38th Parallel

DMZ Introduction

• The DMZ is a de facto border that divides the Korean Peninsula roughly in half, crossing the 38th parallel north on an angle, the west end of the DMZ lying south of the parallel and the east end lying north of it. The border was constructed as part of the Korean Armistice Agreement between North Korea, the People's Republic of China, and the United Nations Command forces in 1953.

• Define: [De facto: In law, it often means "in practice but not necessarily ordained by law" or "in practice or actuality, but not officially established."]

• The 38th parallel was previous used as a boundary between the United States and Soviet brief administration areas of Korea up until the end of World War II.

• Upon the creation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, informally North

As a child might see society and history from an unconventional point of view that an adult might easily overlook.

In the Korean War act, Hyeoncheol appears on stage as a young soldier who joins the North Korean Army and devotes himself to defending his homeland. From a boyish character of fourteen to soldier of nineteen, the story shifts as does the narration as Hyeoncheol crosses over the border to confront the enemy.

Hyeoncheol’s narration here showcases a new type of dramatic narration that simulates live broadcasting, similar to a journalist in a wartime scenario. At the same time, he reminds the audience of the particular historical stage in which North Korea finds itself, that is at one point being heavily reliant on the Soviet Union for political, military, and economic guidance.
But despite its obvious political tilting, the true significance of this narration [Pause] is that it prompts the audience to imagine crossing the border virtually when it is forbidden in reality.