Na Woon-gyu
Encyclopedia
Na Woon-gyu was a Korean actor, screenwriter and director. He is widely considered the most important filmmaker in early Korean cinema, and possibly Korea's first true movie star. Since he often wrote, directed and acted in his films, he has even been said to have started the auteur film-making tradition in Korea.
who had returned to his hometown of Hoeryong
, Hamgyongbuk-do
to teach. As a high-school student, Na was involved in theater and acting, but also in anti-Japanese activities including the March 1, 1919 protest
against the occupation. To avoid imprisonment, he spent two years crossing and re-crossing the Duman River
, which separates Korea from Manchuria
. He traveled as far as Siberia
, joining with Korean Liberation fighters in anti-occupation work.
In 1921, he returned to Seoul
, and enrolled in Yonhui (now Yonsei
) University to study social science. It was at this period that his fascination with the cinema began. He would fill notebooks with jottings while watching films in theaters, and would carry a hand mirror with him wherever he went to practice facial expressions.
However, like the main character in his first, and most famous film, Arirang
, he was caught by the Japanese and jailed for his participation in The March 1st Movement. While in prison in Chongjin
, from 1921 until 1923, Na received his artistic pen-name, Chunsa, from Lee Chun-song, another resistance fighter. When he was released in 1923, he joined the Yerimhoe Play Troupe in his hometown, Hoeryong.
After leaving the troupe, he sold all of his books to buy a train ticket to Busan
, where he applied for a job acting at the Choson Film Company. He started playing extras and then villains in films for this company. His debut was in the 1925 film UnYeongJeon.
Though Na Woon-gyu has been described as short, and with a toad-like face which suited him for the peasant roles he often played, the anger and frustration he was able to project on the screen suited the situation and mood of the Korean people at the time. Na first came to public attention in the role of the father of the title character in Lee Kyong-son's 1925 film, Simchong-jon (The Story of Shim Chong).
His first film as writer/director/star, Arirang
(1926), was a national sensation in Korea. Films in Korea underwent censorship and restrictions by the Japanese authorities. Scripts had to be submitted to, and approved by the occupying Japanese government before they could be produced and distributed. Criticism of the government was censored, leading most films to be in the melodramatic, sentimental style known as shinpa. Na's innovation in Arirang was finding a way to express Korean opposition to the Japanese occupation metaphorically by unifying the shinpa style with a spirit of nationalism. He thereby made cinema in Korea no longer mere entertainment, but a vehicle for an expression of national resistance to the Japanese occupation.
Financed by Park Sung-pil, owner of Dansongsa Theater, Na founded Na Woon-kyu Productions in September 1927 and opened his production company in Changsin-dong, near Dongdaemun. In contrast to the Japanese-run studios, the company's goal was to produce films by Koreans, for Koreans.
Na's 1929 Salangeul chajaseo
was an epic film employing more than a thousand extras. As with Arirang, a period of Na's own life could be seen as an inspiration for the story. It dealt with Koreans crossing the Duman River
, as Na himself had done, in search of freedom from Japanese oppression. The film was banned at first, but was finally released, though in a heavily revised and edited form. The failure of Beongeoli Sam-ryong
(1929) soon forced the closure of Na's studio.
Arirang had initiated the period of nationalist film in Korea which continued from 1926 until about 1930, when harsher suppressive measures were undertaken by the authorities. After Arirang, tear-jerker shinpa-style movies that did no more than entertain, without appealing to a deeper national need, were criticized by the Korean press. Indeed, some of Na's own later films were also criticized in this way. Korean director and film historian Yu Hyun-mok
states that Na's appearance with a Japanese woman as his romantic interest in the 1931 shinpa film, Geumganghan
(The Grief of Geumgan), was seen as a betrayal by the Korean people, and had a profoundly negative impact on his career.
Due to the time he spent in prison and the torture he underwent there, Na suffered from poor health throughout his life. He died at the age of 34 (or 36 by Korean counting) of tuberculosis in 1937. Short though his career was, he was the most prolific filmmaker of the era known as the "Golden Age of Silent Films" in Korea. In a period of about ten years he acted in twenty-six movies, and directed fifteen.
, and was attended by mourning crowds in spite of the rain. The newspaper Chosun Ilbo's November 1938 audience poll for the best silent Korean films put Arirang in the number one spot. Two other films by Na Woon-gyu were also on the top ten list: Sarangul Chajaso (Looking for Love), and Punguna (The Man with Great Ambition) (1926). Na's last film, Omongnyo (1937) was second on the list of best sound films made in Korea.
His life was the subject of the 1966 film, Na Woon-Gyui ilsaeng, which was directed by and starred Choi Mu-ryong, father of current star Choi Min-soo
. The Korea Film Directors' Society paid tribute to Na Woon-gyu, by taking his pen name for their Chunsa Art Film Festival, begun in 1990.
A location near "Arirang Hill" in Seoul
has recently been refashioned into a "Street of Motion Pictures," housing the Arirang Cine Center, Arirang Information Library, a small theme park claiming to be the movie set, a monument in memory of the 100th anniversary of Na Woon-gyu's birth, and an annual film festival.
Early life
Na Woon-gyu was the third son of Na Hyong-gwon, a military officer during the final days of the Joseon DynastyJoseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
who had returned to his hometown of Hoeryong
Hoeryong
Hoeryŏng is a city in North Hamgyŏng Province, North Korea. It is opposite Jilin Province, China, with the Tumen River in between. Sanhe , in Longjing prefecture, is the closest Chinese town across the river. Hoeryŏng is said to be the birthplace of Kim Il Sung's first wife and Kim Jong Il's...
, Hamgyongbuk-do
Hamgyong
Hamgyŏng was one of the Eight Provinces of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. Hamgyŏng was located in the northeast of Korea. The provincial capital was Hamhŭng.-History:...
to teach. As a high-school student, Na was involved in theater and acting, but also in anti-Japanese activities including the March 1, 1919 protest
March 1st Movement
The March 1st Movement, or Samil Movement, was one of the earliest public displays of Korean resistance during the occupation of the Korean Empire by Japan. The name refers to an event that occurred on March 1, 1919, hence the movement's name, literally meaning "Three-One Movement" or "March First...
against the occupation. To avoid imprisonment, he spent two years crossing and re-crossing the Duman River
Tumen River
The Tumen River is a 521 km-long river that serves as part of the boundary between China, North Korea, and Russia, rising in Mount Baekdu and flowing into the Sea of Japan....
, which separates Korea from Manchuria
Manchuria
Manchuria is a historical name given to a large geographic region in northeast Asia. Depending on the definition of its extent, Manchuria usually falls entirely within the People's Republic of China, or is sometimes divided between China and Russia. The region is commonly referred to as Northeast...
. He traveled as far as Siberia
Siberia
Siberia is an extensive region constituting almost all of Northern Asia. Comprising the central and eastern portion of the Russian Federation, it was part of the Soviet Union from its beginning, as its predecessor states, the Tsardom of Russia and the Russian Empire, conquered it during the 16th...
, joining with Korean Liberation fighters in anti-occupation work.
In 1921, he returned to Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
, and enrolled in Yonhui (now Yonsei
Yonsei University
Yonsei University is a Christian private research university, located in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1885, it is one of the oldest universities in South Korea, the top private comprehensive universities in South Korea, and is widely regarded as one of the top three comprehensive...
) University to study social science. It was at this period that his fascination with the cinema began. He would fill notebooks with jottings while watching films in theaters, and would carry a hand mirror with him wherever he went to practice facial expressions.
However, like the main character in his first, and most famous film, Arirang
Arirang (1926 film)
Arirang is a 1926 Korean film. One of the earliest feature films to be made in the country, it is named after the traditional song Arirang, which audiences were said to sing at the conclusion of the film. The silent, black and white film was written and directed by Na Un'gyu , and stars Na Un'gyu,...
, he was caught by the Japanese and jailed for his participation in The March 1st Movement. While in prison in Chongjin
Chongjin
Ch'ŏngjin is the capital of North Korea's North Hamgyŏng Province and the country's third largest city. From 1960 to 1967 and again from 1977 to 1985, Ch'ŏngjin was administered separately from North Hamgyŏng as a Directly Governed City...
, from 1921 until 1923, Na received his artistic pen-name, Chunsa, from Lee Chun-song, another resistance fighter. When he was released in 1923, he joined the Yerimhoe Play Troupe in his hometown, Hoeryong.
After leaving the troupe, he sold all of his books to buy a train ticket to Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, where he applied for a job acting at the Choson Film Company. He started playing extras and then villains in films for this company. His debut was in the 1925 film UnYeongJeon.
Film career
His first film as writer/director/star, Arirang
Arirang (1926 film)
Arirang is a 1926 Korean film. One of the earliest feature films to be made in the country, it is named after the traditional song Arirang, which audiences were said to sing at the conclusion of the film. The silent, black and white film was written and directed by Na Un'gyu , and stars Na Un'gyu,...
(1926), was a national sensation in Korea. Films in Korea underwent censorship and restrictions by the Japanese authorities. Scripts had to be submitted to, and approved by the occupying Japanese government before they could be produced and distributed. Criticism of the government was censored, leading most films to be in the melodramatic, sentimental style known as shinpa. Na's innovation in Arirang was finding a way to express Korean opposition to the Japanese occupation metaphorically by unifying the shinpa style with a spirit of nationalism. He thereby made cinema in Korea no longer mere entertainment, but a vehicle for an expression of national resistance to the Japanese occupation.
Financed by Park Sung-pil, owner of Dansongsa Theater, Na founded Na Woon-kyu Productions in September 1927 and opened his production company in Changsin-dong, near Dongdaemun. In contrast to the Japanese-run studios, the company's goal was to produce films by Koreans, for Koreans.
Na's 1929 Salangeul chajaseo
Salangeul chajaseo
Salangeul chajaseo is a 1929 Korean film written, directed, produced, edited by and starring Na Woon-gyu . The film premiered at the Choseon Theater in April, 1929...
was an epic film employing more than a thousand extras. As with Arirang, a period of Na's own life could be seen as an inspiration for the story. It dealt with Koreans crossing the Duman River
Tumen River
The Tumen River is a 521 km-long river that serves as part of the boundary between China, North Korea, and Russia, rising in Mount Baekdu and flowing into the Sea of Japan....
, as Na himself had done, in search of freedom from Japanese oppression. The film was banned at first, but was finally released, though in a heavily revised and edited form. The failure of Beongeoli Sam-ryong
Beongeoli Sam-ryong
Beongeoli Sam-ryong is a 1929 Korean film written, directed, produced by and starring Na Woon-gyu . It premiered at the Choseon Theater in January 1929...
(1929) soon forced the closure of Na's studio.
Arirang had initiated the period of nationalist film in Korea which continued from 1926 until about 1930, when harsher suppressive measures were undertaken by the authorities. After Arirang, tear-jerker shinpa-style movies that did no more than entertain, without appealing to a deeper national need, were criticized by the Korean press. Indeed, some of Na's own later films were also criticized in this way. Korean director and film historian Yu Hyun-mok
Yu Hyun-mok
Yu Hyun-mok was a South Korean film director. Born in Sariwon, North Hwanghae, Korea , he made his film debut in 1956 with Gyocharo...
states that Na's appearance with a Japanese woman as his romantic interest in the 1931 shinpa film, Geumganghan
Geumganghan
Geumganghan is a 1931 Korean film written by Lee Chang-Yong. It was directed by and starred Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at Dan Sung Sa theater in downtown Seoul.-Plot summary:...
(The Grief of Geumgan), was seen as a betrayal by the Korean people, and had a profoundly negative impact on his career.
Due to the time he spent in prison and the torture he underwent there, Na suffered from poor health throughout his life. He died at the age of 34 (or 36 by Korean counting) of tuberculosis in 1937. Short though his career was, he was the most prolific filmmaker of the era known as the "Golden Age of Silent Films" in Korea. In a period of about ten years he acted in twenty-six movies, and directed fifteen.
Legacy
Allegations of working with the Japanese do not seem to have harmed Na's reputation as one of the founders of Korean cinema either in his own time or in the following decades. Na's funeral procession was led by a band playing ArirangArirang
"Arirang" is a Korean folk song, sometimes considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea. Arirang is an ancient native Korean word with no direct modern meaning.- Variations :...
, and was attended by mourning crowds in spite of the rain. The newspaper Chosun Ilbo's November 1938 audience poll for the best silent Korean films put Arirang in the number one spot. Two other films by Na Woon-gyu were also on the top ten list: Sarangul Chajaso (Looking for Love), and Punguna (The Man with Great Ambition) (1926). Na's last film, Omongnyo (1937) was second on the list of best sound films made in Korea.
His life was the subject of the 1966 film, Na Woon-Gyui ilsaeng, which was directed by and starred Choi Mu-ryong, father of current star Choi Min-soo
Choi Min-soo
Choi Min-soo is a South Korean actor known for the "tough guy" image.- Biography :Choi was born in Seoul in 1962. Choi's family has been active in acting, and singing for over the last eight decades. Choi was born as the son of Choi Moo-ryong, a popular actor of the 1960s and 1970s, and Kang...
. The Korea Film Directors' Society paid tribute to Na Woon-gyu, by taking his pen name for their Chunsa Art Film Festival, begun in 1990.
A location near "Arirang Hill" in Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
has recently been refashioned into a "Street of Motion Pictures," housing the Arirang Cine Center, Arirang Information Library, a small theme park claiming to be the movie set, a monument in memory of the 100th anniversary of Na Woon-gyu's birth, and an annual film festival.
Filmography
- UnYeongJeon (운영전) (1925) (Acting debut)
- Simchong-jon (심청전) (The Story of Shim Chong) (1925) (Actor)
- JangHanMong (장한몽) (1926) (Actor)
- NongjungjoNongjungjoNongJungJo is a 1926 Korean film. Future writing/directing/acting star Na Woon-gyu appeared in this film just before his breakthrough in Arirang .-Plot summary:...
(농중조) (1926) (Actor) - ArirangArirang (1926 film)Arirang is a 1926 Korean film. One of the earliest feature films to be made in the country, it is named after the traditional song Arirang, which audiences were said to sing at the conclusion of the film. The silent, black and white film was written and directed by Na Un'gyu , and stars Na Un'gyu,...
(아리랑) (1926) (Director, writer, actor) - PungunaPungunaPunguna is a 1926 Korean film. The silent, black-and-white film was written, directed, edited by and starred Na Woon-gyu . It premiered at the Choseon Theater in December 1926.-Plot summary:...
(풍운아) (Soldier of Fortune) (1926) (Director, writer, actor, editor) - DeuljwiDeuljwiDeuljwi is a 1927 Korean film written, directed, edited by and starring Na Woon-gyu . It premiered at the Danseongsa Theater in Seoul.-Plot summary:...
(들쥐) (The Wild Rat) (1927) (Director, writer, actor, editor) - Heukkwa Baek (흑과백) (Black and White) (1927)
- GeumbungeoGeumbungeoGeumbungeo is a 1927 Korean silent film. The silent, black-and-white film was directed, edited by and starred Na Woon-gyu .-See also:*List of Korean language films*Cinema of Korea*List of Korea-related topics...
(금붕어) (Goldfish) (1927) (Director, actor, editor) - JalitgeolaJalitgeolaJalitgeola is a 1927 Korean film. The silent, black and white film was written, directed, produced, edited by and starred Na Woon-gyu . This was the first film from Na's own production company, Na Woon-gyu Productions, financed by Park Seung-pil, owner of the Danseongsa theater in Seoul...
(잘 있거라) (Farewell) (1927) (Director, producer, writer, actor, editor) - Ok-nyeoOk-nyeoOk-nyeo is a 1928 Korean film. The silent, black-and-white production was written, directed, and edited by Na Woon-gyu. It was the second film to be produced by Na Woon-gyu Productions, which was financed by Park Seung-pil, owner of the Danseongsa Theater in Seoul...
(1928) (옥녀) (Director, producer, writer, editor) - Beongeoli Sam-ryongBeongeoli Sam-ryongBeongeoli Sam-ryong is a 1929 Korean film written, directed, produced by and starring Na Woon-gyu . It premiered at the Choseon Theater in January 1929...
(벙어리 삼룡) (Deaf Sam-ryong) (1929) (Director, producer, writer, actor) - Salangeul chajaseoSalangeul chajaseoSalangeul chajaseo is a 1929 Korean film written, directed, produced, edited by and starring Na Woon-gyu . The film premiered at the Choseon Theater in April, 1929...
(사랑을 찾아서) (In Search of Love) (1929) (Director, producer, writer, actor, editor) - Sanai (사나이) (1929)
- Arirang geuhu iyagiArirang geuhu iyagiArirang geuhu iyagi is a 1930 Korean film written by and starring Na Woon-gyu...
(아리랑 그 후 이야기) or Arirang hu pyeon (아리랑 후편) (Arirang 2) (1930) (Writer, actor) - CheolindoCheolindoCheolindo is a 1930 Korean film written, directed by and starring Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at Dan Sung Sa theater in downtown Seoul.-Plot summary:...
(철인도) (1930) (Director, writer, actor, editor) - GeumganghanGeumganghanGeumganghan is a 1931 Korean film written by Lee Chang-Yong. It was directed by and starred Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at Dan Sung Sa theater in downtown Seoul.-Plot summary:...
(금강한) (The Grief of Geumgan) (1931) (Director, actor) - Nampyeuneun Kyeongbidaero (남편은 경비대로) (1931)
- Gaehwadang imunGaehwadang imunGaehwadang imun is a 1932 Korean film written, directed by and starring Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at Dan Sung Sa theater in downtown Seoul.-Plot summary:...
(개화당 이문) (1932) (Director, writer, actor, editor) - Imjaeobtneun naleutbaeImjaeobtneun naleutbaeImjaeopneun nareutbae is a 1932 Korean film starring Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at Dan Sung Sa theater in downtown Seoul. This was director Lee Gyu-hwan's first film...
(임자없는 나룻배) (The Ownerless Ferryboat) (1932) (actor) - Amgunwang (암굴왕) (1932)
- JongnoJongno (1933 film)Jongno is a 1933 Korean film starring Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at DanSungSa theater in downtown Seoul.-Plot summary:The film is a melodrama in which Na Woon-gyu's character breaks up with his girlfriend and becomes a vagabond. The girlfriend marries another man...
(종로) (1933) - MuhwagwaMuhwagwaMuhwagwa is a 1935 Korean film directed by Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at the Woomikwan theater.-Plot summary:This film is a melodrama in which Yun Bong-Choon stars as a violinist in love with a dancer played by Jeon Choon-woo...
(무화과) (Fig Tree) (1935) (Director, editor) - Kanggeonneo maeulKanggeonneo maeulKanggeonneo maeul is a 1935 Korean film directed by Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at the DanSungSa theater in downtown Seoul.-Plot summary:...
(강 건너 마을) (Town Across the River) (1935) (Director, writer, editor) - GeulimjaGeulimjaGeulimja is a 1935 Korean film directed by Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at the Woo Mi Kwan theater.-Plot summary:The story is a melodrama concerning a young woman, played by Yun Bong-choon, who is abused by her stepmother and half-sister...
(그림자) (Shadow) (1935) (Director, writer, actor) - Hwangmuji (황무지) (1935)
- Arirang 3Arirang 3Arirang 3 is a 1936 Korean film directed by and starring Na Woon-gyu. The second sequel of Na's ground-breaking 1926 film, Arirang, this was the only entry in the series that was not silent...
(아리랑 제3편) (1936) (Director, writer, actor) - Chilbeontong sosageonChilbeontong sosageonChilbeontong sosageon is a 1936 Korean film directed by and starring Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at the WooMiKwan theater.-Plot summary:This action-oriented film tells the story of a traveling theatrical troupe...
(칠번통 소사건) (Incident of the 7th Bamboo Flute) (1936) (Director, writer, actor, editor) - Oh Mong-nyeoOh Mong-nyeoOh Mong-nyeo is a 1937 Korean film, the last film directed by Na Woon-gyu. It premiered at the DanSungSa theater in downtown Seoul.-Plot summary:...
(오몽녀) (1937) (Director)
Sources
http://www.aladdin.co.kr/shop/wproduct.aspx?ISBN=8930308775- Kim, Sarah Sun (2001). The Early History of Korean Cinema; Na Unkyu's Arirang: Establishing a National Cinema under Colonialism (at Internet Arrive (original, dead link)
- Noh Kwang Woo. Formation of Korean Film Industry under Japanese Occupation