Creative Meeting with Writer Cha Se-rin at the Department of Far Eastern Studies
On April 23, 2025, with the support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Almaty, a meeting was held at the Department of Far Eastern Studies between students of Korean Studies and Korean writer Cha Se-rin, author of the book "The Secret of the Hidden World."
The event opened with an exhibition of photographs taken within the territory of North Korea. The exhibition presented rare and authentic images depicting the everyday lives of North Korean citizens.
The meeting began with a screening of a documentary film excerpt about the book’s main character — North Korean defector Park Ji-hyun, who now lives in the United Kingdom. Drawing on historical facts and personal testimonies, the author shared insights into the realities of life in North Korean society, the challenges faced by ordinary people, and how these conditions shape individual destinies.
Cha Se-rin noted that North Korea remains a closed and mysterious country for the international community to this day. Limited access to information and minimal interaction with the outside world hinder the formation of an objective and in-depth understanding of life in the DPRK. In this context, "The Secret of the Hidden World" is a unique work that lifts the veil of secrecy and introduces readers to the shadowy realities of North Korean life.
At the end of the event, students asked the author thought-provoking questions and expressed a strong interest in the topic of North Korea. In response, Cha Se-rin shared her personal experiences of conducting research, the challenges she encountered, and the process of writing the book.
The event became a significant and meaningful experience for young people interested in Korean Studies, inspiring deeper reflection and encouraging further academic exploration.
