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North Korea is the least visited
North Korea is the least known
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North Korea is the least understood...
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...country in the world.
It is home to the Mass Games...
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...the largest choreographed spectacle
in the world.
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I long for the day
when I perform for the General...
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...so I train through the pain.
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To strengthen my resolve to do well
in gymnastics and school...
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...I study with a picture of the Great Leader
and the General.
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In 2003, a British documentary
crew followed
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two North Korean schoolgirls, as they
prepared for that year's Mass Games.
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Mass Games are North Korea's
socialist realism extravaganza
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and a perfect example of the
state's ideology
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the subordination of the individual's desires
to the needs of the collective.
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Throughout the year, North Korea was
the focus of negative world attention
as its nuclear policy was condemned worldwide.
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At a time when North Korea's distrust of
the outside world was at its highest,
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the film crew was granted unparalleled
co-operation from the authorities.
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There were guides and interpreters
present at all times,
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but they neither interfered nor sought to
censor the material.
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For the first time ever, North Korea
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the secret state, would reveal
itself to outsiders
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A State of Mind
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Pyongyang, North Korea's capital.
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A harsh winter is almost at an end
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but it is February and
minus eight degrees.
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As there is negligible
indoor heating here
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the children of Pyongyang
remain on winter holiday
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Kim Il Sung Stadium
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But for an elite group of gymnasts
there is no time for play
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only for training.
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Hands up if you can do it like her
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It's a club where my classmates and I...
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...perform group gymnastics together
with our hearts in unison.
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The Mass Games club trains daily
for a minimum of two hours.
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<i>Pak Hyon Sun</i>
The temperature can be as low as
20 degrees centigrade...
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...whilst we train at the athletic
academy for young people.
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You look prettier as you smile.
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Pak Hyon Sun is 13 years old. She
has been a member of the Mass Games
club for four years.
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When I train, I sometimes fall
over and hurt my knees.
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So it hurts in a lot of places...
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...but I long for the day when I
perform for the General...
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...so I train through the pain.
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It's tough
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Scenes of collective training can be
found all over Pyongyang.
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Each Mass Games unit is striving to
attain the state's desire
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to cultivate the group mentality.
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Since the formation of The Democratic
People's Republic of Korea in 1948
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the State has imposed an all encompassing
belief structure on the people.
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The placement of Mass Games within
this structure has never been more significant.
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For the participants it enforces
submission to the group
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For the audience it is an inspiration to
behold the values of teamwork
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and the glory of the
State and the Leader.
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In the West North Korea is condemned
as a repressive and totalitarian state.
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Yet here, the high level of discipline
is imposed by the perceived threat from
the outside world.
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They see it as their struggle to build a
strong country under its own principles.
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Everything centers around the worship
of the Great Leader, Kim Il Sung
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who died in 1994, and his son and
successor Kim Jong Il, the General.
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Before appearing in front of the General...
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...my chest and heart were trembling.
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My whole body was trembling.
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I was so frightened that I couldn't move
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any part of my body...
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...but when I thought that I would go out...
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...in front of the General and do my moves...
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...it seemed as if the General
was looking at me...
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...and saying "Don't cry, do your best."
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My heart felt happy and I broke into a smile.
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For these girls, the Mass Games are an
obsession that governs their life.
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Their driving force is to be good enough to
be selected for the final performance, which
will be viewed by the General.
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Hyon Sun has experienced Mass Games
in the presence of the General on
three occasions.
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I have never been happier than the 3 times...
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...I performed in the presence of the General.
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When I appeared before the General
for the third and final time...
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...I kept thinking, I really mustn't
make a mistake.
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At first, Mass Games was exhausting...
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...so I went out everyday and played instead,
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Then I'd return home in the evening...
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...and tell my mother that I'd been to gym.
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I got found out by my mother and teacher.
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So I got a good telling off.
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After that I started going to gym practice.
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Yes, my friends also wanted to come out
with us and try being filmed.
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Hello. This is my grandfather.
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This is my Grandmother.
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This is my Mother.
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Today is the day when our father
the General, was born.
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So our family my mother, father and
grandfather has come out...
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...to the Taedong River, where we're
enjoying ourselves.
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Hyon Sun's father came with us too...
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...but something came up
at work so he had to go...
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...but he'll join us again soon.
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In Korea the family
is the strongest unit
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yet nothing transcends the passion
and devotion shown for the leaders.
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To celebrate February 16th, the General's
birthday, everyone in North Korea is granted
a day's holiday.
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The mood around Pyongyang is relaxed.
For Hyon Sun, this is a day of rest.
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Today is the happiest of
all days and festival...
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...because it's the day when our General...
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...to whom the whole world looks up, was born.
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So the citizens of Pyongyang... the youngsters,
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will go dancing tonight.
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Won't you join in?
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Hyon Sun's group is training for the next
Mass Games, which are due to be held in July
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to commemorate the 50th anniversary of
the end of the Korean War, a war known in
the West as the Forgotten War
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in North Korea as the Victorious
Fatherland Liberation War.
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Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum
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Grandfather, is that a fighter plane from
the U.S. Army of aggressors?
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Did it drop bombs too?
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No, but it dropped all kinds of insects...
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...containing the virus of various plagues
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before being shot down.
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An estimated four million people
many of them civilians
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were killed in the three year war and
to this day Korea has remained divided.
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The near flattening of the north by
American bombers
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has left a deep mark on North
Korean psyche.
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When I was young...
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...I didn't know if the U.S.
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Imperialists were bad or good,
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But through our war in the 1950's...
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...I saw the brutal bombing of our country...
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...and the atrocities suffered by our people.
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I saw things being done that
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no human could do.
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I became more enraged
about U.S. Imperialism...
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...and felt that we had to rid this land
of U.S. Imperialism completely.
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Hatred of the US is immortalized
in Mass Games
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and is ingrained in everyday life.
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The U.S. Are making life bad in our country...
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...they are maneuvering to suppress the sound
of happy laughter here.
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As war looms in Iraq, America openly
talks of a war on two fronts
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implying Iraq and North Korea.
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Pyongyang is just over 100 miles from the
37,000 US troops based in South Korea.
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Hyon Sun's daily life is disrupted by
preparations for an American attack on the city.
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At home, I was having fun playing with my
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mother and grandmother...
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...then there would be a blackout or an
air-raid practice.
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On their way down to the air-raid shelter...
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...the mothers and grandmothers say:
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This is all because of the Americans'.
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Because we're always doing things like air
raids and blackout...
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...I think, just as we're taught at school...
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...we have to endlessly hate the U.S. And
fight them to the end.
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The General's Family
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Officially, North Korea is divided into
three classes the workers, the peasants
and the intellectuals
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who are seen as equals in society.
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Mum, water please.
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Yes, use this cup.
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Hyon Sun's family is from
the workers class.
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Her father is a driver for a government
ministry, her grandfather is a
construction worker.
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Mother and grandmother are housewives.
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Mum, I have to pack my lunch box.
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Lunch? OK, let's pack it.
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Take the box out from there.
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This one, here?
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Housing is allocated by the State.
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Pyongyang is not representative of North Korea
it is the showcase capital.
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For its two million residents, it's considered
a privilege to live here.
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Is, it not ready yet?
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She's spooning out the rice now.
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State radio is piped to
every kitchen in the block.
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Listeners can turn the
volume down, but not off.
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The apartment has two bedrooms
one for Hyon Sun, one for her parents.
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Her Grandparents sleep on the floor
where the family is eating.
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Hyon Sun's television is a gift
from the State
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a reward for her performance in the
Mass Games of 2002.
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There is only one channel.
It broadcasts propaganda news
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films and entertainment for
five hours per day.
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We have so many heroes in this country...
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...it's impossible to count them.
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Especially the athlete Jung Song Ok, who
glorified our country.
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I want to do well in rhythmic gymnastics and
become like her.
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I will definitely make it happen in the future.
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We prepare Mass Games every time there's
a national holiday in our country.
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So at the time of our Great Leader comrade
Kim Il Sung's birthday...
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and the anniversary of the founding of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea...
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...or the anniversary of the founding of the
Korean Workers' Party...
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...those times.
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Mass Games have been performed
in North Korea since 1946.
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The next Mass Games
will be the 120th.
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Kim Jong Ho
Mass Games Organizer
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Mass Games consists of three elements:
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Firstly, gymnastics...
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...then backdrop...
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...finally music.
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Gymnastics is the fundamental element.
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Up to 80,000 gymnasts are
used in the floor display.
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The participants know that the slightest individual
mistake on their part could damage
the group's performance.
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They therefore surrender to the group and
in this way the performers become
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ideologically prepared, thus
becoming true Communists.
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The backdrop of the Mass Games, which
details North Korea's achievements and the
country's revolutionary history
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is a huge mosaic, covering a whole
side of the stadium.
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The Korean's declare it to be
the biggest picture in the world
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Images of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il
must be portrayed with total devotion.
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00:20:16,415 --> 00:20:22,581
The backdrop works according to signals
from the backdrop conductor who is placed on
the opposite side of the stadium.
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Up to 12,000
schoolchildren are used.
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Each school practices daily until
perfection is achieved.
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Performed in 2002, Arirang was the
most stunning of all Mass Games.
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00:21:02,794 --> 00:21:08,130
Almost 200 million man hours were
spent preparing and performing the show.
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In all, the 90 performances over a
four-month period were viewed live by four
million people.
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Workers' Siren
7am
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Song Yon, Song Yon...
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...wake up and go to school.
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It's high time.
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00:22:33,919 --> 00:22:35,511
Song Yon, quickly!
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00:22:35,587 --> 00:22:40,081
Hey, Song Yon! School! Time! Be quick!
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Time!
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00:23:02,581 --> 00:23:04,071
Kim Song Yon
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00:23:05,050 --> 00:23:07,177
Please hurry up, you're going
to be late for school.
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00:23:13,792 --> 00:23:18,058
Kim Song Yon is eleven years old and
has performed in two Mass Games.
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00:23:19,364 --> 00:23:21,491
Her family is from the Intellectual Class.
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00:23:21,600 --> 00:23:25,195
Her father is a Physics Lecturer at
Kim Il Sung University.
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Her mother is a housewife.
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00:23:31,610 --> 00:23:35,671
She has two older sisters, one is
fifteen and a high school student
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the eldest is 18, a high school graduate
who will shortly be joining the Army.
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00:23:45,991 --> 00:23:50,155
Song Yon's sisters have a room each
her parents sleep on the lounge floor.
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00:23:50,595 --> 00:23:54,258
Song Yon sleeps in a different sister's
room each night.
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00:23:55,867 --> 00:23:56,595
Song Yon!
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Yes?
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00:23:57,269 --> 00:23:58,531
Come here.
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What's up?
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Come here quickly!
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Come quickly
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Why did you eat so little?
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00:24:08,146 --> 00:24:09,238
Because I didn't want to eat...
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00:24:10,081 --> 00:24:12,015
You should eat a lot and try to
make your body strong.
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You shouldn't eat little, should you?
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I'll eat a lot from tomorrow.
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00:24:18,156 --> 00:24:19,646
Eat more, yes?
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00:24:40,745 --> 00:24:41,871
Have you packed my gym uniform?
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00:24:41,947 --> 00:24:42,709
Yes.
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I'm going.
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Did you put a spoon in for my lunch?
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Yes.
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Hyon Sun is the best gymnast for
her age and discipline.
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As group leader, she is expected to
help improve the skills of others.
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00:25:06,771 --> 00:25:08,739
When I first joined the Mass Games club...
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00:25:08,807 --> 00:25:12,004
...and looked at the children
practicing their movements...
236
00:25:12,077 --> 00:25:15,069
...I thought Song Yon's techniques
weren't so good.
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00:25:15,146 --> 00:25:18,377
So I helped her improve techniques a bit...
238
00:25:18,450 --> 00:25:21,681
...and taught her movements one by one.
239
00:25:22,220 --> 00:25:23,778
After that, since we lived near each other...
240
00:25:24,322 --> 00:25:26,313
...we hung around together...
241
00:25:27,492 --> 00:25:28,982
...and taught movements and played together.
242
00:25:29,060 --> 00:25:31,756
Isn't spinning around coming at the end?
243
00:25:31,830 --> 00:25:32,922
"Two turns!"
244
00:25:32,998 --> 00:25:33,794
"After doing like this..."
245
00:25:33,865 --> 00:25:34,559
"Two turns!"
246
00:25:34,633 --> 00:25:35,565
"And After doing that?"
247
00:25:35,634 --> 00:25:36,566
After doing this...
248
00:25:39,137 --> 00:25:41,765
Hyon Sun performed better than me...
249
00:25:42,374 --> 00:25:45,070
...and she could do more skilful moves.
250
00:25:45,143 --> 00:25:46,701
So I learned them from her
251
00:25:46,778 --> 00:25:49,246
and got used to those movements.
252
00:25:49,848 --> 00:25:54,251
Since we both loved Mass Games
we got on well.
253
00:25:54,786 --> 00:25:56,754
Since then, we have become closer.
254
00:25:59,491 --> 00:26:00,856
When I come home from school...
255
00:26:01,526 --> 00:26:04,154
...I have no one to play with and it's boring.
256
00:26:04,229 --> 00:26:06,561
Once I went to Song Yon's house.
257
00:26:06,631 --> 00:26:09,828
Her two elder sisters were there...
258
00:26:09,901 --> 00:26:11,368
...and Song Yon was there too.
259
00:26:11,436 --> 00:26:15,566
So we played the accordion, the guitar
and the violin together.
260
00:26:15,640 --> 00:26:21,545
Afterwards, I went home and there
was no-one there,
261
00:26:21,613 --> 00:26:22,602
It was really quiet.
262
00:26:23,415 --> 00:26:25,076
I hate being at our house.
263
00:26:25,650 --> 00:26:27,811
I wish I had lots of brothers and sisters.
264
00:26:45,704 --> 00:26:51,267
When I was young, I hated life in
groups and organizations...
265
00:26:51,343 --> 00:26:52,571
...so I would run away
266
00:27:00,018 --> 00:27:02,009
From the time I went up to middle school...
267
00:27:02,087 --> 00:27:04,647
I started going to school in the mornings...
268
00:27:04,723 --> 00:27:07,123
...and to club in the afternoons.
269
00:27:18,770 --> 00:27:23,173
There were many girls at the club
much older than me.
270
00:27:23,241 --> 00:27:26,699
The older girls would insult us
whenever they were in charge.
271
00:27:26,778 --> 00:27:31,340
They'd say we weren't good enough.
272
00:27:31,416 --> 00:27:33,611
My only thoughts were to keep running away.
273
00:28:04,649 --> 00:28:06,412
I developed my skills and got put
on the list of names...
274
00:28:06,484 --> 00:28:08,475
...for the Mass Games event.
275
00:28:10,021 --> 00:28:12,489
This time we will do 'lifting-one
leg after turning'.
276
00:28:12,557 --> 00:28:14,684
You have to hold up your body strongly...
277
00:28:14,759 --> 00:28:16,784
...with the strength of your other leg...
278
00:28:16,861 --> 00:28:19,329
...and stretch onto tiptoes.
279
00:28:28,273 --> 00:28:28,932
Arms up.
280
00:28:29,007 --> 00:28:32,033
You have to keep your arms straight
281
00:28:32,110 --> 00:28:34,408
But at the moment the arms of you
who play on the top all go like this.
282
00:28:35,113 --> 00:28:36,978
Make this pose straight and next...
283
00:28:37,048 --> 00:28:41,485
OK, next the eye-lines when
you lift your heads.
284
00:28:41,553 --> 00:28:42,315
Turn around.
285
00:28:42,387 --> 00:28:44,218
After you turn around, head-kicking, here.
286
00:28:45,523 --> 00:28:46,820
You're not doing this pose properly.
287
00:28:47,892 --> 00:28:49,621
Those who play on the top, watch
how to put your legs together.
288
00:28:50,762 --> 00:28:51,922
Watch!
289
00:28:53,732 --> 00:28:56,223
You should put them together strongly.
290
00:28:56,301 --> 00:28:58,895
The same applies when you
put them apart. This is it.
291
00:29:16,955 --> 00:29:17,649
Now, say "Ya!"
292
00:29:25,964 --> 00:29:28,831
Group gymnastics, is not an
exercise done by one person...
293
00:29:28,900 --> 00:29:31,232
...but by a synchronized group.
294
00:29:31,302 --> 00:29:32,701
Even though it's tiring...
295
00:29:32,771 --> 00:29:34,261
...because you do it together
with classmates...
296
00:29:35,006 --> 00:29:41,241
...group power develops and
individualism completely disappears.
297
00:29:47,252 --> 00:29:48,947
There are a lot of moves
298
00:29:50,321 --> 00:29:52,016
I would rather not do.
299
00:29:52,090 --> 00:29:54,456
There's one where I have to throw the ball...
...and then hold it between my legs.
300
00:29:55,794 --> 00:29:56,590
Look, try this one.
301
00:29:58,363 --> 00:30:01,093
If you make a mistake at first, then try again.
302
00:30:03,902 --> 00:30:04,926
That one doesn't really work so I often think,
303
00:30:05,003 --> 00:30:07,870
It would be really good if I didn't
have to do that one.
304
00:30:08,373 --> 00:30:10,307
Don't grab it by hands but when it comes
here, then put it between your legs.
305
00:30:12,944 --> 00:30:15,674
Stretch out your legs and hold it.
306
00:30:16,614 --> 00:30:17,239
That's right.
307
00:30:17,315 --> 00:30:18,873
See if you can do it.
308
00:30:18,950 --> 00:30:19,939
Don't worry about mistakes.
309
00:30:21,519 --> 00:30:22,986
Try it.
310
00:30:27,792 --> 00:30:29,191
Try to copy her.
311
00:30:33,598 --> 00:30:34,360
Well done.
312
00:30:41,039 --> 00:30:42,904
Well done, you're good at this.
313
00:30:45,543 --> 00:30:47,670
Would Jong Shim come out and sing?
314
00:30:50,748 --> 00:30:51,840
Applause!
315
00:30:52,884 --> 00:30:54,351
Hurray! Goody good!
316
00:31:11,436 --> 00:31:18,000
Let's hold hands all together
and sing a song.
317
00:31:21,112 --> 00:31:23,706
Leading shining North Korea to victory...
318
00:31:23,781 --> 00:31:26,682
...brightening the future of communism...
319
00:31:26,751 --> 00:31:32,587
...the beloved comrade Kim Jong Il.
320
00:31:32,657 --> 00:31:38,357
Glory, glory, Kim Jong Il our
excellent Leader.
321
00:31:38,429 --> 00:31:44,265
Glory, glory, Kim Jong Il our
excellent Leader.
322
00:31:56,347 --> 00:32:00,147
Much of April is spent preparing to
celebrate Kim Il Sung's birthday.
323
00:32:00,685 --> 00:32:03,245
The 2 day holiday
will begin on the 15th.
324
00:32:04,656 --> 00:32:09,491
The years following Kim Il Sung's death
coincided with a great degree of hardship
in North Korea
325
00:32:09,928 --> 00:32:13,125
a period that has become known
as the arduous march.
326
00:32:15,166 --> 00:32:20,001
When we talk of time of hardship...
327
00:32:21,406 --> 00:32:26,844
...the first thing we think of is
the Arduous March.
328
00:32:30,848 --> 00:32:35,114
No one will ever know the true number
of deaths from starvation during this time
329
00:32:35,386 --> 00:32:38,355
and even in Pyongyang there was no
escape from the misery.
330
00:32:39,023 --> 00:32:43,483
Most analysts predicted an implosion
of the country and the system.
331
00:32:44,629 --> 00:32:49,328
In the West, the continued food crisis is
blamed on the State's isolation policy
332
00:32:49,500 --> 00:32:51,968
and its out dated agricultural system.
333
00:32:52,437 --> 00:32:57,374
In North Korea, it is seen as a period of
struggle but one the people have to accept
334
00:32:57,675 --> 00:33:02,305
in order to continue the State's policy
of self-reliance and independence.
335
00:33:05,516 --> 00:33:08,349
Song Yon's mother was the
first North Korean citizen
336
00:33:08,453 --> 00:33:12,184
to speak to a foreigner on the record
about the arduous march.
337
00:33:16,194 --> 00:33:20,187
When we say "difficult" we mean
that we had grown up...
338
00:33:20,832 --> 00:33:22,766
...with the benevolence of the state...
339
00:33:22,834 --> 00:33:24,859
...without worries about housing
food or clothing,
340
00:33:25,503 --> 00:33:28,472
Suddenly, due to situations such as
the imperialists' economic blockades...
341
00:33:28,539 --> 00:33:30,370
...abnormal climatic phenomena and the
342
00:33:30,942 --> 00:33:34,935
farming going wrong...
343
00:33:35,013 --> 00:33:38,176
...there were problems with food rations.
344
00:33:39,083 --> 00:33:42,541
To let you know how bad we felt then...
345
00:33:42,620 --> 00:33:45,316
...I only need tell you about
our eldest daughter's
346
00:33:45,390 --> 00:33:47,255
birthday at the time.
347
00:33:48,760 --> 00:33:53,754
On Song Mi's birthday we
had nothing but maize.
348
00:33:53,831 --> 00:33:58,791
So I ground the cobs of maize and
made porridge with it.
349
00:33:58,870 --> 00:34:01,065
We celebrated our eldest
daughter's birthday...
350
00:34:01,139 --> 00:34:03,699
...by giving half a bowl of
351
00:34:04,342 --> 00:34:07,334
porridge to the other children...
352
00:34:07,412 --> 00:34:09,812
...and a whole bowl to the birthday girl.
353
00:34:11,649 --> 00:34:17,144
To mark April 15th, rations are increased.
Normally, the citizens of Pyongyang
354
00:34:17,321 --> 00:34:21,724
are entitled to one chicken and five
eggs per person per month.
355
00:34:22,627 --> 00:34:25,596
Although the food situation has greatly
improved in Pyongyang
356
00:34:26,264 --> 00:34:32,863
it is still a precarious situation for most civilians
with much of the population reliant on
foreign aid.
357
00:34:33,638 --> 00:34:38,337
Malnutrition is now the biggest threat to
the next generation of North Koreans.
358
00:34:40,778 --> 00:34:42,746
You can't say that our life is
359
00:34:42,814 --> 00:34:44,873
abundant at the moment.
360
00:34:45,616 --> 00:34:49,780
But it's considerably better than
during the Arduous March.
361
00:34:50,955 --> 00:34:55,119
Moran Bong Middle School Number One
362
00:34:56,027 --> 00:35:01,761
The performance is three months away and
the intensive daily training is taking its toll
on the girls.
363
00:35:02,667 --> 00:35:05,659
They have overslept and
are late for roll call.
364
00:35:21,752 --> 00:35:24,152
We will guard the Great Leader
General Kim Jong Il...
365
00:35:26,891 --> 00:35:29,052
...to the death.
366
00:35:31,829 --> 00:35:33,729
We will stand together as one...
367
00:35:35,533 --> 00:35:37,364
...no matter how adverse
the circumstances...
368
00:35:39,570 --> 00:35:42,130
...and keep to our own style of socialism...
369
00:35:44,876 --> 00:35:47,538
I now bring to an end this gathering
to give an oath of loyalty...
370
00:35:48,779 --> 00:35:50,906
...to the Great Leader, General Kim Jong Il.
371
00:35:52,783 --> 00:35:54,410
We will start marching.
372
00:35:55,720 --> 00:35:58,814
Go forward!
373
00:36:00,291 --> 00:36:08,721
"Long Live Generalissimo Kim Jong Il!"
374
00:36:14,639 --> 00:36:18,473
Song Yon's English Lesson
375
00:36:58,716 --> 00:37:01,048
Song Yon's English Teacher
376
00:37:05,189 --> 00:37:10,092
Song-yeon is a good student
but not very good at studying.
377
00:37:10,728 --> 00:37:16,826
She cannot spend as much time
in studying as other students
378
00:37:17,268 --> 00:37:22,171
because she has to spare a big amount
of time for practicing gymnastics.
379
00:37:22,573 --> 00:37:28,375
Her score at school is not one of the best
but not one of the worst, either.
380
00:37:31,182 --> 00:37:32,248
Hello everybody.
381
00:37:32,283 --> 00:37:34,818
Everyone of us has
something to do in the future.
382
00:37:34,853 --> 00:37:37,353
Most of us will join the
Korean Peoples Army.
383
00:37:57,308 --> 00:38:01,335
Let's join the campaign to acquire
the name 'Honorary Red Flag.'
384
00:38:03,180 --> 00:38:04,875
Hyon Sun's Revolutionary History Lesson
385
00:38:08,452 --> 00:38:11,216
How many types of greatness does
the Great Leader have?
386
00:38:11,989 --> 00:38:13,650
Three: Firstly?
387
00:38:13,724 --> 00:38:15,282
Greatness in ideology
388
00:38:15,359 --> 00:38:16,348
Second?
389
00:38:16,427 --> 00:38:17,655
Greatness in leadership.
390
00:38:17,728 --> 00:38:18,592
Third?
391
00:38:18,663 --> 00:38:20,460
Greatness in aura.
392
00:38:22,800 --> 00:38:26,759
So we recognize three aspects to the
Great Leader's greatness.
393
00:38:28,072 --> 00:38:29,004
Where are the U.S. Imperialist aggressors
394
00:38:30,341 --> 00:38:31,239
attacking at the moment?
395
00:38:31,309 --> 00:38:32,776
Iraq
396
00:38:32,843 --> 00:38:34,572
Looking at the state of affairs in the
world at the moment...
397
00:38:34,645 --> 00:38:38,172
...it's clear that the U.S. Imperialists...
398
00:38:38,249 --> 00:38:41,514
...cannot rest even for a moment from
invading other countries.
399
00:38:42,320 --> 00:38:44,311
Furthermore, our revolution
is progressing...
400
00:38:44,388 --> 00:38:47,186
...in such difficult circumstances today.
401
00:38:48,192 --> 00:38:49,750
With the intention of getting rid of
our Korean socialism...
402
00:38:50,294 --> 00:38:52,125
...the only socialism left on this Earth...
403
00:38:52,863 --> 00:38:55,832
...these Americans are
maneuvering to isolate...
404
00:38:56,400 --> 00:38:58,868
...squash and suffocate our country.
405
00:38:59,136 --> 00:39:00,694
What do they want to do to
socialism in the end?
406
00:39:01,138 --> 00:39:02,002
They want to totally demolish it.
407
00:39:03,240 --> 00:39:05,435
When we receive the Great
Leader's leadership...
408
00:39:05,509 --> 00:39:08,239
...we are destined to be eternally happy.
409
00:40:02,266 --> 00:40:05,463
After a two hour lunch
break it's time for training.
410
00:40:13,844 --> 00:40:15,141
My legs hurt.
411
00:40:18,983 --> 00:40:21,247
The schedule is intensifying
412
00:40:25,956 --> 00:40:32,452
If they are to make the final performance in
the presence of The General, the group must
reach the standard required.
413
00:40:41,872 --> 00:40:45,706
Previous experience of Mass Games
is no guarantee of selection.
414
00:41:07,465 --> 00:41:09,262
Granddad, I'm back.
415
00:41:09,400 --> 00:41:13,393
By the time Hyon Sun arrives home from
training, it's seven in the evening
416
00:41:13,637 --> 00:41:16,367
six hours after school has finished.
417
00:41:18,676 --> 00:41:20,227
Grandma, I'm back.
418
00:41:20,262 --> 00:41:21,778
Mum, I'm back.
419
00:41:21,846 --> 00:41:22,369
Home, already?
420
00:41:22,446 --> 00:41:23,071
Yes.
421
00:41:24,215 --> 00:41:29,653
Whenever I go home my grandmother
tells me to do homework or study.
422
00:41:30,488 --> 00:41:33,753
So when I come home from school...
423
00:41:33,824 --> 00:41:36,315
...I stay out of grandmother's
sight and go out to play.
424
00:41:47,538 --> 00:41:52,373
My grandmother is quite strict
about what I should do or not.
425
00:41:52,910 --> 00:41:56,141
Because I can't get my own way
with her, I get upset.
426
00:42:02,353 --> 00:42:03,183
Here.
427
00:42:04,388 --> 00:42:06,117
Hey, you're making me feed you.
428
00:42:08,926 --> 00:42:11,520
Of course, because she's my
Granddaughter she's quite cute...
429
00:42:11,595 --> 00:42:15,361
...and I won't scold her or hit her
as I did to my own child.
430
00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:20,801
But when it comes to cultivating
her group mentality...
431
00:42:21,338 --> 00:42:22,635
...and strengthening her will, we are strict.
432
00:42:23,374 --> 00:42:24,671
Put it on your knees.
433
00:42:29,513 --> 00:42:31,879
How is a gymnast like her so weak?
434
00:42:36,787 --> 00:42:38,721
I sometimes raise my voice to her...
435
00:42:39,623 --> 00:42:44,822
...and I'm strict when she gets lazy.
436
00:42:45,396 --> 00:42:49,628
You start dancing first and
I'll play accordingly.
437
00:42:57,975 --> 00:43:02,435
My mother does everything I ask her.
438
00:43:02,513 --> 00:43:04,242
She listens to everything I say.
439
00:43:05,182 --> 00:43:09,551
She's closer and more affectionate
with me than with anyone else
440
00:43:09,620 --> 00:43:11,554
She's like one of my classmates.
441
00:43:15,492 --> 00:43:16,254
As a mother, I feel proud...
442
00:43:16,927 --> 00:43:19,293
...of the way I have brought up my daughter.
443
00:43:25,536 --> 00:43:30,405
Did you dance in that cardigan?
444
00:43:31,241 --> 00:43:32,708
With her father, she finds
things a bit difficult.
445
00:43:33,611 --> 00:43:35,875
So no matter how strictly her father...
446
00:43:35,946 --> 00:43:37,277
...and her grandmother bring her up...
447
00:43:37,348 --> 00:43:40,340
...as her mother I have maternal love...
448
00:43:40,417 --> 00:43:42,715
...so I pamper her quite a lot.
449
00:43:50,694 --> 00:43:56,291
Sometimes she lies to her father and
only tells me things in secret.
450
00:43:56,367 --> 00:44:01,430
I sometimes hide things from her father...
451
00:44:01,505 --> 00:44:04,599
...if I think she'll get in trouble for them.
452
00:44:22,092 --> 00:44:23,354
Will you take out the soup
bowls for me?
453
00:44:23,427 --> 00:44:24,291
Soup bowls?
454
00:44:27,531 --> 00:44:28,862
Oh, why do we have this power cut?
455
00:44:31,435 --> 00:44:32,333
Use this lighter.
456
00:44:37,041 --> 00:44:38,235
We get used to it.
457
00:44:46,383 --> 00:44:50,979
Even in the central district of Pyongyang
the most important area of the city
458
00:44:51,288 --> 00:44:55,622
most nights are spent without electricity
at some point in the evening.
459
00:45:06,236 --> 00:45:07,464
Bloody Americans!
460
00:45:09,306 --> 00:45:10,238
It's all their fault.
461
00:45:18,415 --> 00:45:21,680
It's Sunday, the official
day of rest in Pyongyang.
462
00:45:33,464 --> 00:45:37,525
After their picnic, Song Yon and her family
plan to visit the flower exhibition,
463
00:45:37,868 --> 00:45:44,273
which is devoted exclusively to two breeds
of flower the Kim Il Sungia and the
Kim Jong llia.
464
00:45:47,644 --> 00:45:55,744
Since Song Yon really wanted to
we went boating.
465
00:45:58,422 --> 00:46:01,550
Our eldest and second daughters
said they would do it...
466
00:46:01,625 --> 00:46:03,559
...but in fact when they started...
467
00:46:03,627 --> 00:46:05,686
...we saw that they didn't know how to row.
468
00:46:07,831 --> 00:46:12,268
Song Yon teased them from behind.
469
00:46:16,740 --> 00:46:18,674
Follow us.
470
00:46:20,310 --> 00:46:24,246
Whatever you say, language
and cultures are different.
471
00:46:25,249 --> 00:46:28,980
I wonder what makes
people happy or angry.
472
00:46:29,553 --> 00:46:32,681
These sorts of feelings, especially
the kind of international news...
473
00:46:32,756 --> 00:46:34,417
...that has been showing here on TV recently.
474
00:46:35,159 --> 00:46:39,061
We used to not know what this means.
475
00:46:40,164 --> 00:46:45,397
But now people have got to know
that it's a symbol of justice.
476
00:46:46,370 --> 00:46:53,071
Through this kind of process we get
to understand the world.
477
00:47:18,435 --> 00:47:19,459
I want to know the current
478
00:47:19,536 --> 00:47:20,867
situation in Iraq...
479
00:47:22,139 --> 00:47:26,007
...because we think the situation in Iraq...
480
00:47:26,577 --> 00:47:29,808
...could have a direct effect
on the situation in our
481
00:47:29,880 --> 00:47:33,611
country in the future.
482
00:47:35,252 --> 00:47:37,777
People are very interested
in the state of affairs in Iraq.
483
00:47:39,156 --> 00:47:40,453
I'd like to know about it, but
484
00:47:41,658 --> 00:47:43,717
since I've been busy recently...
485
00:47:45,195 --> 00:47:46,662
...I haven't been able to give time to that.
486
00:47:48,765 --> 00:47:51,893
Baghdad has fallen to the Americans
four days earlier
487
00:47:51,969 --> 00:47:55,336
but there has been no official reporting
of this in the state media.
488
00:47:58,575 --> 00:48:08,211
I'm a bit sad I've no son I can
send to the People's Army...
489
00:48:08,952 --> 00:48:12,353
...who I can join hands with
to achieve Reunification.
490
00:48:13,423 --> 00:48:15,186
Since my occupation belongs
to an intellectual class...
491
00:48:16,293 --> 00:48:17,225
...since I work in science,
492
00:48:18,528 --> 00:48:20,189
I like it when things are quiet.
493
00:48:20,264 --> 00:48:22,528
When you come into this
house it's not like that.
494
00:48:23,200 --> 00:48:28,069
Since our children are girls they talk a lot.
495
00:48:31,174 --> 00:48:34,337
Mum, this has torn off during training.
496
00:48:36,213 --> 00:48:40,843
While you study with your dad
I will sew it up.
497
00:48:42,452 --> 00:48:45,751
Dad, my teacher told me to
498
00:48:45,822 --> 00:48:47,346
make a homework book...
499
00:48:47,424 --> 00:48:48,857
...so I have to use a new homework book.
500
00:48:48,926 --> 00:48:50,553
I have to do this English
501
00:48:50,627 --> 00:48:51,389
vocabulary and grammar.
502
00:48:51,461 --> 00:48:52,689
English?
503
00:48:52,763 --> 00:48:54,390
Yes, English grammar.
504
00:48:55,432 --> 00:48:56,694
Dad doesn't know English.
505
00:48:58,201 --> 00:49:02,297
- Why don't we leave English and...
- Forget English.
506
00:49:02,372 --> 00:49:06,206
Homework, homework, homework book...
507
00:49:12,582 --> 00:49:13,514
Wow, looks pretty.
508
00:49:14,084 --> 00:49:15,608
Looks exactly the same as Song Yon.
509
00:49:15,686 --> 00:49:18,621
Kim Song Yon, Kim Song Mi.
510
00:49:19,523 --> 00:49:20,217
This is you.
511
00:49:20,290 --> 00:49:21,450
You...
512
00:49:23,493 --> 00:49:24,482
The photograph is so old...
513
00:49:25,862 --> 00:49:29,161
Hey, hey, hey, when it comes to photos
the older, the better.
514
00:49:29,700 --> 00:49:34,399
There's no-one good looking in your class!
515
00:49:34,471 --> 00:49:40,307
Doesn't she look like an actress
the one in 'A Kind Girl'?
516
00:49:40,377 --> 00:49:41,901
No, not a single bit.
517
00:49:43,313 --> 00:49:49,445
I'm not sad about only having daughters.
518
00:49:49,519 --> 00:49:52,283
We're bringing up our daughters well.
519
00:49:52,923 --> 00:49:54,618
She's joining the People's Army...
520
00:49:56,426 --> 00:49:58,485
...with her Taekwondo skill.
521
00:49:59,129 --> 00:50:01,620
She's joining the army, doing her
own work- she will make me proud.
522
00:50:02,399 --> 00:50:05,926
Let's say our second daughter
has a quiet personality.
523
00:50:06,003 --> 00:50:07,766
She knows nothing but study.
524
00:50:07,838 --> 00:50:09,806
So we're training her as a scientist.
525
00:50:10,941 --> 00:50:12,431
Our last daughter...
526
00:50:13,910 --> 00:50:17,073
...since she's quite artistic, does dancing.
527
00:50:19,649 --> 00:50:20,877
Are you watching the children's movie?
528
00:50:20,951 --> 00:50:24,114
Song Yon, homework! Homework!
529
00:50:24,955 --> 00:50:26,513
The children's movie is on,
530
00:50:27,991 --> 00:50:28,958
so let her do her homework after that.
531
00:50:30,794 --> 00:50:32,261
You should watch it after
doing your homework.
532
00:50:32,329 --> 00:50:34,058
You shouldn’t just keep
watching films, should you?
533
00:50:34,131 --> 00:50:37,123
I'll watch this first, after watching this...
534
00:50:38,068 --> 00:50:41,367
Go, after studying...
535
00:50:43,673 --> 00:50:47,234
When a bear eats a fish as a
crab hides its eyes...
536
00:50:47,310 --> 00:50:49,107
...how does the bear eat the fish?
537
00:50:49,179 --> 00:50:50,168
Quickly.
538
00:50:50,247 --> 00:50:52,306
It means that the bear eats it quickly.
539
00:50:53,650 --> 00:50:55,379
Your Excellency, this traitor
switched to our enemy.
540
00:50:55,986 --> 00:50:58,955
He signed on the plot
to kill Your Excellency.
541
00:50:59,022 --> 00:51:01,047
That's right.
542
00:51:01,124 --> 00:51:02,591
Arrest him immediately!
543
00:51:07,197 --> 00:51:08,357
I can't get caught by them here.
544
00:51:08,432 --> 00:51:10,764
I should smash them up and destroy them.
545
00:51:12,936 --> 00:51:15,928
He will break it with his foot as he jumps.
546
00:51:16,840 --> 00:51:17,864
He is going to jail here.
547
00:51:19,643 --> 00:51:20,473
Has she done them all?
548
00:51:22,946 --> 00:51:24,436
Put it there and watch the movie.
549
00:51:28,218 --> 00:51:29,344
What's that?
550
00:51:29,419 --> 00:51:30,716
Is that art gymnastics or what?
551
00:51:33,190 --> 00:51:34,179
Try more graciously.
552
00:51:34,825 --> 00:51:37,988
Focus on your hands and
try like this graciously.
553
00:51:38,061 --> 00:51:40,029
Your dad does it more beautifully than you.
554
00:51:44,935 --> 00:51:46,095
Raise your arm like this.
555
00:51:47,304 --> 00:51:48,328
Like this?
556
00:51:48,972 --> 00:51:49,802
Oh, that's good.
557
00:51:55,912 --> 00:51:57,539
Oi! Really...
558
00:52:00,817 --> 00:52:03,615
Mansu Hill
559
00:52:08,125 --> 00:52:12,323
Kim Il Sung's birthday is the most important
day in the North Korean calendar.
560
00:52:16,466 --> 00:52:20,664
Three years of national mourning
followed his death in 1994.
561
00:52:21,304 --> 00:52:24,933
In 1997 he was declared Eternal President.
562
00:52:32,983 --> 00:52:35,213
The whole country will
have a two day holiday.
563
00:52:35,719 --> 00:52:38,950
For Song Yon, that means two days
off from training.
564
00:52:49,533 --> 00:52:53,367
Song Yon spends April 15th with her
parents, at a co-operative farm
565
00:52:53,503 --> 00:52:55,903
30 miles outside Pyongyang.
566
00:52:57,374 --> 00:53:00,901
Wonha-ri Co-operative Farm
567
00:53:03,880 --> 00:53:08,214
All North Koreans require a permit to travel
outside their towns of residence.
568
00:53:08,685 --> 00:53:11,483
It takes the family half
a day to make the journey.
569
00:53:16,826 --> 00:53:21,763
The farm is home to a friend of Song Yon's
father from their days in the Korean
People's Army.
570
00:53:35,812 --> 00:53:38,804
It has been 10 years since
the veterans last met.
571
00:53:40,116 --> 00:53:41,606
They already had lunch before they came.
572
00:53:44,888 --> 00:53:45,877
We'll just have a drink then.
573
00:53:54,364 --> 00:53:57,299
I met this man when I joined the army.
574
00:53:58,802 --> 00:54:00,030
When we were in the army
575
00:54:00,103 --> 00:54:01,832
he was always sleepy...
576
00:54:02,739 --> 00:54:05,264
...so we used to call him 'sleepyhead'.
577
00:54:07,844 --> 00:54:11,507
We were in different divisions but
we slept in the same bed.
578
00:54:13,283 --> 00:54:17,982
Army life is group life and
so we slept together.
579
00:54:18,054 --> 00:54:20,614
I don't sleep much in the mornings.
580
00:54:20,690 --> 00:54:23,454
So I had to wake him up, but
581
00:54:23,526 --> 00:54:25,084
It was a bit difficult.
582
00:54:25,161 --> 00:54:27,755
I even smacked home around
the face a few times!
583
00:54:31,635 --> 00:54:35,230
To commemorate Kim Il Sung's birthday
there is a fete in the village.
584
00:54:35,805 --> 00:54:39,297
Teams from different farm units
compete for the three prizes
585
00:54:39,776 --> 00:54:42,904
their choice of pig, sheep or goat.
586
00:54:46,383 --> 00:54:49,546
They wouldn't fight, would they?
587
00:54:50,153 --> 00:54:53,554
I've sent both my son and
daughter to the army.
588
00:54:53,623 --> 00:54:59,027
Now my life is like a honeymoon!
589
00:54:59,929 --> 00:55:03,228
I want to have another child
when I see her now.
590
00:55:05,101 --> 00:55:07,934
There's no guard at the
pleasant time of night!
591
00:55:14,744 --> 00:55:18,703
It is here in the countryside
even just 30 miles outside Pyongyang
592
00:55:19,115 --> 00:55:22,243
that the hardships of recent years
have been felt the most.
593
00:55:55,185 --> 00:55:56,584
It's been stressful, to be honest.
594
00:55:57,253 --> 00:55:59,813
We lost the Great Leader.
595
00:56:07,030 --> 00:56:08,622
Then we had natural disasters
on top of that.
596
00:56:08,698 --> 00:56:11,633
So the farming hasn't turned
out as it should.
597
00:56:15,238 --> 00:56:20,403
To be honest, the U.S. Imperialists
have been blockading our economy.
598
00:56:20,477 --> 00:56:22,672
Relying on self reliance...
599
00:56:22,746 --> 00:56:25,476
...we did our farming by ourselves.
600
00:56:28,118 --> 00:56:29,779
We've had quite a difficult existence.
601
00:56:34,190 --> 00:56:39,253
Under the care of our Party and the
General we each received food...
602
00:56:39,329 --> 00:56:43,459
...up until now.
603
00:56:52,442 --> 00:56:58,904
Throughout their adversity, North Koreans
continued to be driven by the country's guiding
philosophy of Juche
604
00:56:59,349 --> 00:57:02,079
that man is responsible
for his own destiny.
605
00:57:04,120 --> 00:57:07,146
In essence, Juche preaches self reliance.
606
00:57:09,526 --> 00:57:13,121
Self-reliance is, in a word...
607
00:57:14,697 --> 00:57:16,096
...no matter whether or not we are
provided with assistance...
608
00:57:16,166 --> 00:57:19,158
...by ourselves, with our own strength...
609
00:57:19,736 --> 00:57:22,864
...even if the state can't provide something...
610
00:57:23,540 --> 00:57:25,474
...we make what we don't have.
611
00:57:25,542 --> 00:57:29,478
For example
agricultural tools, like hoes
if the state can't provide them...
612
00:57:30,146 --> 00:57:31,977
...we have to forge them ourselves
at the blacksmiths...
613
00:57:32,048 --> 00:57:33,675
...since we have to do our farming.
614
00:57:35,385 --> 00:57:38,377
So if we have no petrol for an engine...
615
00:57:38,455 --> 00:57:40,389
...we have to see how it works and
make it work at all costs...
616
00:57:42,692 --> 00:57:44,421
...even by running it on gas.
617
00:57:45,361 --> 00:57:48,023
This kind of thing is self-reliance.
618
00:57:54,838 --> 00:57:56,738
Because we're former soldiers...
619
00:57:58,174 --> 00:58:01,473
...there's no excuse for saying,
"we don't have this"...
620
00:58:02,011 --> 00:58:03,672
...or "there isn't enough of that."
621
00:58:04,414 --> 00:58:09,283
I think it's in the nature of us Koreans
to totally devote ourselves...
622
00:58:09,919 --> 00:58:11,853
...completely to carrying out
623
00:58:11,921 --> 00:58:13,320
whatever task we do.
624
00:58:18,394 --> 00:58:21,363
There is no knowing when these
comrades will next meet.
625
00:58:23,867 --> 00:58:27,234
At this time, Asia is gripped
by the SARS epidemic.
626
00:58:27,837 --> 00:58:32,740
Worst affected is Beijijng, Pyongyang's main
point of contact with the outside world.
627
00:58:34,110 --> 00:58:40,071
Even though North Korea is served by
just six international flights per week,
the state is alarmed.
628
00:58:41,351 --> 00:58:48,257
As a result of the threat of SARS, North Korea
becomes the only country in the world
to completely seal its borders.
629
00:58:50,660 --> 00:58:53,458
No-one knows when
North Korea will re-open.
630
00:59:03,873 --> 00:59:07,707
North Korea is the last country to
lift SARS restrictions
631
00:59:08,011 --> 00:59:11,139
even though it has had no confirmed
cases of the virus.
632
00:59:11,681 --> 00:59:15,139
It opens three weeks after the outbreak
is declared over.
633
00:59:17,654 --> 00:59:18,814
Are you going to gymnastic lesson now?
634
00:59:28,464 --> 00:59:29,931
I've washed this.
635
00:59:30,667 --> 00:59:32,200
Then I put it in the travel bag.
636
00:59:32,235 --> 00:59:34,226
But then, you know
There were chocolates in the bag.
637
00:59:37,440 --> 00:59:38,464
So it got a stain from chocolates.
It won't come off.
638
00:59:39,275 --> 00:59:43,769
You know what? I lost my school badge.
I'll get told off by the teachers.
639
00:59:46,783 --> 00:59:48,114
I lost it.
640
00:59:48,184 --> 00:59:50,778
I took it off to wash my shirt.
641
00:59:50,853 --> 00:59:53,617
Then it was gone, the Moran Bong
school badge.
642
00:59:54,824 --> 00:59:56,815
- It must have gone into a drain.
- Maybe...
643
00:59:58,061 --> 01:00:00,723
Why isn't the bus coming?
It'd better some soon.
644
01:00:06,302 --> 01:00:07,894
I've got a heat rash here
and it really hurts...
645
01:00:07,971 --> 01:00:08,903
Let me have a look.
646
01:00:11,107 --> 01:00:13,667
The authorities have postponed
the July Mass Games.
647
01:00:13,910 --> 01:00:18,404
They will be held in September, to
commemorate 55 years of the founding
of the Republic.
648
01:00:19,315 --> 01:00:23,217
For Song Yon, there has been a major
change in the dynamics of family life.
649
01:00:25,088 --> 01:00:28,251
It's been one month since my eldest
sister went to join the army.
650
01:00:29,225 --> 01:00:33,218
When my eldest sister went out to
the army she left her room to me
651
01:00:33,997 --> 01:00:38,957
and told me to leave her Taekwondo
training clothes...
652
01:00:39,769 --> 01:00:41,862
...and everything else as they were.
653
01:00:42,839 --> 01:00:45,273
However she went out to
guard the General...
654
01:00:45,341 --> 01:00:47,935
...so I will wait for her, even though I miss her.
655
01:00:48,611 --> 01:00:50,772
But It's nice to have my own room!
656
01:00:53,516 --> 01:00:55,416
The schools have broken
up for the summer
657
01:00:55,785 --> 01:00:59,277
and despite the postponement there
is no respite from practice.
658
01:01:02,525 --> 01:01:05,756
Every detail of the September performance
has been finalized
659
01:01:06,295 --> 01:01:09,890
and now it is up to each group to
hone their moves to perfection.
660
01:01:22,378 --> 01:01:23,709
Next, spring your stomach.
661
01:01:26,849 --> 01:01:29,215
Next movement. Keep the line.
662
01:01:33,723 --> 01:01:37,819
For the ten weeks prior to the performance
practice will be held all day
663
01:01:38,161 --> 01:01:42,461
from eight in the morning until six in the
evening, with two hours break for lunch.
664
01:01:43,766 --> 01:01:46,701
Sometimes Mass Games training is hard.
665
01:01:46,769 --> 01:01:50,671
Other children play in the blazing Sunlight.
666
01:01:50,740 --> 01:01:55,177
But we train and dedicate huge energy...
667
01:01:55,244 --> 01:01:59,647
...in order to give happiness
to the dear General.
668
01:02:01,417 --> 01:02:02,645
Behind your ears like this.
669
01:02:06,556 --> 01:02:08,956
Now our moves have nearly been perfected.
670
01:02:09,025 --> 01:02:12,620
When the dear Generalissimo
comes to watch the Mass Games...
671
01:02:13,296 --> 01:02:16,891
...I will definitely perform
with perfect moves.
672
01:02:21,971 --> 01:02:25,873
Pyongyang Indoor Gymnasium
673
01:02:25,908 --> 01:02:30,675
With less than two months to go to the
performance the girls' practice area
is relocated
674
01:02:31,147 --> 01:02:35,413
to the Pyongyang Indoor Gymnasium, where
the actual performance will be held.
675
01:02:40,690 --> 01:02:43,318
All the disciplines of
Mass Games will practice here.
676
01:02:43,760 --> 01:02:47,753
Each group is driven hard to ensure they
achieve the standard required.
677
01:02:54,403 --> 01:03:01,172
Even experienced gymnasts like Hyon Sun
who has three Mass Games to her credit
are beginning to feel the pressure.
678
01:03:02,912 --> 01:03:05,437
Since we're coming to the
time of the event...
679
01:03:06,482 --> 01:03:07,813
...it's gradually getting harder.
680
01:03:09,118 --> 01:03:12,255
So I've started to hate it sometimes
681
01:03:12,290 --> 01:03:14,189
There is no room for sentiment.
682
01:03:14,590 --> 01:03:17,821
The organizers are unhappy with
the quality of the torch girls.
683
01:03:25,935 --> 01:03:34,070
Shortly after being filmed, these girls were
informed that, having failed to reach the
standard, they would be replaced by boys.
684
01:03:54,330 --> 01:03:59,893
The postponement of the Mass Games
presents Hyon Sun and Song Yon with a
chance of a life-changing experience
685
01:04:00,303 --> 01:04:04,296
a trip to Mount Paekdu, a 31 hour
train ride from Pyongyang.
686
01:04:11,881 --> 01:04:15,783
The girls are accompanied by a revolutionary
history teacher from their school.
687
01:04:22,792 --> 01:04:26,558
Our school selected a group of
excellent students who study hard...
688
01:04:27,263 --> 01:04:28,662
...and took them to Mount Paekdu
689
01:04:29,332 --> 01:04:34,201
I had the honor of being selected
along with Song Yon...
690
01:04:34,270 --> 01:04:36,465
...and other friends, and came
to Mount Paekdu.
691
01:04:38,574 --> 01:04:42,806
Mount Paekdu is considered holy to all
Koreans, both North and South
692
01:04:43,512 --> 01:04:49,007
In legend, the Korean nation was born out
of Mount Paekdu's volcanic Lake Chon.
693
01:05:04,166 --> 01:05:07,693
Our people all have great
respect for Mount Paekdu.
694
01:05:19,949 --> 01:05:22,645
As Mount Paekdu is the place
where the beloved Great Leader...
695
01:05:23,286 --> 01:05:24,776
...Kim Il Sung carried out
696
01:05:24,854 --> 01:05:26,253
the anti-Japanese armed struggle...
697
01:05:26,322 --> 01:05:28,187
...and where the General
Kim Jong Il was born.
698
01:05:28,257 --> 01:05:32,660
So we Koreans all admire it as a
sacred mountain of revolution...
699
01:05:32,728 --> 01:05:35,595
...and as the true home of our hearts.
700
01:05:37,066 --> 01:05:43,835
Mount Paekdu, sacred mountain
of the revolution. Kim Jong Il
701
01:05:44,340 --> 01:05:49,437
Every North Korean is expected to make the
pilgrimage to Paekdu at some point in their lives.
702
01:05:57,753 --> 01:05:58,583
Look, look at that!
703
01:05:58,654 --> 01:06:00,451
Wow, It's amazing.
704
01:06:00,523 --> 01:06:02,013
It would be great in winter.
705
01:06:02,091 --> 01:06:04,150
I want to swim in Lake Chon.
706
01:06:09,231 --> 01:06:10,789
Hey, it looks like it's frozen.
707
01:06:10,866 --> 01:06:13,528
The water must be quite cool.
708
01:06:13,602 --> 01:06:16,036
I was surprised when I saw Lake Chon.
709
01:06:16,105 --> 01:06:18,733
I pictured Mount Paekdu only in my mind...
710
01:06:18,808 --> 01:06:22,767
...as I heard the explanation
from my teacher.
711
01:06:22,845 --> 01:06:24,870
However when I saw it with my own eyes...
712
01:06:24,947 --> 01:06:28,610
I was more than surprised and thought,
713
01:06:29,185 --> 01:06:34,418
"Wow, what a fascinating and
magnificent view it is!"
714
01:06:40,629 --> 01:06:41,789
Look, look at Hyon Sun.
715
01:06:57,046 --> 01:07:02,848
The moment I saw Lake Chon,
its pure and crystal clear water...
716
01:07:03,419 --> 01:07:04,886
...I made up my mind.
717
01:07:05,421 --> 01:07:09,152
I will live as the daughter of the
General and of Mount Paekdu.
718
01:07:12,862 --> 01:07:14,124
I'm scared.
719
01:07:40,823 --> 01:07:43,656
This is the second tallest
statue in our country.
720
01:07:47,930 --> 01:07:49,921
Admiration to the Great Leader.
721
01:07:59,442 --> 01:08:04,903
Those lectures made me think a lot.
722
01:08:09,485 --> 01:08:11,419
Teacher, why don't you come in too?
723
01:08:12,555 --> 01:08:16,548
When I go back home I will tell
these stories to my friends...
724
01:08:16,625 --> 01:08:19,617
...so they can grow up...
725
01:08:19,695 --> 01:08:24,530
...as daughters of the General
and Mount Paekdu.
726
01:08:32,575 --> 01:08:34,133
Come quickly.
727
01:08:36,045 --> 01:08:37,273
It's so cold!
728
01:08:56,132 --> 01:09:02,264
When I go back, I will participate in
Mass Games with my friends.
729
01:09:02,338 --> 01:09:06,638
When I face the difficult and hard tasks...
730
01:09:06,709 --> 01:09:09,439
...during my practice for Mass Games...
731
01:09:10,613 --> 01:09:12,638
...I will always discipline my mind
picturing Mount Paekdu.
732
01:09:13,549 --> 01:09:17,485
Jong Il Peak
733
01:09:46,115 --> 01:09:49,380
The girls return to Pyongyang in
time for July 27th
734
01:09:50,920 --> 01:09:56,449
Considering it is the 50th anniversary of
what is seen as a great victory over an
imperialist aggressor
735
01:09:57,159 --> 01:09:59,389
Pyongyang is strangely muted.
736
01:10:08,504 --> 01:10:13,806
Kim Il Sung's statue is the focus of
remembrance as it was he who led
the nation through the War.
737
01:10:16,478 --> 01:10:21,381
Pride of place goes to a bouquet sent
personally by his son Kim Jong Il.
738
01:10:25,554 --> 01:10:29,458
The city bursts into life that evening
as 30,000 adults
739
01:10:29,493 --> 01:10:31,585
dance on Kim Il Sung square.
740
01:10:33,262 --> 01:10:36,857
Yet there seems little to celebrate.
50 years on from the war
741
01:10:37,066 --> 01:10:39,296
a peace treaty has never been signed.
742
01:10:41,203 --> 01:10:46,266
Korea remains divided, the North is still seen
as a pariah in the western world
743
01:10:46,742 --> 01:10:51,475
and the Korean peninsula continues to live
with the threat of catastrophic war.
744
01:10:54,250 --> 01:10:56,775
If war broke out in Korea, there would be
745
01:10:56,852 --> 01:10:58,251
one million casualties with the first 24 hours'
746
01:10:58,320 --> 01:11:00,481
Pentagon estimate 1993'
747
01:11:28,851 --> 01:11:32,184
At the time of the war, there was nothing.
748
01:11:32,254 --> 01:11:33,186
Everything was in ashes.
749
01:11:33,789 --> 01:11:35,780
From that time onwards...
750
01:11:35,858 --> 01:11:39,658
...we really started construction
with a new strong resolve.
751
01:11:50,739 --> 01:11:53,003
The reason this was necessary...
752
01:11:53,909 --> 01:11:56,878
...was in order to completely
transform our capital.
753
01:11:57,413 --> 01:12:03,977
If you build somebody a house
they can live their life there.
754
01:12:04,753 --> 01:12:09,213
As people live there, they feel their
life is more worthwhile...
755
01:12:09,858 --> 01:12:12,122
...and they can work better, putting
more energy into production.
756
01:12:12,194 --> 01:12:15,789
Therefore, we have to keep on
developing our construction...
757
01:12:16,598 --> 01:12:18,327
...and not fall behind other countries.
758
01:12:28,877 --> 01:12:32,973
I have been mobilized on construction
projects for 35 years.
759
01:12:34,416 --> 01:12:37,874
It's tiring doing this kind of construction.
760
01:12:37,953 --> 01:12:43,050
When you finish it, you feel pride
every time you look at it.
761
01:12:43,125 --> 01:12:47,459
And you feel it was worthwhile.
762
01:12:47,996 --> 01:12:53,366
So often I think, "In our lives,
we really have to build things."
763
01:12:58,107 --> 01:13:02,942
We obey the slogan that "one is all
and all are one."
764
01:13:03,612 --> 01:13:08,413
A team working on one project will
be of "one mind and one body."
765
01:13:08,484 --> 01:13:12,853
We're making efforts to
solve every problem.
766
01:13:15,524 --> 01:13:20,894
Hyon Sun's Grandfather's latest project is
North Korea's first ever officially
sanctioned market.
767
01:13:21,630 --> 01:13:25,498
The market will be state owned but
some stalls will be privately run.
768
01:13:26,135 --> 01:13:28,467
It is a wholly foreign concept to him.
769
01:13:32,408 --> 01:13:39,143
As far as I know, I'm building
something called a market.
770
01:13:39,815 --> 01:13:42,784
There's no question that it's being built...
771
01:13:42,851 --> 01:13:44,876
...in order to improve people's
lives in the future.
772
01:13:45,754 --> 01:13:51,522
But I don't yet know how it will be run.
773
01:13:52,227 --> 01:13:56,994
We people are all curious
about such a market.
774
01:14:01,737 --> 01:14:03,898
Our apartment is the best one I've built.
775
01:14:03,972 --> 01:14:07,669
For a start, the interior is good.
776
01:14:08,644 --> 01:14:12,603
And because everything else is good...
777
01:14:12,681 --> 01:14:15,172
...the location, the quality of the
construction materials...
778
01:14:15,250 --> 01:14:17,377
...the apartment we live in is a good one.
779
01:14:31,733 --> 01:14:36,102
Central Pyongyang awakens to loudspeakers
playing revolutionary music.
780
01:14:37,840 --> 01:14:44,871
The whole of the city, two million people, has
been mobilized for the September 9t celebrations,
781
01:14:44,947 --> 01:14:48,110
which commemorate 55 years
of the founding of the republic.
782
01:14:49,952 --> 01:14:52,785
The celebrations will be
of epic proportions.
783
01:14:55,491 --> 01:15:00,292
On September 9th, there will be a
military parade, followed by a people's parade
784
01:15:00,762 --> 01:15:03,253
both reviewed by Kim Jong Il.
785
01:15:05,968 --> 01:15:11,372
At night there will be dancing on Kim Il Sung
square, and a youth torch light parade.
786
01:15:12,941 --> 01:15:18,072
The Mass Games will take place the
following day, on September 10th.
787
01:15:26,788 --> 01:15:28,449
Kim Il Sung Square
788
01:15:28,524 --> 01:15:33,018
An estimated one million people will take part
in the three parades of the day.
789
01:15:33,896 --> 01:15:40,563
In North Korea, the parades are the ultimate
display of strength, unity, loyalty and devotion.
790
01:15:44,740 --> 01:15:50,406
Although the images of the Parade will be
transmitted worldwide, the target audience
is internal.
791
01:15:51,313 --> 01:15:54,009
The Parade reinforces the power
of the collective.
792
01:15:54,316 --> 01:16:00,118
It is also the biggest opportunity for the
people of North Korea to see and pay homage
to their Leader.
793
01:16:18,740 --> 01:16:23,507
As they march past, they cry 'Mansei'
which means "Long Live!"
794
01:16:26,415 --> 01:16:30,647
At the climax of the two hour spectacle
all eyes turn to one man.
795
01:16:31,520 --> 01:16:34,387
Only State officials are allowed to
film Kim Jong Il
796
01:16:34,957 --> 01:16:39,985
and when he comes to the balcony, security
personnel try to prevent even a snap shot.
797
01:16:50,238 --> 01:16:52,206
The celebrations are far from over.
798
01:16:52,708 --> 01:16:57,077
There is still a youth torchlight parade to
come and dancing on Kim Il Sung Square.
799
01:16:57,613 --> 01:17:00,776
And tomorrow is the first performance
of Mass Games.
800
01:17:18,634 --> 01:17:21,762
Would there be an army as disciplined
as ours in any other country?
801
01:17:21,837 --> 01:17:23,361
No!
802
01:17:25,207 --> 01:17:26,697
Wow, they make perfect lines.
803
01:17:26,775 --> 01:17:29,972
Their legs move like machines.
They're exactly the same height.
804
01:17:32,547 --> 01:17:34,412
They move like one person.
805
01:17:38,920 --> 01:17:39,978
Thank you.
806
01:17:45,627 --> 01:17:46,355
Let's eat dinner.
807
01:17:48,730 --> 01:17:49,890
Are you hungry?
808
01:17:49,965 --> 01:17:50,693
Say hello to our guests first.
809
01:17:50,766 --> 01:17:51,425
I just did.
810
01:17:51,500 --> 01:17:54,025
Did you say hello to them
at Hyon Sun's room?
811
01:17:54,102 --> 01:17:55,899
Yes, at the door.
812
01:17:59,441 --> 01:18:02,239
They saluted first so I saluted back.
813
01:18:03,412 --> 01:18:05,175
Let's watch her on the TV.
814
01:18:06,148 --> 01:18:07,638
Let's see if your mum looks OK on the TV.
815
01:18:09,851 --> 01:18:11,148
No, in the second row here.
816
01:18:11,219 --> 01:18:12,811
No, I'm in the front, here.
817
01:18:12,888 --> 01:18:14,355
Yes, in the second row from the front.
818
01:18:15,991 --> 01:18:17,788
I thought I was in the very front row.
819
01:18:19,561 --> 01:18:20,357
After this
820
01:18:20,429 --> 01:18:21,396
Oh, After this?
821
01:18:23,899 --> 01:18:29,838
No wonder even arrogant Americans
tremble with fear to see this.
822
01:18:31,073 --> 01:18:34,338
As long as we have the
General, we are fine.
823
01:18:43,618 --> 01:18:49,056
In less than fourteen hours time, it will be
Hyon Sun's turn to perform in front
of the General.
824
01:18:50,859 --> 01:18:55,694
Until now, thinking of the glorious
day of serving the General...
825
01:18:56,398 --> 01:19:01,199
...I have trained hard with loyalty
and sweated devotion.
826
01:19:03,038 --> 01:19:05,199
Though I was selected to perform
in the centre, I got really upset.
827
01:19:05,273 --> 01:19:06,604
I kept making mistakes.
828
01:19:07,776 --> 01:19:11,143
So sometimes I practiced until 10pm.
829
01:19:13,482 --> 01:19:16,781
Watching the parades, which are
constantly repeated on TV
830
01:19:16,852 --> 01:19:20,219
are an inspiration to her and
reinforce her will.
831
01:19:22,924 --> 01:19:26,621
When I think that I will perform in front
of the General tomorrow...
832
01:19:26,695 --> 01:19:29,323
...my heart trembles and pounds.
833
01:19:29,397 --> 01:19:31,957
I don't think I'll even get to sleep tonight.
834
01:19:35,036 --> 01:19:36,367
Father, have you also participated
in this kind of thing?
835
01:19:36,972 --> 01:19:40,066
Me? Well... I'm sorry to say...
836
01:19:41,409 --> 01:19:44,469
...that I haven’t joined the review
in the presence of the General.
837
01:19:45,881 --> 01:19:47,610
Your dad has done Mass Games
in front of the General many times...
838
01:19:47,682 --> 01:19:49,479
...when he went to the primary school.
839
01:19:49,551 --> 01:19:52,076
I did many ceremonies indeed
for Mass Games.
840
01:19:53,221 --> 01:19:54,813
I'm wondering whether our
father, the General...
841
01:19:54,890 --> 01:19:56,949
...will actually turn up for our performance.
842
01:19:59,194 --> 01:20:05,724
If he can't make it, we will be
really disappointed.
843
01:20:07,369 --> 01:20:12,773
Even if he can't, he may not come
he may be busy with his business.
844
01:20:12,841 --> 01:20:14,809
It will be fine if you have that in your
mind while you perform.
845
01:20:14,876 --> 01:20:15,900
"So perform well."
846
01:20:16,444 --> 01:20:17,172
"Can you do that?"
847
01:20:17,245 --> 01:20:18,507
Yes, I can.
848
01:20:21,550 --> 01:20:24,314
I really hope the General will come...
849
01:20:35,130 --> 01:20:38,429
It's 7 in the morning, four hours
before the performance.
850
01:20:39,067 --> 01:20:41,501
This is the biggest day of the girls' lives.
851
01:20:48,743 --> 01:20:49,675
Did you put everything in?
852
01:20:49,744 --> 01:20:52,372
Yes, I did. I only need my lunch.
853
01:20:52,447 --> 01:20:53,243
A snack!
854
01:20:54,282 --> 01:20:55,010
Take an apple.
855
01:20:55,083 --> 01:20:55,981
Or do you want biscuits?
856
01:20:58,153 --> 01:20:58,983
Whatever...
857
01:21:04,426 --> 01:21:04,949
I take them all.
858
01:21:05,026 --> 01:21:05,651
You greedy pig...
859
01:22:02,350 --> 01:22:06,343
It's 8.30am, two and a half hours
before the performance.
860
01:22:06,988 --> 01:22:12,449
Every available area of the gymnasium
outside and in, is used for last
minute preparations.
861
01:23:49,357 --> 01:23:54,920
Hyon Sun and Song Yon's performance is
the eleventh chapter of a 13 part
revolutionary story.
862
01:23:55,897 --> 01:24:00,197
Their chapter is entitled 'Our country
which is glorified with independence'.
863
01:24:01,503 --> 01:24:04,995
Each of the 6000 performers is
synchronized to the group
864
01:24:05,407 --> 01:24:08,535
each group to its chapter and each
chapter to the whole.
865
01:24:09,044 --> 01:24:14,482
Everyone will act as one, an embodiment
of the Juche philosophy of self-reliance.
866
01:24:15,884 --> 01:24:18,682
The performance is entitled
'Army First Korea'.
867
01:24:19,187 --> 01:24:21,348
It has been six months in the
planning and will last for 45 minutes.
868
01:24:21,990 --> 01:24:24,390
Kim Jong Il is unable to attend.
869
01:27:11,326 --> 01:27:16,457
Song-yeon, at the tender age of 11, has got
the honor of performing on the second front line.
870
01:28:13,054 --> 01:28:14,385
I had been wondering
whether I could perform...
871
01:28:14,455 --> 01:28:16,548
...in front of our father, the General...
872
01:28:16,624 --> 01:28:20,082
...but disappointingly, he couldn't come.
873
01:28:20,161 --> 01:28:21,958
However, since the General
couldn't come...
874
01:28:22,030 --> 01:28:24,089
...because he was busy
working for the country...
875
01:28:24,165 --> 01:28:26,326
...my friends and I all understand.
876
01:28:37,245 --> 01:28:40,305
Finally when the day came and our
act was about to start...
877
01:28:40,381 --> 01:28:41,848
...I was extremely nervous.
878
01:28:42,250 --> 01:28:44,912
For Hyon Sun this is her proudest moment.
879
01:28:45,119 --> 01:28:48,885
She will be in the centre of the front row
the pivotal figure of the act.
880
01:28:49,157 --> 01:28:51,216
The honor could not be greater.
881
01:28:51,426 --> 01:28:55,487
This is her chance to prove herself
to be a perfect communist.
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