Ep 18. Korea: Behind the Bamboo Curtain

During the Korean War, the battles that took place in the front lines were only a part of the entire conflict. Behind the bamboo curtain, a whole different kind of war was fought. In the Secrets of War season 1 episode 18, viewers learn about the struggles that soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians faced on the other side of the Korean Peninsula.

The episode reveals the intricacies of the communist government in North Korea, including the cult-like worship of Kim Il Sung and the extremist ideologies that the regime implemented to control the population. The documentary explains that life in North Korea was heavily censored and manipulated by propaganda. The country was closed off to the rest of the world, and even its citizens were not allowed to leave or communicate with foreigners.

The episode then delves into the treatment of American POWs in North Korea. Historical footage and interviews from former POWs recount the brutality and torture they faced while imprisoned. One POW describes how he was forced to stand for twelve hours straight without moving or even blinking, while others share stories of being subjected to subzero temperatures and sleep deprivation. These inhumane methods were implemented by the North Koreans to break the prisoners' spirits and extract propaganda-worthy confessions.

Furthermore, the documentary explores the experiences of civilians living in North Korea during the war. Interviews with defectors explain the struggles of daily life, from food shortages to hard labor in the fields. The regime's policies also forced citizens to spy on each other and report any dissent to authorities, causing widespread paranoia and mistrust among the population.

On the other side of the DMZ, the US and South Korean forces gathered intelligence on North Korea's military and gathered information on their tactics. The episode reveals how US and South Korean soldiers went on undercover missions to the North, often disguising themselves as North Korean soldiers or civilians. Viewers see how these intelligence-gathering operations were risky and dangerous, with high stakes and the possibility of being caught and executed.

Overall, the Secrets of War season 1 episode 18 provides a captivating insight into the lesser-known aspects of the Korean War. The documentary does a great job of balancing the perspectives of soldiers, prisoners, and civilians from opposing sides of the conflict. It creates an intricate picture of the propaganda and manipulation deployed by the North Koreans and the hardships faced by many who lived under the communist regime's rule. Moreover, the episode explores important ethical questions about the use of torture and propaganda in war and the significance and peril of gathering intelligence. Through interviews, historical footage, and expert commentary, viewers gain a deeper understanding of this crucial moment in twentieth-century history.