The Netflix documentary series 'I Am a Survivor' is the second story of 'I Am a God,' which garnered attention upon its release last year. It records the voices of survivors of four horrific incidents that shocked Korea, bringing to light a tragedy that should never be repeated.
Earlier, Season 1 'I Am a God' sounded the alarm by focusing on the dark aspects of individuals who called themselves gods and on the victims who suffered as a result.
This Season 2 'I Am a Survivor' consists of a total of eight episodes and addresses incidents such as JMS, the Brothers Home, the Jisunpa, and the collapse of the Samjeong Department Store, which are still ongoing or have the potential to recur. The first two episodes prominently feature the stories of survivors who lived at the Brothers Home.
The Brothers Home, operated in Busan from 1975 to 1987, was the largest shelter for vagrants in Korea, where over 30,000 people were forcibly confined under the pretext of controlling vagrants. Inside, serious human rights violations occurred, including assault, forced labor, and sexual violence, leading to the deaths of hundreds.
The work features survivors who were confined at the Brothers Home appearing in their original uniforms, sharing their unique stories and their subsequent 'lives of survival.' Notably, it secured the participation of the son of Park In-geun, the director of the Brothers Home, who made his first appearance in front of the camera, drawing attention with his testimony and scenes where he hung his head.
The production period for this season reached two years, during which there were evident concerns about the 'controversy over indecency' criticized in the previous work. While it may have been unavoidable for Season 1 to depict the stark reality of the events, there were aspects where excessive stimulation became a barrier to viewership. This season decisively trimmed unnecessary sensational scenes and reenactments, instead preserving the vivid testimonies of the victims and including only essential materials, allowing the audience to focus more on the essence of the events.
The structure, which fills most of the screen with survivors' testimonies, differentiates it from other incident documentaries. Even in their calm tone, their words dig deeply, transcending mere chronological listings of the events to become voices questioning the ongoing pain and the responsibility of the state and perpetrators. An unbiased viewpoint enhances the persuasive power of each survivor's painful narrative.
The weight of being a survivor, which cannot be captured by the word 'victim,' and the sharp questions they have left behind point towards the present and the future. This season is also expected to create significant social repercussions, continuing from the previous work.
Available on Netflix from Aug. 15, adults only, total of 8 episodes
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