Modern Times

Friday, July 30, 2021 —(In 23 days, August’s full “Sturgeon” moon will rise nearest to earth.)

For the first time I’ve written to an individual active on twitter. Hawon Jung is a South Korean writer who posted an editorial in today’s NYT which speaks to the changing role of women in that nation’s culture. She explains that Korean men are grappling with a wave of feminism, which still is young but achieving hard-won gains against a national and deeply entrenched patriarchy.

I wrote to let her know how much I appreciated the article, that I look forward to her new book about Korea’s culture.

I’ve known little about South Korea’s culture, but have begun learning because some superb videos are coming from that country. These modern works are tops artistically, and with scripts that force unaware viewers, who wish to understand better their situations and flows, to learn about Korea’s political history and entrenched caste culture.

The South Korean video offered currently on Netflix, “Mr. Sunshine”, is excellent, which is recognizable on first viewing. But for uninformed viewers it’s not easy to understand story, flow, and culture. I wanted a better grasp on the story so did a little research, and also watched the video several more times. A bit of knowledge helped, because each viewing made story and script more clear, made the production meaningful and powerful.

For we who are aware of active politics between South and North Korea, but know little about the nation’s history and culture, the modern offerings by Korean artists can enlighten and excite.

I highly recommend “Mr. Sunshine”. Also, Hawon Jung’s editorial in today’s NYT. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/30/opinion/international-world/korea-emoji-feminism-misogyny.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

Dear Friends: The world getting smaller influences South Korean’s historically silent women. Diana