I liked the flow of the programme, as NHK captures Li's final precious moments, which reminds all of us the damages of war and the pains to the victims and their families. Especially for Korean, I just think of the “fate” that Li stated when experiencing the Atomic Bomb and also the Korean War when returning to their homeland, the people living in their ages were strong to survive after such incidents, both physical and psychological. Without the courage to overcome these hard times, it is difficult for us to realise the side effects accompanying with the WWII.
Another point which touches me is the relationship between Dr. Maruya and Li, Maruya act as an editor for Li's autobiography, though finally a endless story to interpret, the Japanese way “Kizuna” reminds the linkage between two countries and their generations which were involved at that time. Just want to keep a record as an ordinary person's life.
For Li, Hiroshima was his home in the young ages and enjoyed a temporary bright childhood before war started. While the discrimination from the neighbours and hiding the facts as a Hibakusha which were deeply affected their personal lives, Li faced the agitation and alienation without the help from others. He wanted to forget everything about his life at his final moment, his stomach cancer and his military life. The omission from the Hibakusha list was due to the insufficient communication in the old days, which nearly let many people died without medical care.
Finally, Li just wanted to bring the concern for radiation to the second or third generation and let the public knew the victims included the Koreans. It is a very touching episode for me.
Written by Alex Lam Kar Wai
Inspired from NHK World TV Programme "Hiroshima's Korean Legacy"
On Air Episodes: August 13, 2010
Copyright Alex Lam Kar Wai & NHK World TV
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