Response to Video Clip

[Maria Blake]

The resource titled, “Korea at a Glance,” which was about  the study of the similarities and differences between South and North Korea was quite helpful in shedding light on the two countries, overall. One thing, in particular, that was interesting was the description of the two flags and what the symbols and colors could mean in each context given political and historical readings to contextualize such readings. After watching the movies and getting a feel for the culture and history of the two Koreas, the designs on two flags made me think of several things. First, it seems to me that both flags reflect the political ideologies and histories of the two countries. For instance, the use of “People’s Republic”  in the name of the North Korean flag reminds me of the People’s Republic of China, which suggests the influence that communism has played in the formation of North Korea’s existence as a country. Moreover, the use of extreme words, such as “Supreme,” and “Ultimate” names for the South Korean flag suggests the hardships the South Koreans had to suffer to rise above the hostilities of the past and ascertain the only true political existence of the South Korean government and its people over their counterparts, the North Koreans, who the South Koreans, it seems, do not wish to represent the true Korean political identity in the international community.

             It was noticeable, moreover, how both flags identify different meanings to colors, with the exception of the color, “white,” which in both contexts is interpreted as “purity” and “brightness,” with the additional characteristic of “peace” for South Korea and “strength” given in North Korea. The color blue is given a negative meaning in the South Korea’s flag, the opposite of the positive red color, whereas the blue in the North Korean flag means “peace and friendship.” Red is given positive connotations in both flags. 

            Furthermore, comparing the two countries’ economic data suggests how South Korea is more developed and internationally involved in trade  in contrast to North Korea. For example, South Korea is high on services, a 58.2%,  whereas North Korea has a 31.3 %. Unlike North Korea , also, the advanced technology manufactured in South Korea is higher. Because of such disparities, the highlights of North Korea’s economy and trade focus on clothing and food instead. 

            Finally, the trivia information would interest students because it presents information that is visual and simple. It was tempting to me to interpret certain data in a certain light, and it would be interesting to see how students would interpret similar data. The names of cities and their meaning, such as Seoul and Pyongyang, which mean “Capital City,” and “Flat Land,” respectively,  are two additionally  interesting ideas students may use to talk about how such names can connect to history and claims to authority, power, and recognition at the local, national and international levels of interpretation.