FINDING TRUE KOREA
A documentary series written and directed by Christopher HK Lee
Finding True Korea aims to humanize these pressing issues by sharing the real-life stories of individuals affected by these social challenges. The documentary will not only present heartbreaking and thought-provoking narratives but also seek to foster greater understanding, empathy, and dialogue around possible solutions. Through powerful storytelling, the series will encourage audiences to consider the wider implications of Korea’s modernization journey and its social fabric.
As an award-winning production company with an extensive portfolio, we are proud of our history of producing content that resonates with both national and international audiences. With the growing global interest in Korean culture, Finding True Korea stands poised to captivate viewers around the world. The documentary series will shine a much-needed light on these urgent issues, raising awareness and sparking meaningful conversations. By drawing attention to these problems and their human cost, we aim to inspire not only a better understanding of Korean society but also tangible action for a more equitable future for generations to come.
EPISODES:
“Broken Silence”
Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution in Korea. According to a 1995 social statistics survey, 50.7% of Koreans follow a specific religious faith. Buddhists account for some 46% followed by Protestants at 39% and Catholics at 13% of the religious population. With more than 3,000 temples, 13,000 monks and 7 million followers, the South Korea’s Buddhists are highly influential in a country where religion is a powerful social force.
“Rules of K-Pop”
The K-Pop industry is flourishing, making its way onto the international stage and defining a new genre of music with its own distinctive sound personality. In this film, the team will investigate the corruption, mistreatment, and its own distinctive sound exploitation in the industry. What is the reality of glamorous world of K-Pop. The team will uncover the dark underbelly hidden from the K-Pop spotlights.
“Gold Baby”
South Korea has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world. With a declining birth rate, the burdens and responsibilities of a rapidly aging population, and an educational system that is not serving the rising generation, South Korea is now facing what is call the “Gold Baby Generation.” The team will investigate this serious new phenomena in South Korea and the surprising change in what we once called, “Family Values.”
“Hagwon”
When measured by student performance in standardized tests, South Korea has a top quality school system. The country consistently ranks among the best-performing countries in the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
“A Forgotten Generations”
Korean census numbers show seniors grew to 12% of the population in 2013 from 7% in 2000. As younger generations abandon the Confucian tradition of caring for elders and the government struggles to pick up the slack, High numbers of older South Koreans are killing themselves. In 2017, the suicide rate per 100,000 people stood at 48.8% for 70-somethings and 70.0 for those in their 80s or older, according to the Korea Suicide Prevention Center, an arm of the Health and Welfare Ministry. The national average was 24.3.
“One-Step Closer: I am Able”
At age two, Joo Jeong-Hoon was injured on a cutting machine at his grandmother’s home resulting in a permanent disability. He started Taekwondo in elementary school. He trained as a serious athlete and competed proudly on stage with non-disabled athletes. His life as a person living with a disability, though, offered some significant challenges causing him to give up sports. Then, he learned that Taekwondo was being adopted by the Paralympic Games. Now, at age twenty-seven, the documentary team will follow him as he works to win the Gold. We will see firsthand the sweat and hard work he has put in to realize his dream