Radio Dayz

Radio Dayz

In Michael Robinson’s chapter of Colonial Modernity in Korea “Broadcasting, Cultural Hegemony, and Colonial Modernity in Korea, 1924-1945,” he states that many history narratives view radio during this period of Japanese occupation as “another aspect of the extensive information control system that served Japan’s propaganda and cultural assimilation programs” (52).  While this is accurate, and while we can see how tightly the Japanese did control broadcasting, this is not the only broadcasting narrative. The demand for an all-Korean-language system in order to create a mass audience was extremely high (Robinson 53). The cultural space radio broadcasting created for a Korean identity was evident in Thursday’s film Radio Dayz. While Robinson refers to the revival or traditional music, modern popular song, and dramatic arts, Radio Dayz shows the audience the connection the Korean public had with their live serial radio drama “The Flames of Love.”  

In Radio Dayz, there is an added element to the plot line.  Robinson tries to avoid labeling Korean radio as a space of resistance, because it implies that “Korean-language broadcasting directly contested Japanese cultural assimilation,” which it did not (54).  However, the character K in the film uses this radio drama to do exactly that; he wants to ignite a rebellion through the medium of broadcasting.  While this adds to the drama of the movie, it might take away from the historical accuracy of it at the same time.  I have really been enjoying the comedy genre, but of course, this again brings up the question of whether the comedic aspect undermines the importance and weight of this period.  We were talking about this last week: is it ok for Koreans to make a comedic movie set during this period of colonialism? I would say it is, because it could be a way of reflecting on and coping with this dark time.  However, if a Japanese film were to make a light-hearted film about this same topic, it could/would immediately be seen as insensitive. However, I think the movie did a good job at showing a bond between not only the voice actors performing the show but also between the radio show and the Korean public.  It was clear that this helped Koreans enjoy life a little more, and experience a Korean culture and identity.