In the Rear in Joseon 1938
In the Rear in Joseon (1938) is a stark historical artifact, a propagandistic short film produced under Japan's colonial rule to galvanize support for the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is In the Rear in Joseon (1938) about?
This 1938 propaganda short film encourages Koreans to embrace Japan's wartime agenda during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It promotes self-denial as patriotism, urging citizens to donate rice and redirect spending toward the military effort.
Who directed In the Rear in Joseon?
Director information is not available.
Who stars in In the Rear in Joseon?
Cast details are not listed.
Is In the Rear in Joseon (1938) worth watching?
As a historical document, it offers insight into colonial-era propaganda, though its value depends on intent—scholars and history buffs may find it compelling, while general audiences might find it unsettling or didactic.
How long is In the Rear in Joseon?
Runtime details are not listed.
About In the Rear in Joseon (1938) — A Forgotten Propaganda Short from Colonial Korea
In the Rear in Joseon (1938) is a stark historical artifact, a propagandistic short film produced under Japan's colonial rule to galvanize support for the Second Sino-Japanese War. Directed anonymously, this 9-minute documentary blends coercion and community pressure into a wartime call-to-arms, urging every Korean to contribute—whether by donating rice or surrendering personal vices in favor of funding the imperial effort. The film casts citizens not as individuals but as cogs in a vast machine, each performing a small yet vital role to sustain Japan's war machine.
The atmosphere is tense and oppressive, devoid of cinematic flourish, as it frames self-sacrifice as patriotic duty. Women are shown conserving rice, men are urged to abandon drinking and smoking, and children are taught to revere the "Yamato spirit." It's a chilling example of how propaganda weaponizes collective responsibility, depicting colonial society as a unified front—where even the smallest act of compliance becomes an act of allegiance. Today, it serves as a grim reminder of cultural erasure and the insidious mechanics of state-sponsored persuasion.