Nation and Destiny

Nation and Destiny (Korean: 민족과 운명; MR: Minjokgwa ummyeong) is a 62-part North Korean film series released between 1992 and 2002. It aims to show that the Korean people "can live a glorious life only in the bosom of the Great Leader and socialist fatherland". Kim Jong-il personally chose the title and was extensively involved in the early episodes. Conceived as the largest film series ever produced in any country, it was the largest investment ever made in the history of North Korean cinema. Initially, the most senior writers, directors and actors were involved in the project and it was heavily promoted and eulogized by the North Korean media. The series was projected to reach 100 episodes, but none have been released since 2002.[1][2][3][4][5]

Nation and Destiny
Title screen
CountryNorth Korea
LanguageKorean

The film is notable for its scenes set in the Western world and South Korea. Also noteworthy is its portrayal of the "anti-system figure" Han Sorya, who was purged in the 1960s by Kim Il-sung, in a positive role. This was the first time that an "anti-system figure" has been portrayed as the hero on North Korean screen.[6] The use of South Korean popular songs was part of a "mosquito-net strategy", whereby it was hoped the North Korean public would be immunised to the culture of the outside world by gradual exposure.[7] According to defectors' testimony, North Korean audiences were engrossed by its depiction of First World affluence.[8][9]

Synopsis
  • Parts 1–4 were based on the life of Choe Deok-sin[10]
  • Parts 5–8 were based on the life of Isang Yun[11]
  • Parts 9–13 were based on the life of Choi Hong Hi[12]
  • Parts 14–16 were based on the life of Ri In-mo[13]
  • Parts 17–19 were based on the life of Ho Jong-sun[14]
  • Parts 20–25 were based on the life of naturalized Japanese women, including Rim Un-jong (Izumi Kiyoshi)[15]
  • Parts 26–36 were based on the life of workers[16]
  • Parts 46–51 were based on the life of Choe Hyon[17]
  • Parts 52–60 were based on the life of people past, present and future across generations[18]
  • Parts 61–62 were based on the life of peasants[19]

References
  1. Schönherr, Johannes. North Korean Cinema: A History. McFarland. p. 115. ISBN 9780786465262. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  2. Wayne, Mike. Understanding film: Marxist perspectives. Pluto. p. 202. ISBN 9780745319933.
  3. Hoare, James E. Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Scarecrow Press. p. 272. ISBN 9780810879874. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  4. Seoul, Yonhap News Agency. North Korea Handbook. M.E. Sharpe. p. 468. ISBN 9780765635235. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  5. Edwards, Matthew. Film Out of Bounds: Essays and Interviews on Non-Mainstream Cinema Worldwide. McFarland. ISBN 9781476607801. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  6. Seoul, Yonhap News Agency. North Korea Handbook. M. E. Sharpe. p. 469. ISBN 9780765635235. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  7. Seoul, Yonhap News Agency. North Korea Handbook. M. E. Sharpe. p. 471. ISBN 9780765635235. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  8. Lee, Hyangjin. Contemporary Korean Cinema: Culture, Identity and Politics. Manchester University Press. p. 40. ISBN 9780719060083. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  9. Portal, Jane. Art Under Control in North Korea. Reaktion Books. ISBN 9781861892362.
  10. Ri 2012, p. 27.
  11. Ri 2012, p. 28.
  12. Ri 2012, p. 29.
  13. Ri 2012, p. 30.
  14. Ri 2012, p. 31.
  15. Ri 2012, p. 32.
  16. Ri 2012, p. 33.
  17. Ri 2012, p. 34.
  18. Ri 2012, p. 35.
  19. Ri 2012, p. 36.

Works cited
  • Ri, Ok Gyong (15 September 2012). Hong Chan Su; Ri Un Gyong (eds.). Korean film: Feature Film, TV Drama, Documentary, Science Film, Children's Film / 조선 영화: 예술, 텔레비죤극, 기록, 과학, 아동 (in English and Korean). Translated by Ro Yong Chol, Jang Hyang Gi and Yang Sung Mi. Pyongyang: Korea Film Export & Import Corporation. OCLC 857899124.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)


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