A Journey to North Korea, 2012
(eVideo)

English

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on August 29, 2013.

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As a means of ascertaining or at least attempting to understand where North Korea is headed as a society, there is no better case study than the rocket launch attempted on April 13th, 2012 at the country's Sohae Space Center. This program was produced by Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, which sent a camera team into North Korea to cover the event. The Phoenix TV team rubbed shoulders with journalists and broadcasters from around the world, all of whom had been invited by Pyongyang to observe the launch under tightly controlled conditions. In spite of the rocket's failure-or perhaps because of it-the journey and its various side trips brought aspects of North Korea's political and social fabric into focus. Topics addressed in the film include the ongoing international uncertainty about whether the regime's space technology is peaceful or military, as well as the equally obscure relationship between the country's young leader and its armed forces. Viewers are taken inside various launch command facilities; inside the barracks of the 105th armored division, a tank unit evidently close to Kim Jong-un's heart; and, as mass celebrations and cultural festivals unfold, into crowds of unsettlingly patriotic DPRK citizens.

9 & up.

Mode of access: Internet.

System requirements: Access Video On Demand playback platform.

Portions with English subtitles.