Ep 14. Homes Apart: The Two Koreas

Homes Apart: The Two Koreas is the fourteenth episode of the fourth season of POV. This documentary explores the lives of two families who were separated during the Korean War and have been unable to reunite due to the ongoing conflict between North and South Korea.

The film follows the stories of two women, Lee Keum-hui and her younger sister, Lee Soon-deok. The sisters were separated when Keum-hui was sent south by their parents in 1950, during the height of the Korean War. Since then, the women have been unable to connect with one another due to the political divide between North and South Korea.

The documentary also follows the story of a North Korean man named Kim Yong-hwa, who defected to South Korea in 2005. Kim left behind his wife and two daughters in North Korea and has not seen them since. His wife, Park Kyung-hwa, and their daughters, Kim Eun-hwa and Kim Mi-hwa, are the second family featured in the film.

The film takes viewers on a journey through the lives of these families, examining the impact of the Korean War on their personal lives and their hopes for the future. The women, Keum-hui and Soon-deok, reflect on their memories of each other and the possibility of reunion. Meanwhile, Kim Yong-hwa recounts his escape from North Korea and his longing for his family.

The documentary showcases the emotional toll that the separation has taken on the families. For Keum-hui and Soon-deok, their lives have been defined by the loss of each other, while Kim Yong-hwa is haunted by the memories of his family in North Korea.

The film also highlights the political and social factors that continue to keep the two Koreas divided. From the demilitarized zone to the ongoing threat of nuclear war, the film highlights the challenges that must be overcome for the families to reunite.

Throughout Homes Apart: The Two Koreas, viewers are given a glimpse into the lives of these families and the impact that the ongoing conflict has had on their lives. The documentary serves as a reminder of the human cost of war, and the hope that one day, these families may be reunited.

Overall, Homes Apart: The Two Koreas is a powerful documentary and a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the ongoing conflict on the Korean peninsula. The film shines a light on the human stories behind the politics and provides a poignant reflection on the importance of family and the impact of war.