Kim Jong-il has risen to become propaganda chief under the rule of his father. Now, he hatches an audacious plan to turn North Korea into a filmmaking powerhouse. South Korea’s finest actress and leading director are kidnapped and find themselves on boats bound for the North. Elsewhere, Kim launches a charm offensive at the armed forces, readying the ground ... Show More
Sep 22
Augustus Part 3: Birth of a Dynasty
With his enemies vanquished Octavian returns to a hero’s welcome. Consolidating personal rule over Rome’s vast dominions, he begins dismantling the old republic. The Senate declares him the most “August” of Caesars, an Emperor. But the lack of an heir, once again, will plunge Rom ... Show More
1h 5m
Sep 15
Augustus Part 2: Caesar’s Revenge
Alongside Mark Antony, Octavian hunts down Great-Uncle Julius’s assassins. But Antony will soon go rogue, beguiled - just like Caesar - by Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Octavian will strike without mercy. With General Agrippa to the fore, he will soon command absolute power over the ... Show More
1h 2m
Apr 2023
Abducted and Enslaved: The Kidnapped Filmmakers Behind North Korean Cinema
Experience the incredible true story of the kidnapped South Korean filmmakers, Shin Sang-Ok and Choi Eun-Hee, who were forced to make propaganda films for North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il. This is a tale of courage, resilience, and the power of cinema in the face of oppression.
... Show More
53m 47s
Aug 2025
He Was Kidnapped and Forced To Make North Korean Action Movies - The Shin Sang-ok Story
Shin Sang‑ok, once hailed as the “Prince of Korean Cinema” for directing nearly 80 films in South Korea’s golden age, was kidnapped in 1978—along with his actress ex-wife Choi Eun‑hee—on the personal orders of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Il, who sought to elevate the country’s ... Show More
8m 35s
Mar 2022
South Korea’s incoming “anti-feminist” president
With its neighbor distracted by domestic culture wars, North Korea is making new moves.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
Supp ... Show More
24m 42s
Oct 2022
A fake billionaire in North Korea, part 2
Jim is deep undercover in North Korea — but will he find proof of illegal weapons deals...He'd been sent to the isolated country by a documentary film-maker called Mads Brugger, to pose as a fake investor interested in arms. Jim, Mads and the team had spent years infiltrating a N ... Show More
34 m