Letters from Pyongyang

Director Jason Lee's documentary short tells a touching story. As a child growing up in Montreal, Lee's father, Tae, would exchange letters with his own brother, Young Chol, in North Korea. After 25 years, those letters stopped, so Jason and Tae travel to Korea in an attempt to solve the mystery. They start by visiting Jeonju in South Korea, where Tae grew up with his nine brothers and sisters. In 1947, Tae's older brother went into exile for fear that his participation in opposition politics would put him and his family at risk. His wife and younger brother, Young Hong, would join him in Pyongyang, but after the Korean War broke out, the 38th Parallel dividing the country became permanent and communication came to a halt. Tae finally heard from Young Chol again in 1982. Since leaving the South, Young Chol had lost his wife, but had children and other relatives to keep him company, and he continued to send letters until 2007. After Jason and Tae finally receive permission to enter North Korea, they find out that Young Chol has recently passed away, but they press on with their plan in hopes of meeting his family and paying their respects. Unfortunately, the authorities only allow them one afternoon in a public space to catch up with their northern relations. Although they receive permission to visit (and film) sites in Pyongyang, they cannot go to their cousins' homes, but are still grateful for the opportunity to solve a mystery and make a family connection. Relating a poignant experience that is no doubt also representative of ones shared by many others in a divided Korea, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)