Ep 4. Burnt Ground

Korea's Unfinished War is a documentary series that explores the ongoing impact of the Korean War, which never officially ended. Season 1 episode 4, titled Burnt Ground, delves into the devastating consequences of the war on the Korean landscape.

The episode begins with a haunting aerial view of the demilitarized zone (DMZ), the heavily guarded buffer zone that separates North and South Korea. Despite being a no man's land for over 60 years, the DMZ has become a haven for wildlife due to the absence of human activity. However, the serenity of the environment belies its violent past.

Through interviews with Korean farmers, soldiers, and historians, Burnt Ground paints a vivid picture of the brutal fighting that took place during the Korean War. The soldiers who fought in the conflict describe the chaos and destruction they witnessed on a daily basis. One soldier recounts how he and his comrades survived by eating leaves and tree bark when their food supplies ran out. Another recalls the horror of seeing his fellow soldiers blown apart by landmines.

The episode also highlights the devastating impact of American bombing campaigns on the Korean countryside. Korean villagers describe how they were forced to flee their homes as American planes dropped bombs indiscriminately. In one particularly harrowing scene, a Korean woman tearfully recounts how her family was killed when their house was hit by an American bomb.

Despite the end of the fighting, the environmental consequences of the war continue to afflict the Korean people. The episode explores how unexploded ordnance, abandoned tanks, and poison gas canisters still litter the Korean landscape, posing a constant threat to farmers and civilians. One Korean farmer describes how he has had to stop using his fields due to the presence of unexploded bombs, leaving him unable to make a living.

Yet amidst the devastation, the episode shows how some Koreans are working to heal the scars of the war. A group of soldiers who fought on opposing sides reunite for the first time in over 60 years, sharing stories of their experiences and expressing hope for a peaceful future. A Korean artist creates installations made from shrapnel and barbed wire, using the symbols of war to convey a message of peace and reconciliation.

Overall, Burnt Ground is a powerful and moving exploration of the tragic legacy of the Korean War. Through its vivid storytelling and stunning visuals, the episode offers a sobering reminder of the toll war takes on both people and the environment. At the same time, it also offers a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful future.