Hello! This is Yerim Jung, a Communication intern at the University of Utah Asia Campus.
Recently, students from our Film & Media Arts (FMA) program produced a powerful and heartfelt documentary as part of their Social Justice Documentary course. The film sheds light on the experiences of Koryoin—ethnic Koreans from post-Soviet states—who continue to face complex challenges while living in Korean society today.
You can watch the full documentary on the University of Utah Asia Campus YouTube channel. I encourage you to take a moment to view the students’ work and reflect on the social issues presented through their lens.
To learn more about the production process and the meaning behind this project, I interviewed the student filmmakers: Bowu Seo, Kyulim Lee, and Viktor Babitskii.
Q1. What inspired you to create this documentary, and why did you choose this specific topic?
Kyulim: We created this film for our Social Justice Documentary course. Our professor, Simon, was already in contact with the Koryoin community, so the topic naturally emerged from that connection.
Bowu: Professor Simon had long been considering a documentary on the Koryoin. He once asked me to work on it with him, but I was already taking the course as a student, so I offered to help as a TA instead. Eventually, he reached out to involve me in the project officially.
Viktor: We initially had several topic ideas, but this one took shape after receiving a response from the Koryoin community. As a Russian speaker, I found it especially meaningful to engage with interviewees from Russia and other former Soviet countries.
Q2. What was the most challenging part of the production process?
Bowu: Pre-production was the toughest. We sent eight emails to one center with no reply for two months. We reached out to seven other organizations in Incheon and Seoul, but they all turned us down. Eventually, through a lucky connection, we found a center in Ansan that led us to the Incheon Koryoin center. From there, everything finally started to move forward.
Kyulim: On the day of filming, we learned that our interviewees were elementary students—not middle and high schoolers as planned. I had to quickly revise my questions. Thankfully, the child spoke Russian, and Viktor interpreted. It was unexpected but worked out thanks to our teamwork.
Viktor: Subtitling was the hardest for me. Most interviews were in Korean, and since I’m not fluent, it was a real challenge. But with help from my teammates, we finished it together—another reminder of the power of collaboration.
Q3. As a filmmaker, what aspects of the Koryoin stories did you focus on?
Kyulim: I handled the conclusion and wanted to emphasize collaboration between Korean society and the Koryoin community. My focus was to deliver a hopeful message—that they belong here and can shape a shared future.
Viktor: I worked on the documentary’s middle section, focusing on the community’s history and how their circumstances have evolved. I also took care to ensure smooth transitions into the final segment. It was a challenge, but cohesion was key.
Q4. What was the key message you hoped to deliver?
Bowu: As we met the community and did field research, we became more aware of their “in-between” identity. They’re not fully from Central Asia, Russia, or Korea. The film captures how they navigate life in Korea without a clear national identity—an honest portrayal of their resilience and struggle for belonging.
Q5. Did your perspective on the Koryoin community change?
Bowu: Definitely. I used to wonder, “Why is it hard for them to settle in Korea?” Through this project, I realized their language and culture are rooted in Central Asia and Russia. Many can’t speak Korean, and yet they’re descendants of independence fighters. That contrast struck me deeply.
Q6. Was there a moment or scene you felt was essential to include?
Viktor: One interview with an elementary school student stood out. When I asked, “How is life in Korea?” he replied, “I don’t like it here. I miss my home, my food, and my friends.” It was so honest and moving.
Kyulim: I agree. We often expect kids to say they like Korea, but his words reflected a different reality. It was the most honest part of the documentary—and essential for showing the emotional truth behind migration.
Q7. What do you think Korean society could improve to better support the Koryoin community?
Kyulim: They want to be accepted as members of Korean society—not just labeled as foreigners. Recognizing their presence and contributions is the first step toward meaningful support.
Bowu: In schools with high numbers of Koryoin students, language barriers are a big issue. Some schools have over 70% Koryoin enrollment. Without language support, learning and socializing are difficult. Broader, institutional support is needed.
Viktor: Just attending school isn’t enough. Without language support systems like coordinators or tutoring programs, students often give up. Support should reflect their actual circumstances.
Q8. How did you grow as a filmmaker through this project?
Kyulim: This was my first field documentary experience. I learned that filmmaking is about sincere listening and responsible storytelling. Also, what works in theory doesn’t always apply on-site. Flexibility and real-time decision-making are crucial.
Viktor: I learned to adapt quickly when plans change. Also, building a comfortable environment for interviewees is key to drawing out honest stories. It’s not just about the camera—it’s about trust.
Bowu: Fictional films and documentaries are very different. In documentaries, unexpected things happen. I learned the importance of flexibility, communication, and creating a collaborative working space.
Q9. Would you like to continue making documentaries on social issues?
Viktor: Yes. I want to keep highlighting the voices of ordinary people. I also hope to return to Russia one day and produce work that introduces its lesser-known realities to the world.
Kyulim: I’m especially interested in topics like single mothers and the LGBTQ+ community. I want to give a voice to those on the margins.
Bowu: There are still so many overlooked stories in the Korean community. I’d love to work on a feature-length documentary centered on a Koryoin center—capturing not just history, but what’s happening now.
I was genuinely moved by the students’ dedication and thoughtful reflections. Their documentary not only spotlighted a community often overlooked in Korean society—it also served as a powerful call for awareness, empathy, and inclusion.
As a fellow film student, their work inspired me deeply and sparked a dream of someday creating a socially meaningful documentary of my own.
Special thanks to Viktor, Bowu, and Kyulim—FMA students at the University of Utah Asia Campus—for sharing their stories and insights.
I’ll be back soon with another inspiring UAC student spotlight!
– Written by Yerim Jung, Spring 2025 Communications Intern at Marketing & Communication Center, University of Utah Asia Campus (Reviewed & edited by Yoonji Kim, Senior Communications specialist, University of Utah Asia Campus)
