Mini Blog Post #1

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands at the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, South Korea, April 27, 2018. Korea Summit Press Pool/Pool via Reuters TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY – RC1BC18094E0

The photograph above is a historical and memorable moment for Koreans and people across the world. South Korea’s President, Moon Jae-in meets with North Korea’s supreme dictator, Kim Jong Un. They are approaching one another with amiability and geniality. Knowing the histories of these two nations, this event marked a significant moment for both countries. The photograph was taken in the demilitarized zone, but the picture works to separate the demilitarized zone into two different sides. The picture is interesting because the angle at which the picture was taken is not level with the ground. There are sharp, vibrant shades of blue that stand out above the bland blacks, grays, and browns. Also, there is an obstacle between the two leaders. It is as if it is marking South and North Korea from each other, and succeeds in drawing that line between the differing cultures and politics. On one side, there is a gravel-like ground and on the other side of the barrier is a more flat-like ground. The difference in the ground plays a part in separating the two leaders as being different, of having different views, or just coming from different territories.

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