How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #1
During the Korean War [1950-1953], bombs rained on the city for 3 years, flattening it. Afterward, the party obliterated anything resembling an opposition. And sealed off the country to all sides. The city was entirely rebuilt according to the Great Leader’s plans. (2.47-2.50)
Pyongyang seems to have been constructed out of fear. Being shut off from the world only increases that fear of the outside world—and the outside world’s fear of what’s going on inside.
Quote #2
After taking the fly from the net, [the waitress] ruthlessly wedges it between the mirrored surface of the gray marble floor and her rubber-heeled shoe, then crushes it with great care, grinding her heel for what seems like an inordinately long time. (3.57)
Yes, this is a mini war between a waitress and a fly, but it really does feel like a big ol’ allegory for North Korea, doesn’t it? After the war, they took a few people (oh, say, 6 million or so) and put them under their heel. They’re still grinding them into the ground over half a century later.
Quote #3
According to [Sin], without America’s presence in South Korea, the country would have been unified long ago, letting the socialists in the south embrace their brothers in the north and help them achieve the people’s paradise they’ve bravely held onto since 1998. (5.91)
Sin seems to be regurgitating the party line to Guy. Guy has a good rebuttal (which he doesn’t share), but we have to wonder how informed his opinion is, too. When these two countries consider themselves enemies, it’s hard to come to any sort of compromise.