A growing number of North Korean youths in Hoeryong City, North Hamgyong Province, are showing interest in the South Korean movie “Exhuma,” as rumors about the movie spread through Chinese-made cell phones in the area. Despite strict regulations on foreign media in North Korea, the curiosity of young people in Hoeryong is piqued by the engaging plot of the movie, revolving around a shaman’s discovery of a family curse. The surge in demand for “Exhuma” reflects the ongoing fascination with South Korean culture among North Korean youth, despite the risks involved in accessing foreign media.
The source reveals the trend of seeking fortune tellers for advice related to ancestral graves, mirroring the plot of the movie, which resonates with North Koreans due to their beliefs. Although superstition is considered a crime in North Korea, people continue to seek out superstitious practices. Despite strict penalties for accessing foreign content, the demand for South Korean movies and TV shows remains high, especially among young people who actively search for vendors selling these productions.
The ongoing struggle between cultural curiosity and government control is highlighted in the quest for “Exhuma,” showcasing the resilience of North Korean youth in pursuing their interests despite the challenges they face.