The most striking aspect of modern Korean history is the amount of turmoil that the country has endured. In this time, the people of Korea have seen the fall of the Choseon Dynasty, the rule of the Japanese (1910 – 1945), the Korean War (1950 – now), the Cold War, and the Asian economic crisis (1997). Photo history
Up to 1897 the Korean peninsula had been ruled by a monarchy – the Choseon (or Joseon, or Chosun), dynasty (1392 – 1897). In 1905 Japan made Korea a protectorate. In 1910 Japan annexed Korea and controlled every aspect of Korean life. They suppressed Korean culture and banned the Korean language and Korean names.
During this time, Japanese business laid the foundations for Korean’s film industry. The first Korean film with sound was “Ch’yunhyang-jun”. The Japanese government imposed many restrictions and censorship on Korean movies. In 1942, Korean-language films were banned.
In 1945, the Japanese were defeated (WWII) and left Korea. Korea was divided at the 38 th parallel. In 1948, Korea was divided into North Korea and South Korea. This led to the Korean War in 1950 (6.25). A Cease-fire agreement was signed in Tae- gukgi
A 4-km wide DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) was made on the 38 th parallel. A Joint Security Area (JSA) was made around Panmunjeom. North and South are technically still at war. JSA Shiri
The 1950s and 196os were called “The Golden Age” of Korean films. The number of home-made films increased. Directors such as Im Kweon-taek and Kim Gi-young started at this time. However, the Korean government started censoring movies and there was a coup in 1961 (Park, Chung-hee)
Park’s rule meant strict censorship, and the Korean movie industry declined, up to Directors played it ‘safe’ with action films and melodramas. Park introduced the ‘Quota’ system. Cinemas had to show Korean films. There was a limit to the number of foreign films. Korean cinemas still have to show Korean films at least 106 days of the year.
Park was assassinated in 1979 by the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency. General Chun Doo-hwan took over. He continued to suppress anti-government protests and arrested opposition politicians. The Gwangju Massacre occurred at this time. Kwangju Peppermint Candy
In 1987, Chun allowed some reforms, including open elections. The censorship laws were relaxed, and Korean movies had a revival. Import restrictions were also relaxed, and more foreign films came into Korea. Only 16% of films in cinemas were Korean films, in 1993.
President Noh and ex-president Chun were arrested for the Kwangju Massacre. The chaebols made large investments in the Korean film industry. In 1997, the Asian economic crisis hit Korea. Stability did not return until The chaebols sold their investments to private interests. Seopyunje
The private interests wanted more daring and interesting movies. They encouraged young directors. Many new directors arrived, having studied film-making abroad. There was less censorship. Korea’s film industry became freer, creative, and successful. Chunhyang
Chingu (2001) Chihwaseon (2002) Winter Sonata (2002) 3 Iron (Empty House) (2004) 200 pounds beauty (2006) Secret Sunshine (Milyang) (2007) My Sassy Girl (2008)