While watching the fascinating documentary "A State of Mind," I became aware of how little I know about North Korea. Before seeing this film, I had no idea of the extent to which North Koreans are are brainwashed through CONSTANT propaganda (which is broadcast through their mandatory radios and their single television channel, in school, and through the ever present imagery of their "fathers" or "leaders," Kim Jong-il and the deceased Kim Il-sung. I was amazed to see the people of North Korea's manifestation of their communism through the incredibly elaborate dance shows performed during the Mass Games. I have NEVER before witnessed anything so precise and synchronized. Although Suk-Young Kim, in her essay "Springtime for Kim Il-sung" does not refer to the Mass Games directly (unless this event is part of the celebratory parades that she does discuss), she refers to several themes that are significant to examine in relation to the Mass Games that Hyon Sun Pak and Son Yun Kim prepare for so tirelessly.
Suk- Young Kim writes, "North Korean stage productions are dedicated to providing an accurate depiction of Pyongyang, while at the same time preoccupied with presenting the prescribed utopian vision of the North Korean capital...the overriding mission of every North Korean stage production is to simulate this ideal world as if it were already a part or reality, a phenomenon epitomized most conspicuously in revolutionary operas" (26).
Like these operas, the Mass Games gymnastic performances attempt to depict North Korea and its capital, Pyongyang. Although this depiction is not a representation of the physical city, it is one that strives to depict North Korean values. By performing so in sync as a group, with no solos or other moments of individual expression, these gymnasts are portraying the communist ideals of team work and unity. The Mass Games also serve, as phrased by Kim, to "...display an image of an invigorated North Korean economy to the outside world" (35). From watching the mesmerizing dances, one would never imagine North Korea to be a country plagued in recent years by severe famine. The dancers appear to be healthy and happy (they are constantly smiling!) The documentary "A State of Mind" reveals the opposite, by showing footage of the girls' grueling rehearsals- without gymnastic mats.. ouch, revealing comments made by the gymnasts about the amount of pain they are experiencing due to rehearsing, and by including interviews with Son Yun Kim's mother about the famine period.
Kim's statement, "Clearly the regime is more interested in staging a show than caring for its people," (35) is clearly seen in the this documentary. The most heartbreaking moment of the film was when it becomes known that Kim Jong-il did not attend the first Mass Games performance, nor did he attend any that occurred twice a day for almost a month. Although Hyon Sun Pak accepts his absence (for she believes he is attending to important business), it is a clear example of the misconceptions and false hopes that so many of North Korea's citizens have for their leaders.
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I think we need to be really careful how we look at and analyze North Korean people. People may have greatly internalized communist values and may think North Korea to be the best, but these are not people who can freely state what they think. Everything is extremely mediated and censored, so people may only be saying what they know they HAVE to say, not what they want to say. Also, these people don't talk about the famine that much or in a very negative light, but these are more wealthy North Koreans who probably would not have been as effected by a food shortage.
I agree. When first saw footages of North Korean citizens, I was appalled and taken aback. I was truly disheartened by what really happened in the lives of the citizens. It occurred to me how fairly unknown this situation is to the outside world as well.
In class, someone made a statement as to why citizens continue to remain content despite their clearly deprived circumstances. This is because they, themselves, are unaware of the outside world and things that are basic rights and liberties to citizens in other countries, yet withheld from North Korean citizens. The situation of North Korea is certainly unfortunate and in great need of change..
I was especially struck by the older girl who was followed. She appeals to individualist sensibilities as she talks about hating mandatory practice. This is a natural reaction. To me, it was so sad to see the affect that the government's propoganda and control then has on children, as the girl later gives up her individual wants. She only wants to serve Korea's leader, and has accepted her role as a good communist. To me, the girl's thinking showed the powerful control that North Korea has over its citizens.
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