Monday, 7/30, morning session - Suk-Young Kim, UCLA

[Stella Castro]

Zoey, I agree with you 100% percent when you say that difficulties in studying North Korean film lies not in the availability but rather on the translations of such films. Who can understand a movie if I is not presented in their main language, Yes, one can rely on the facial expressions, hand, body and head movements, but without the proper dialogue and language one can perceive a film in a total different aspect that what is its intentions of the film. Another good point you mention is the fact that the film industry in North Korea makes and produces films for their population, and gives a rat’s *&^, about the rest of the world, but that they do create films separate  for the rest of the world to see. So I guess they do care, but they only care about their population first and foremost, and I think and believe that, that is how it should be.

But it was interesting to find out and know that the Library of Congress has many tittles in the/their language, but this may make it difficult for others to watch as they are not subtitled.

[Natali Ramon]

Carissa,

I totally agree with the idea you just expressed on how our news/media outlets also do its part in making sure Americans continue to feel hate.  A very poignant example is readily accessible when we take a glimpse at Trump’s tweets which are not only divisive but very hateful.  It seems that lately, and largely as a result of Trump’s meeting with Kim Jung-un, some media outlets are beginning to portray NK in a different light. I would be very interested to see how the citizens of NK view the interactions between NK and the US in light of the message they have been given about the atrocities committed by the US. Are they experiencing the same disbelief we are as we see that Trump is “normalizing” relationships with the more tyrannical leaders like Putin and Jung-un? In regards to the stark contrast of the atmosphere of hate and the messages conveyed by films like “Love, Love, My Love”, I wonder if to some degree these films provided some form of escapism to the harsh reality of life in NK.  Similarly, I wonder if in the age of Trump, Americans are also turning to feel-good content to escape the ridiculousness that we hear about every time we watch the news.  

 

[Natali Ramon]

Kim,

I agree that it would be powerful to analyze how film is used as propaganda.  What is more, as we watched Lazy Pig (1969) and as we learned that NK has a statewide childcare system in which young children were routinely exposed to films with a specific message, I couldn’t help but notice how effective it was of NK to want to influence the very impressionable minds of children. At the same time, I also wonder how the US has used film and media to indoctrinate the children of our nation.  For instance, the following clip produced in 1951 seems to be aimed at US children about the steps they should take in case of an attack by an atomic bomb:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QxVwafUFgY

I would venture to examine what message this video transmits to children about our adversaries at the time.

 

[Natali Ramon]

Today’s presentation by Professor Kim was fascinating, specifically because it allowed me to see the extent of Kim Jong-il personal interest in film.  As a result of the obscurity of North Korea we are not very well acquainted with the leaders in NK or about the life the citizens of this country live. Today’s presentation was eye opening because it allowed me to get to know the leaders of NK through their interest in film and it also allowed me to begin to wrap my mind around the role of film in NK as well as the messages that are being disseminated to its citizens. I thought it was particularly surprising how NK seems to be really closed off to most of the world, but for a time period it was open to outside influences in regards to its film industry. The fact that NK was open to outside influence in the area of film speaks volumes on the importance of cinema in conveying a message and philosophy to citizens.  In thinking of how I might be able to incorporate film from NK in my classroom, I think I would want my students to examine the techniques used to convey a message to the people.  Within the context of my curriculum, I usually have my students create a PSA about beauty for one of our units in AP Spanish. I think it would be fruitful for us to examine how NK films conveyed a message and in that way, gain some strategies my students can use in their own work.

[Natali Ramon]

As I heard about the way the K-pop industry is structured, I couldn’t help by noticing how comprehensive it is in regards to developing industries “aged-out” K-pop stars can go into as well as its product placement in music videos. Within the pop culture I’ve been exposed to, I don’t think I have ever come across another industry that’s quite this coordinated. In thinking of how I might incorporate K-pop into my curriculum as a Spanish teacher, I immediate thought about the following article that states that Latinos are the second largest fan base for K-pop:

 

http://remezcla.com/features/music/k-pop-latinos/

 

In reading of how K-pop’s reach is reminiscent of the reach the Latin crossover movement had in the early 2000s, I would like for my students to think about how the crossover movement might be similar or different from the Korean hallyu. I would also be interested to know if K-pop has adopted any of the strategies Latin artists used to appeal to English speaking audiences here in the US.  

 

[Martin Castillo]

Dr. Kim's presentation brought to mind a movie I had seen a few years back at the USC KSI Korean Film Festival. It is a movie suited for anyone of any age.

Comrade Kim Goes Flying is one of those entertaining movies that had a slight "propaganda" angle, but was a good view. It is a feel good film than anyone aspiring to do something different from their norm would connect with. In this film, her co-workers help her try to achieve her goal. The conflict between her work and aspirations is very evident. And of course, romance is involved. As per "its British co-director Nick Bonner, the film is 'light, refreshing, fun romantic comedy' about 'girl power.'

Yes, there is that subtle propaganda hint, but the movie lends itself to family, work, life, and our desires to accomplish and do something greater than ourselves for our own sake no matter who or what uses it for their agenda.

[Jennifer Place]

Prior to this lecture I had absolutely no knowledge of K-Pop!  Upon hearing the initial description, I was not looking forward to the lecture.  It was, however, an incredibly interesting lecture.  Sadly, the entire system made me think of an assembly line cranking out entertainment of a sort; much like American boy group bands because there is very little that is unique about any one group.  I am looking forward to discussing this type of music with my school's music teachers and with my students.  It will be interesting to compare various aspects of K-pop to american music. 

 

[Stella Castro]

I was impressed with Ms. Suk Young Kim, “Twinkle” article on K-POP; boy did she hit the nail right on its button. In her article, Ms. Kim mentioned all the resemblances of the world of K-Pop now to Broadway and/or Hollywood, with the extravagant frills and clothes, make-up, pageantry, coquettish moves and facial expressions, etc. The only difference being that the stars are now in their early teens, whereas in the old Broadway plays and/or movies, the stars were in their 20’s -30’s, (that being the younger stars). Now in the K-pop music videos, they are still in their ripe teens, (and as mentioned in the/or lecture), the stars are phased out in their late teens’ or early 20’s, even if the/their band/group, is successful and doing well. However, the similarities are many. Like how in the music video, “Twinkle”, the stars arrive and the paparazzi is eagerly awaiting them, and takes many photographs of these so called, ”Stars”, using the flash photography emphasizing the greatness of them. Also shown are the body and dance moves that are shown from atop a swirling staircase, (depicting other famous movies and/or plays, for example, “Dreamgirls”, or the,”Ziegfeld Follies”. While it is an interesting read, and as aforementioned, it emphasizes on the similarities, and the comparing and contrasting of the then and now in regards to entertainment. What I found the most interesting was the line from the article, stating, “Hence copying that scenes turns the music video into a copy of a copy”, when it compares “twinkle” to a, “Motown stage performance”. I love that line.*

 

*Line taken from Ms. Suk Young Kim’s article page 141, 2nd paragraph*

[Jennifer Place]

This was a fascinating lecture in so many respects.  I have always understood the importance of film and have participated in a few film classes.  I did not, however, have the slightest notion about the importance of film in North Korea or the extent to which North Korea's leader was involved in film.  It is a natural fit to use film for propaganda - so many people can be reached.  I was surprised to learn that film had been used to "educate" small children and that soviet advisors had also heavily influenced North Korean film. 

 

[Jennifer Place]

Midori,

  You make many good suggestions!  I am also thinking that the "Lazy Pig" film would be a good addition to our propaganda poster unit that accompanies a social studies unit on World War II.  I also agree that the use of mixed media within a unit makes it more engaging for most students.  Thanks to Professor Kim for sharing this with us!

[Stella Castro]

Today’s session was quite informative about the arts in Asia, in the first part of the day we had the pleasure of having Mrs. Suk Young Kim as our guest speaker, she was awesome Mrs. Kim spoke of two main  topics; North Korea Life through Cinema, and K-Pop.

Mrs. Kim spoke about how and why film is important in North Korea; this includes the novelty of the medium as being an effective tool. The easy distribution of, and that it is a highly controlled art form, with all that is involved in the making of a film, like the editing, the shooting , the planning and the final outcome, that being the film. Mrs. Kim spoke about how watching films in North Korea were not meant to be a form of entertainment, but rather as a ritual. That film has many roles such as for education, propaganda, and political roles. We were shown a couple short clips of films, some of which were funny, sad, as well as entertaining. Mrs. Kim also spoke about ho in the past there were no credits rolling up on the screen after a movie/film was shown, but that a Mr. Kim Jung -il a movie producer, (I believe), said that everyone working on a film should get/receive their credit for working on a film to which I agree. Mrs. Kim had many interesting things to say.

 Mrs. Kim then went on to talk about the popularity of K-Pop, to which I was not aware of until some of my students mentioned it earlier this school year. Mrs. Kim said that it is unknown how long it will last but that more than likely it will not fade so soon. Mrs. Kim explained why there are so many people in a K-Pop group and that is that everyone has a certain job that they must fulfill. She also went on to explain that the companies that employ these K-pop bands are not fair to the workers and they do not treat them very well  in regards to amenities pertaining to their contracts, such as having to pay for their own uniforms, make-up  and other things associated with costumes and or their contracts. I learned that the K in K-pop stands for kaleidoscopic instead of Korea, which that was what I originally had thought. It was interesting to learn that if one is in a K-pop band/ group that their careers will be over as soon as they age into the 20-25 age range. It is interesting to learn this as most bands /groups do not do the age thing. The older they get the more experienced they are.

What I can teach my students from what I learned  in this section of today’s lecture is how to make a mini-movie, with the instructions of thinking of a plot ,  the writing of a story, the plot, the acting, the editing, etc, In other words I can teach  them the writing process. I can also teach them about feelings and emotions, as this is what actors do. I can teach them about the right and wrongs and the rules we have to adhere to in our society to live, learn and be safe in our community.

[Stella Castro]

I apologize, but I am posting this reading, (again), as I did not see it in the posts for Monday's a.m. session, but I did see it on my face page, so I am not too sure if it is posted in the right location. But just to be sure, that I meeet my required number of posts here it is,(again), sorry people. 

I was impressed with Ms. Suk Young Kim, “Twinkle” article on K-POP; boy did she hit the nail right on its button. In her article, Ms. Kim mentioned all the resemblances of the world of K-Pop now to Broadway and/or Hollywood, with the extravagant frills and clothes, make-up, pageantry, coquettish moves and facial expressions, etc. The only difference being that the stars are now in their early teens, whereas in the old Broadway plays and/or movies, the stars were in their 20’s -30’s, (that being the younger stars). Now in the K-pop music videos, they are still in their ripe teens, (and as mentioned in the/or lecture), the stars are phased out in their late teens’ or early 20’s, even if the/their band/group, is successful and doing well. However, the similarities are many. Like how in the music video, “Twinkle”, the stars arrive and the paparazzi is eagerly awaiting them, and takes many photographs of these so called, ”Stars”, using the flash photography emphasizing the greatness of them. Also shown are the body and dance moves that are shown from atop a swirling staircase, (depicting other famous movies and/or plays, for example, “Dreamgirls”, or the,”Ziegfeld Follies”. While it is an interesting read, and as aforementioned, it emphasizes on the similarities, and the comparing and contrasting of the then and now in regards to entertainment. What I found the most interesting was the line from the article, stating, “Hence copying that scenes turns the music video into a copy of a copy”, when it compares “twinkle” to a, “Motown stage performance”. I love that line.*

 

*Line taken from Ms. Suk Young Kim’s article page 141, 3nd paragraph*

[Ann Huynh]

The article about K-pop is interesting, but at the same time disturbing.  The author started by talking about a music video by the girl group, "Twinkle."  In the video, three girls are well dressed and they danced with synchronicity to the music in the background as they sang in Korean and English.  The girls moved from being on the steps surrounded by adoring fans to a Broadway/cabernet stage.  It is well choreographed and visually stunning.  However, when the author goes into details about what it took to be successful, it is disheartening.  These people are trained intensely at a young age for a career that is very short-lived.  For my class, I would like to show them clips of K-Pop songs so that they can see the grand production.  We can discuss what they notice before launching into similarities and differences about K-pop and Western music videos.  This will expose the students to some aspects about the Korean culture.   

[Nira Sun]

Some of my students are HUGE funs of K POP. They show me the cute guys they like on their phones. They even buy sweaters with their images on them. You’d be surprised to find out how popular K pop is at our school where 99% of them are Hispanics.

In addition, I would encourage you to give video making project a try. I did it once last semester with my Mandarin 3 students. It was a FUN process. They learned the lyrics and listened to the music days and nights. We even had a little music video show / competition at the end. I was impressed with the quality and ideas presented in their videos. However, you do need to come up with certain “RULES” so that you can be updated on their progress.

[Kim Leng]

Ruth,

What a funny video!  I love the crazy sets section depicting them dancing on top of a volcano. I think it might be fun to make the project a contest.  Last school year, three of our students wrote a song inspired by Hamilton and they got to perform the song at the Pantages!  Some of my colleagues and I judged the class competition and we selected one winner.  We have some talented kids out there.  It would be interesting to see how they would make a KPOP video complete with writing their own songs.

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