North Korea's "Godzilla"

As discussed in KWOW episode 106 (above), former leader Kim Jong-Il once kidnapped the famous director Shin Sang-Ok. When Shin was told to direct a propaganda film, he said no and tried to escape North Korea. He was put in jail for the following five years and was fed grass and cornmeal. When released, director Shin was given some creative freedom and ended up making North Korea's cult classic monster film "Pulgasari" (불가사리). Which was similar to the original "Godzilla," a favorite flick of Kim Jong-Il's.

Watch "Pulgasari" below!

Still shots from "Pulgasari":

Before his kidnapping, director Shin made "A Flower from Hell" (1958) and other lesser censored films. Considering how uncensored media today is, Shin's classics may not be considered highly erotic through the eyes of the modern individual.

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Exotic Korean Drum Dances

This week on KWOW, Professor Oh explains the drum dancing featured in 2NE1's "I'm the Best" and "Gu Family Book."

Feel the beat of the vibrant 5-drum dance (ogomu/오고무). The female players spin, jump, kneel and bend backwards as they hit the drums. Time to break out in some colorful sweat!

A shiny, abstract version of the 3-drum dance (samgomu/삼고무) appears in 2NE1's "I'm the Best" at 2:47.

Many, many, many drummers! Up, down and all around!

Stay tuned for our special 100th episode of KWOW next Wednesday! Granny Kim is cooking up something spicy.

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8 American Celebrities Wearing Hanbok

Britney Spears wearing hanbok by Park Sul-nyeo.

Paris Hilton with the cast members of "Infinity Challenge." The person all the way to the right is a man (Park Myeongsu) dressed as a female!

Nicholas Cage and his wife Alice Kim

Jessica Alba with Baek Jiyeon at the film session for"People Inside." Alba's hanbok is made by Kim MeHee.

Tennis players Maria Kirilenko and Venus Williams

Sandara Oh at the SAG awards. Hanbok by Kim MeHee.

Nicky Hilton at Seoul’s Coex Intercontinental Hotel to launch her clothing line. Her hanbok is also produced by Kim MeHee.

Football player Hines Ward with his mother

Want to learn more about hanbok? Watch the introduction episode of this subject:

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