The 2nd Repatriation
KIM Dongwon
- South Korea
- 2022
- 156min
- 12 +
- DCP
- color
Synopsis
In 2000, in the era of inter-Korean reconciliation, 63 non-converted long-term prisoners were repatriated to the North, and converted long-term prisoners were excluded from that list. In 2001, the excluded converted long-term prisoners openly denounced their conversion and launched the 2nd Repatriation movement. However, with North-U.S. conflict surrounding the nuclear experiments and conservatism of South Korean society, the chance of achieving the 2nd repatriation grows thinner and thinner. As of 2022, the average age of the surviving secondary repatriation applicants is 91. This film is a 30-year story of hopes and despairs of converted long-term prisoners who dream to return home.
Review
Does the history continue because the beliefs remain, or do the beliefs remain because the history continues? The repatriation of those who converted but declared null and void, comes as a problem beyond the last task for the past in The 2nd Repatriation. Repatriation is not the end even when it is done. The repatriation of those who have kept their beliefs is something that should be protected, but the land they will arrive at is not the end of the history of the Cold War that caused division. However, they cannot submit to the renunciation of repatriation. History continues with their presence in South Korea. The years of those who were not repatriated, from the past to the present and to the unknown future, may reveal another history of beliefs that have been built up in this film. Although the director confesses that he was attracted to the humane side of the main character, this film does not forget the burden that one must never carry alone more so than the beliefs. Therefore, it can be said that the belief that the film is holding onto is to question about a society that has forgotten the human beings who carry history.
Director
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KIM Dongwon
Kim established the independent documentary production "DocuPurn". In 2003, he presented Repatriation, a documentary dealing with the non-converted long-term prisoners and showcased The 2nd Repatriation in 2022 telling the story of converted long-term prisoners who have not been repatriated.