthy dose of 'family problems.’ Some recommendations include, “Jolly Stage,” "Oh Youth," and “Comrade Kim Goes Flying." Yes, you may find some of the general rom coms are ‘educational’ in nature, and Dr. Kim brings up a valuable point concerning criticism of these works. Often, critics approach these films with analysis that highlights their "political, ideological, and didactic” manner which thus make them “boring to watch.” Well, why can’t they just simply be enjoyed? No one will deny the obvious presence of propaganda in these works. Instead, ‘change the mindset’ you approach the films with and discover the ‘interesting culture behind the propaganda façade.’ An interesting culture, which is extremely misunderstood by the public, as Ms. Visette conveys in her presentation. Evidently, there is no shortage of stereotypes on North Korea, but she highlights the most prevalent. First and foremost, it must be dispelled that ‘North Korean people are brainwashed.’ Visette discusses how there seems to be a reigning preconception of North Koreans as zealous Kim Jong Un worshippers, not even aware of how their minds have been twisted. It would be a lie to say that North Korean propaganda and culture has not conditioned its citizens, but it would be doubly wrong to assume an extreme of their implied inability to think for themselves. Visette even mentions that oftentimes refugees did not live in North Korea believing their society was ‘wrong' or ‘oppressive,' because their lives were normal by their standards. This isn’t a rule, of course, but the point stands that normal is contextual for everyone. While it’s true that North Koreans are much more aware of the world than the average person would give them credit for, it’s worth noting the extensive barriers in place to prevent this from happening. To quote Visette, ‘what North Korea fears the most is ideological warfare.’ She brings up the absolute state control of media and entertainment, from journalism to the illegality of foreign products. There is also a heavy surveillance system in place both in terms of physical and social mobility. For the former, permission is required for domestic travel, and for the latter, the North Korean songbun class system organizes citizens into varied social classes, with a hierarchy based upon their perceived loyalty to the reigning Communist party. Though, Visette states that 'experts say this system is weakening.’ This is one among many divisions between citizens in North Korea. This may seem obvious, but not all North Koreans, or all of North Korea is the same. However, it must be mentioned that there’s an especially high law enforcement and punishment system present in North Korea that prevents access to foreign information, the threat of which may keep many from actively pursuing this illegal information. It also sheds light on the stereotypical question concerning why North Koreans don’t protest. Given this, the stereotype of North Korean ignorance on the outside world also makes more sense even though it’s far from true. There’s the jangmadang, the black market presence in North Korea that has appeared as a way of purchasing basic commodities. To elaborate, Visette claims how despite what most would think, North Koreans can and do own cell phones, there is just typically no access to outside media on it. Though, it was mentioned that illegal Chinese messaging apps could be installed through a heavy middleman process to allow people to keep in touch. Importantly, dispelling these stereotypes is not an attempt to undermine the oppression suffered by its people, only to help understand an often demonized state in the media in a less biased manner. And who better to learn from than North Koreans themselves? Defectors who have spoken up and written about their experiences would be a good place to start. For the curious and willing, Visette recommends reading "The Aquariums of Pyongyang," "Stars Between the Sun and Moon," "Under the Same Sky" and "Witness to Transformation." Hopefully, an authentic perspective would raise worthwhile awareness on the ignored cultural depth that North Korea has to offer, and its right to be appreciated.
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