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North Korea has undertaken significant efforts to elevate the standard of living for its citizens recently. This shift has led to notable advancements in production and the quality of visual media, teaching North Koreans the “language” of consumerism and new methods of consumption. In Rebranding North Korea, Immanuel Kim delves into the implications of a thoroughly modernized North Korea for its citizens and the world as the country strives to participate in global modernity and technological advancements. Kim traces two parallel trajectories illustrating the most significant changes in North Korean consumer culture: the expansion of modern urban development projects and increased social amenities, alongside the technologically advanced aesthetic qualities of visual media.
This event is on the record and open to the public.
About the Speaker
Dr. Immanuel Kim is the Korea Foundation and Kim Renaud Associate Professor of Literature and Culture Studies at the George Washington University. He is a specialist in North Korean literature, cinema, and culture. His first book Rewriting Revolution explores the complex and dynamic literary culture, and his second book Laughing North Koreans traces the ways in which humor has been an integral component of everyday life. His third book Rebranding North Korea: Changes in Consumer Culture and Visual Media examines creatives aesthetic changes in recent television dramas and media productions. Dr. Kim has also translated a North Korean novel called Friend by Paek Nam-nyong.
About the Moderator
Dr. Peter G. Moody is a historian of Modern Korea and Professional Lecturer at George Washington University. His research examines the industrialization, mass media, and cultural politics of the Korean Peninsula, during the 20th century. Beyond historical research, he analyzes current trends in ROK and DPRK culture and domestic politics. He has been interviewed by BBC World News and The Wall Street Journal, and occasionally contributes to NK News. He is currently working on a book manuscript titled Music and the Mobilization of North Korea, which traces the DPRK's "total music society" through the perspectives of North Korean musical figures.