Settling in Seoul: The movies and books that influenced a North Korean escapee



Ask A North Korean Settling in Seoul: The movies and books that influenced a North Korean escapee The Kim regime heavily restricts artists, but South Korean culture shines a light on what the Koreas share in common Sersong Han July 21, 2023 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A South Korean movie theater in Nov. 2008 \| Image: Doo Ho Kim via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) “Settling in Seoul” is an *NK News* series in which North Korean defectors share their experiences adapting to life in South Korea. This week, Sersong Han — who was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until he defected in 2014 — writes about feeling overwhelmed by the number of movies available in the South, shedding mindsets developed in the DPRK and what books and films have taught him about what the Koreas share in common. “Settling in Seoul” is an *NK News* series in which North Korean defectors share their experiences adapting to life in South Korea. This week, Sersong Han — who was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until he defected in 2014 — writes about feeling overwhelmed by the number of movies available in the South, shedding mindsets developed in the DPRK and what books and films have taught him about what the Koreas share in common. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Ask A North Korean

Settling in Seoul: The movies and books that influenced a North Korean escapee

The Kim regime heavily restricts artists, but South Korean culture shines a light on what the Koreas share in common

Sersong Han July 21, 2023

Settling in Seoul: The movies and books that influenced a North Korean escapee

A South Korean movie theater in Nov. 2008 | Image: Doo Ho Kim via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

“Settling in Seoul” is an NK News series in which North Korean defectors share their experiences adapting to life in South Korea.

This week, Sersong Han — who was born and raised in North Korea and lived there until he defected in 2014 — writes about feeling overwhelmed by the number of movies available in the South, shedding mindsets developed in the DPRK and what books and films have taught him about what the Koreas share in common.

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