Discussion on a Scene from Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea - Kim Il-Sung is Everywhere

I will be presenting a scene from from Guy DeLisle's Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea that reflects DeLisle's exasperation of North Korea's hermit mentality. The mentality of repression, Communism and complete social control even touched the bounds of nature! The scene depicts DeLisle frolicking in nature when he sees Kim Il-Sung glorified in giant letters carved on a cliff.

Pyongyang depicts North Korea's inhabitants knowing nothing about their own country or even their own leaders. Kim Il-Sung's tumor is left out in portraits that adorn every wall, Kim Jong-il's extra weight and glasses are also left out. History is fabricated, communications are non-existant and common sense is thrown out the window. I imagine when DeLisle found Korean characters carved onto a wall on a cliff, he was slapped metaphorically in the face. Oppression even mocks nature, seeking to control and dominate its presence. The characters basically read "Kim Il-Sung is watching you," much like Big Brother.

- Kristopher