The Girl with Seven Names

The placement of the new home on the river is perfect for Mother’s illicit trade and smuggling operation, and she can easily receive goods and immediately shuffle them inside, out of sight of the Bowibu. She wastes little time getting to know the neighbors, who tell her that the house is cursed. Mother is superstitious, and no matter what Hyeonseo says, she won’t give up her belief that the house really is cursed. In fact, mother’s belief is so strong that Hyeonseo begins to believe herself. Still, Mother takes to wallpapering and decorating the house as usual, and she even buys a small color television as a sign of social status.

Korean Central Television consists of one station, which shows endless footage of the Great Leader and the Dear Leader visiting schools and factories. Watching foreign television stations is illegal and considered a serious offense. This new area in Hyesan is known to be politically “sensitive,” and as such, the Bowibu watch closely for any signs of disloyalty. In November, just as the snow begins to fall, Father returns home from one of his trips to China. He often brings back small luxuries, like toilet paper or fruit, but this time, he is carrying a huge package. Inside is a Game Boy video game for Min-ho and a doll for Hyeonseo. The doll is large and has a Western face, and even though Hyeonseo is a bit old for it, she knows it is her father’s way to reconnect with her. It is the last gift he will ever give her.