A novel inspired by John Steinbeck’s “The Moon is Down,” but written for and by North Koreans, could be a powerful tool for change and an impetus for a United Republic of Korea (UROK). Photo by Pixabay/Pexels
One of the things that perplexes most Americans is why the Korean people in the north don’t resist the three generations of Kim family totalitarian rule. Korean escapees offer two reasons: First is the incredible suppression mechanisms that are in place, from the Songbun social classification system to the most brutal security organizations in the world. Second is they simply do not know what to do. They have no frame of reference for resistance. Therefore, they need information and inspiration to develop the capability to resist oppression. Can a historical western war novel offer a way forward?
During World War II, the renowned American author John Steinbeck wrote the short novel The Moon is Down at the request of General William J. Donovan of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services. This work of fiction was designed to inspire resistance against Nazi occupation in Europe. Translated into multiple languages and covertly distributed, it helped fuel underground resistance movements. Advertisement Advertisement
Today, North Korea faces a similarly oppressive regime, and a similar literary work could play a crucial role in empowering the North Korean people to seek self-determination, a universal human right. The Kim family regime maintains an iron grip on power through a combination of brutal repression, isolation, and indoctrination. For over 70 years, the North Korean people have been cut off from the outside world and subjected to relentless propaganda.
As a result, many lack the knowledge and inspiration to imagine alternatives to the existing system or to act against it. This is where literature could be a game-changer. A novel in the spirit of The Moon is Down, written by a North Korean author intimately familiar with the country’s culture and circumstances, could have profound effects, such as:
Providing a framework for resistance: Many North Koreans may desire change but lack practical knowledge of how to resist. A novel could illustrate methods of non-violent resistance and collective action tailored to the North Korean context.
Offering hope and inspiration: By depicting characters standing up to oppression in actual locations in North Korea, a story could inspire courage and show change is possible, even in the face of a seemingly all-powerful regime. Advertisement
Countering regime propaganda: Fiction can subtly challenge the regime’s narratives and expose its lies in ways that may be more palatable and less dangerous than overt political statements.
Educating about rights and democracy: Through its plot and characters, a novel could introduce concepts of human rights, democratic governance, land ownership and self-determination that are necessary to support the unification process.
Creating shared understanding: A widely read story could provide common reference points and ideas, potentially helping to unify people in their desire for change.
Offering a vision of a post-Kim future: The novel could paint a picture of what life in a free and unified Korea might look like, giving people something concrete to aspire to.
The impact of such a work could be amplified through modern technology and information dissemination. While physical books smuggled into North Korea would play a role, the story could also be shared via USB drives, SD cards, and other digital means. It could be adapted and serialized into radio broadcasts, podcasts, or even video formats like K-dramas that could be smuggled across the border.
Importantly, this novel must be written by a North Korean author, ideally someone who has escaped the regime and can write from both personal experience and a broader perspective. This authenticity is essential for several reasons: Advertisement
Cultural resonance: A North Korean author can craft a story that truly speaks to the experiences, values, and aspirations of the North Korean people.
Credibility: Readers are more likely to trust and relate to a story written by one of their own, rather than perceiving it as foreign propaganda.
Accuracy of details: An author with lived experience in North Korea can provide authentic details that make the story more believable and impactful.
Emotional connection: A North Korean writer can tap into shared cultural touchstones and collective experiences to create a deeper emotional resonance.
The challenge lies in identifying and supporting such an author. Who can be the “Kim-si John Steinbeck?” Might it be Mr. Do Myung-hak, who wrote a novel challenging Kim Il Sung?
Organizations working with North Korean refugees should play a key role in this effort. They could identify talented writers among the escapee community, provide them with resources and support, and help distribute the finished work back into North Korea.
It’s important to note this approach is not about imposing outside ideas on North Korea, but rather empowering Koreans themselves to envision and work toward a different society based on universal human rights. The goal is to provide the information and inspiration that allow the Korean people in the north to determine their own future. Advertisement
In conclusion, a novel inspired by The Moon is Down, but written for and by North Koreans, could be a powerful tool for change. By providing a framework for resistance, offering hope, countering propaganda, and educating about human rights and democracy, it could play a vital role in the long-term transformation of North Korea.
As we’ve seen throughout history, literature has the power to change hearts and minds. In the case of North Korea, it might just help change a nation. The result of which could be a United Republic of Korea (UROK).
David Maxwell is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel who has spent more than 30 years in the Asia Pacific region (primarily Korea, Japan, and the Philippines) as a practitioner, specializing in Northeast Asian Security Affairs and irregular, unconventional, and political warfare. He is the Vice President of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and a Senior Fellow at the Global Peace Foundation, where he focuses on a free and unified Korea. Following retirement, he was the Associate Director of the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. He is a member of the board of directors of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and the OSS Society and is a contributing editor to Small Wars Journal. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Advertisement
