- “The Interview” (2014): This action-comedy film follows two American journalists who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during an interview. The movie offers a satirical take on the country’s political landscape.
- “Ode to My Father” (2014): While not entirely set in North Korea, this South Korean drama highlights the separation of a family during the Korean War. It explores the struggles and sacrifices made by the protagonist as he attempts to reunite with his family across the border.
- “J.S.A.: Joint Security Area” (2000): Directed by Park Chan-wook, this thriller tells the story of a murder investigation in the Joint Security Area (JSA) between North and South Korea. The movie explores the delicate tensions and political complexities of the area.
- “The Lovers and the Despot” (2016): This documentary delves into the real-life events surrounding the abduction of South Korean director Shin Sang-ok and actress Choi Eun-hee by North Korea’s Kim Jong-il. It offers a look at the film industry inside the secretive nation.
- “Crossing” (2008): Based on a true story, this South Korean film follows a North Korean refugee who attempts to cross the border into China to seek a better life. It offers a poignant portrayal of the risks and challenges faced by those attempting to escape North Korea.
- “The Orphan Master’s Son” by Adam Johnson – This popular novel follows the life of a man named Jun Do, who goes from being an orphan to becoming a high-ranking official in North Korea’s government. It provides a gripping and often harrowing portrayal of life in the country.
- “Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea” by Barbara Demick – While not a novel, this book offers a powerful account of the lives of six North Koreans who managed to escape the regime. It provides a detailed look at the difficult conditions they endured and the challenges they faced.
- “The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea” by Bandi – This collection of short stories, written by a North Korean author who goes by the pseudonym Bandi, provides a rare and provocative glimpse into the lives of everyday people in North Korea. The stories offer a critique of the regime and its impact on individuals.
- “The Birth Dearth” by Jung Young Moon – This novel explores the themes of desire, identity, and disillusionment through the eyes of a South Korean man who travels to North Korea. The story reflects on the disparities between the two Koreas while delving into personal introspection.
- “Dear Leader: My Escape from North Korea” by Jang Jin-sung – Another non-fiction book, this memoir recounts the author’s escape from North Korea after working as a poet and propagandist for Kim Jong-il. It provides an inside perspective on the country’s political system and the challenges faced by those who seek to leave.
WANDERLIST: North Korea in books and on film
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