Program Note
Pulgasari is director Shin Sang-ok’s remake of the first Korean monster film, The Iron-Eating Monster, Bulgasari (1962) by director Kim Myeong-je. Although intended for worldwide release with North Korea’s complete support, Chong Gon-jo completed the film when Shin escaped from North Korea. Loosely based on the legend of the Pulgasari, Ami and the Pulgasari, which made of rice, take part in a peasant uprising against the king’s army. This mob scene was done with a multitude of extras, which was possible in North Korea’s film production environment. Clearly influenced by Japanese monster movies, Pulgasari reflects North Korea’s interpretation of history and the social context, portraying the Pulgasari as a humane and friendly Korean monster. Some Japanese crew were involved, including Yasumaru Nobuyuki, who molded the monsters in Godzilla (1984), and Godzilla suite actor, Satsuma Kenpachiro, who plays the Pulgasari. (MO Eun-young)