Whatever part of the world you live in, it's very likely that you've been exposed to the knowledge of this secluded nation across your media. It's certainly an interesting time for North Korea, with the country's relations with the United States seemingly growing closer than they have ever been. Those who have done a fair amount of research into the subject such as myself will know why that is significant, but for those who are less informed, the pair have a very complicated relationship that dates back to the division of Korea at the end of the First World War. While this is a subject that fascinates me, I cannot claim to understand it entirely (and I'm not sure anybody on this side of the planet really can), but I do think it's important to be well informed on what's happening in this elusive part of the world. So much of what is happening in North Korea goes far in helping us understand the way the world is changing closer to home - and beyond that, it gives us an appreciation for the freedom we have in our own lives. As my studies into the country continue, I hope to chart my journey with this new sub-series in the hope that those who wish to educate themselves will follow along. I won't necessarily be reporting on the texts, documentaries and videos that I have consumed in the order that I have consumed them, but rather in the order that I think would be most beneficial to take in the information within their pages. For today's post, I've chosen three books that will provide a solid foundation for your learning on North Korea to begin.
North Korea in 100 Facts - Ruth Ann Monti
Monti has a background in government public relations and has published books on various contemporary political regimes and figures from across the world. While this does not make her a specialist on North Korea, her background as a researcher has aided her in creating a very well informed guide to the history, ideology and culture of the nation from a vast spectrum of first and second-hand sources. This is a very strong foundation if you're looking to pick up a moderately unbiased perspective on the nation before you dive into any more specialist materials and is filled with bite-sized chapters for you to explore and pick up some pure, unabridged history. Whether you want to learn about the creation of the North-South divide, nations that have allied with the North, the secret black market built on pirated copies of James Cameron's Titanic, the concept of Juche, or Kim Jong Il's stint as a feature film producer (but more on that in a future post), this recent publication will answer most of your questions and bring you right up to date to the recent summit with US president Donald Trump.
In Order to Live - Yeonmi Park
In Order to Live is the story of a family's struggle for freedom, told from the perspective of a North Korean girl who was forced to flee her country at the age of thirteen. And it's true - all of it. Through its three acts, it follows Park - who now lives in South Korea and speaks out on behalf of North Korean refugees - through her early life in North Korea and her journey into China, where another kind of world was waiting for her. It is perhaps the most beginner-friendly first-hand look at life on the ground in North Korea, and although certain details of the story have fallen into question, it humanizes the people of the North in a way you won't find in the pages of books like 100 Facts. It also provides a basis for understanding individual North Koreans' perspectives on their nation, as Park's journey from North to South allows us a window into her own personal journey of learning, which is arguably more valuable than any information you can gain from second-hand sources. From my perspective, this isn't just a book that everybody wanting to educate themselves on North Korea should read - Park's story offers a perspective on loyalty, perseverance and coming-of-age that every young person living in freedom should engage with. Park and her family's decision to put loyalty to each other over loyalty to their nation - in a nation where such a decision is punishable by death - is a truly inspiring read.
Without You, There Is No Us - Suki Kim
After engaging with one general secondary source and one more personal primary source, you may wish for a more specific case study on individual aspects of North Korean life, history or politics. There are many to choose from, and they will be appearing on these pages in the coming months, but my recommendation for this stage is the latest book I have read, from international South Korean journalist Suki Kim. Posing as a Christian missionary, Kim moves to Pyongyang to begin her new job as a teacher at an illustrious new university, also home to the sons of the most powerful men in the country. We follow Kim's first-hand experiences adjusting to a version of life where she must carefully consider her every word and action, while learning to love a group of students who will grow up to steer the destiny of the most secluded nation on Earth. Contained within these pages is perhaps the most articulate portrayal of the divide between North Korea and the rest of the world I have come across; as the lines blur between Kim's two worlds, her frustration with being unable to teach her students the truth about the world grows in the knowledge that she will soon leave North Korea and betray the trust of her fellow teachers and missionaries by publishing this book. This is a rare and chilling opportunity to experience a first-hand perspective on the country from an outsider with access to one of the most inaccessible group of young people in the world.
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I hope that you will follow this introduction and begin your own personal journey of discovery into one of the most mysterious and darkly intriguing stories of our time. Of course, there is more than just one medium to learn from, and as this sub-series continues I hope to expand my learning to more platforms. I am a firm believer that learning about our world can help us discover truths about ourselves that we previously never acknowledged, but the truths you choose to accept are entirely down to you.
You can find the books discussed in this post here (not endorsed in any way):
North Korea in 100 Facts: https://www.amazon.co.uk/North-Korea-Facts-Ruth-Monti/dp/1445686961/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=north+korea+in+100+facts&qid=1567343345&s=books&sr=1-1
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