South Korean films have captivated audiences around the world with their engaging narratives and powerful stories. From award-winning directors to blockbuster hits, there’s no denying the power of South Korean storytelling. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history and techniques behind storytelling in Korean films and explore why these stories continue to resonate with viewers.
Korean cinema has a long and rich history of storytelling, and its narrative techniques have been studied in depth by scholars. From the art of silent film narrators to the re-enactments of the Korean War in South Korean cinematic discourses, Korean cinema has been praised for its ability to create compelling stories that captivate audiences. In addition, internationally acclaimed art films from South Korea often follow a common narrative pattern, while temporality is explored in the works of Hong Sung-su. Moreover, New Korean Cinema has provided a unique representation of South Korea and its culture. Finally, the remasculinization of Korean cinema has had an influence on the industry as a whole. The movie “Parasite” further demonstrates the power of South Korean storytelling, having won multiple awards and becoming an international success.
The Art of Korean Silent Film Narrators
Korean silent films, like many other silent films around the world, relied on live narrators to tell the story to the audience. These narrators, called “byeonsa” in Korean, were a crucial part of the cinematic experience, using their voices and storytelling skills to bring the images on the screen to life.
The art of Korean silent film narrators is a fascinating aspect of the country’s film history. The narrators were often performers with experience in traditional Korean storytelling or theater, and they brought a unique style and personality to their narrations.
One of the most distinctive features of Korean silent film narration was the use of a singing voice. The narrators often sang their descriptions of the action on the screen, using a melodic and rhythmic style that added a musical element to the film. This singing style was often paired with other vocal techniques, such as whispering or shouting, to convey a range of emotions and create a sense of drama and tension.
The narrators also added their own interpretation and commentary to the film, using their storytelling skills to connect with the audience and create a sense of intimacy. They often inserted humorous or poetic asides, providing a commentary on the action on the screen or expressing their own emotions or opinions about the story.
In addition to their vocal skills, Korean silent film narrators were also known for their physical performances. They would often use gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to complement their vocal performance and add an element of physicality to the narration.
Overall, the art of Korean silent film narrators was an integral part of the cinematic experience in early 20th-century Korea. The narrators’ vocal and physical performances added depth and richness to the films, transforming them from silent images on a screen into vibrant, dynamic works of art. Although the practice of live narration has largely disappeared with the advent of sound films, the legacy of the Korean byeonsa continues to be celebrated and remembered as an important part of the country’s film history.
Re-enactments of the Korean War in South Korean Cinematic Discourses
The Korean War (1950-1953) was a pivotal moment in the history of the Korean peninsula, and its impact is still felt in both North and South Korea today. In South Korean cinema, the war has been a recurring theme, with many filmmakers using re-enactments of the conflict to explore its historical significance and its ongoing influence on contemporary Korean society.
One of the most notable examples of Korean War re-enactments in South Korean cinema is the film “Taegukgi” (2004), directed by Kang Je-gyu. The film follows two brothers who are drafted into the army during the war and depicts their experiences on the front lines. The film presents a visceral, often brutal portrayal of the conflict, showing the devastating impact it had on both the soldiers and the civilian population. Through its focus on the human cost of war, “Taegukgi” serves as a powerful critique of the futility and senselessness of armed conflict.
Another example is the film “The Front Line” (2011), directed by Jang Hun. The film is set in the final days of the war and focuses on the struggles of a group of soldiers who are sent to a remote mountain outpost to investigate a potential truce with North Korean forces. Through its portrayal of the soldiers’ experiences, the film examines the complexities and contradictions of war, showing how personal loyalties and allegiances can conflict with larger political and military goals.
Other South Korean films that feature re-enactments of the Korean War include “Ode to My Father” (2014), “71: Into the Fire” (2010), and “Northern Limit Line” (2015). These films use the war as a backdrop to explore various themes, including family relationships, nationalism, and patriotism, as well as the broader impact of the conflict on Korean society and culture.
Re-enactments of the Korean War have been a recurring theme in South Korean cinema, with many filmmakers using the conflict to explore the historical significance and ongoing impact of the war. These films offer a diverse range of perspectives on the conflict, highlighting its human cost, its complexities and contradictions, and its enduring legacy in contemporary Korean society.
The Common Narrative Pattern of Internationally Acclaimed Korean Art Films
The narrative pattern of internationally acclaimed Korean art films has long been studied and admired in the film industry. It is characterized by an emphasis on personal stories that evoke individual emotions, as well as a focus on the historical context of South Korea. This is often achieved through the use of visual motifs and stylistic techniques, such as slow motion and long takes, which allow for a more meditative viewing experience. The re-enactment of the Korean War in South Korean cinematic discourses is another way in which this narrative pattern has been expressed.
One of the most common patterns in Korean art films is the exploration of characters’ psychological states and inner turmoil. These films often present a character who is dealing with a personal struggle, whether it be a mental illness, a traumatic event, or a crisis of identity. The films then delve into the character’s psyche, examining their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in great detail. This introspective approach often makes these films slow-paced and dialogue-heavy, but also allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their experiences.
Another common narrative pattern is the use of allegory and symbolism. Korean art films often use metaphors and symbols to convey their themes and messages, creating a layered and thought-provoking viewing experience. These symbols can be subtle or overt, but they always add depth and complexity to the film’s overall meaning.
Many Korean art films also deal with social issues and critique of society. These films often examine the social and cultural norms and the impact they have on individuals and communities. They shed light on topics such as inequality, injustice, and discrimination, often presenting a scathing commentary on contemporary Korean society.
Finally, a significant aspect of Korean art films is the unique visual style and cinematography. These films often employ unconventional camera angles, framing, and lighting to create an otherworldly, dreamlike atmosphere. The use of color and texture is also crucial, with many films featuring striking visual elements that add to the film’s overall impact. These elements combine to create a cinematic experience that is deeply introspective, thought-provoking, and visually stunning.
Representation of South Korea in New Korean Cinema
The representation of South Korea in new Korean cinema has been explored extensively in recent years. By examining the chronopolitics of South Korean ‘comfort women’ films, Roald Maliangkay discussed the Cold War in Korean cinemas in the Journal of Korean Studies (2017). In addition, the implicit part of a dogma that surrounds South Korean films (K-film) popularized by internationally acclaimed directors such as Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho has been discussed, mainly in terms of narrative.
Through analyzing films with a narrative based on inter-Korean confrontation, it can be seen that these films mainly promote narratives of reconciliation between the two countries. Furthermore, the temporality of films by Hong Sung-su and their significance in global politics provides further exploration into changing representations of North Korea on South Korean screens. It is clear that exploring the representation of South Korea in new Korean cinema is an important avenue for further research.
The Impact of “Parasite” on the South Korean Film Industry
The success of Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 film Parasite was a groundbreaking film that made history by becoming the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film’s unprecedented success has had a significant impact on the South Korean film industry.
One of the most significant impacts of “Parasite” has been the increased global visibility of South Korean cinema. The film’s success has brought attention to the country’s vibrant film industry and has helped to elevate the status of Korean filmmakers and actors on the international stage. This newfound attention has also increased the demand for Korean films and has opened up new opportunities for Korean filmmakers to collaborate with foreign studios and production companies.
The success of “Parasite” has also had a significant impact on the domestic Korean film industry. The film’s box office success in South Korea and around the world has led to increased investment in the industry and has created new opportunities for Korean filmmakers to make more ambitious and innovative films. The film’s critical success has also helped to raise the bar for Korean cinema, inspiring other filmmakers to take risks and push the boundaries of the medium.
In addition, the themes and social commentary of “Parasite” have sparked important discussions about class inequality and social issues in Korean society. The film’s portrayal of the stark divide between the rich and poor in modern-day Korea has resonated with audiences around the world and has highlighted the importance of addressing these issues in both art and society.
Finally, the success of “Parasite” has also helped to break down barriers for non-English-language films in the global film industry. The film’s win at the Academy Awards and other prestigious film festivals has shown that films from non-English-speaking countries can be just as deserving of recognition and praise as films from English-speaking countries.
South Korean cinema has come a long way in the last two decades, both in terms of storytelling and the representation of gender roles. South Korean films have shown a tendency to incorporate traditional narrative patterns while also pushing the boundaries of storytelling with innovative transmedia approaches. Furthermore, South Korean cinema is also beginning to explore gender roles more deeply and subvert expectations of masculinity through its films. Through its re-enactment of the Korean War and its portrayal of characters on both sides of the conflict, it has also made a strong statement about the importance of understanding history and culture in order to make informed decisions about our future. As we look back at the history of South Korean cinema, it’s clear that it has been a powerful force for storytelling and progress in terms of gender roles.
In this article, we have used a variety of sources to explore the power of South Korean storytelling, from silent film narrators to the representation of South Korea in new Korean cinema. Sources such as Wang Xiaoge’s study of narrative art in Korean film “Defender”, Kim Duhan’s exploration of women’s class mobility and identities in South Korea, and Wagner’s study of Korea’s middle and working classes have been key to our understanding of the subject. Moreover, additional sources such as The Journal of Asian Studies, The Current Article, and The Modern South Korean Cultural Imaginary have provided us with valuable information about the history and impact of South Korean storytelling on the country’s culture and society.