JIWON CHOI
PARALLEL, 2017
New York, United States
Video 29:51
In 1948, the Korean peninsula was divided into North and South Korea at the 38th parallel. I would like to introduce viewers to modern Korean history and culture by contrasting the story of my grandfather, who served in the Korean War, with the rise of K-POP. The 38th parallel is not the only parallel that separates the Korean peninsula; ideology prevails across all levels, between generations, between individuals and spectators, and between illusion and reality.
Screening at Videobrasil, 2017
Parallel incorporates performative elements designed to engage the audience actively. At screenings, I invite viewers to participate by providing them with glow sticks, a popular accessory used in K-POP concerts to show support for their favorite idols. Within the video, I offer instructions on how to wave these glow sticks, effectively transforming the viewers into active participants and followers during the performance. This interactive element is intended to create a captivating phenomenon within the theater, where the audience becomes an integral part of the spectacle. It offers a unique and immersive experience, drawing viewers into the allure of the performance and making them an essential component of the artistic narrative.