Many envision war-themed games as featuring big American soldiers fighting in fictional countries, presumably far from Asian neighbors like us. But what if these war stories unfold in one of the world's most secretive nations, a country technically in a ceasefire but not truly peaceful for over 76 years?
This is the Korean Peninsula war, where the North-South conflict persists continuously. Although an armistice was signed three years after intense fighting, it did not end the war. This ongoing tension is why South Korea still enforces mandatory military service as a reserve force, so that if conflict arises, these soldiers can immediately respond to repel the enemy.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 sets its campaign mode against this familiar Asian conflict backdrop. The narrative is told through the eyes of an inexperienced young soldier patrolling a routine path while TV broadcasts announce a new North Korean leader's rise. Suddenly, the city's power fails and is replaced by the fiery glow of a large explosion.
This is just the beginning of North Korean troops invading the South. The game then plunges players into the erupting war between people of the same nation but opposing beliefs. Although many events in the game are fictional, they undeniably evoke real-world parallels.
Underground tunnel from North to South
In Call of Duty, North Korean troops invade South Korea through underground tunnels. Those familiar with the series Crash Landing on You may recognize these tunnels, depicted as old mines used by the protagonist to follow and protect the heroine in South Korea. While this may seem dramatized for entertainment, the existence of such tunnels is well-documented, though not exactly as the series portrays.
In the 1970s, defectors from North Korea testified that Kim Il-sung, then North Korea's leader, ordered the army to dig tunnels beneath the DMZ. Around the same time, South Korea discovered three tunnels: the first in 1974 when army scouts noticed steam rising from the ground and investigated to find the tunnel.
The second tunnel was found in 1975, and another in 1978, which was considered especially threatening due to its location south of Panmunjom village, the truce village in the DMZ. The fourth tunnel was discovered in 1990. Although no more tunnels have been found since, many speculate dozens more remain undiscovered.
So can tourists just walk down these tunnels and end up in North Korea? The answer is no. South Korea blocks these tunnels underground, preventing them from reaching the southern surface. At the end of accessible paths, a thick concrete wall built by South Korea permanently seals these routes.
Seoul Falls in 1950
A key scene in Call of Duty shows a border city in South Korea engulfed in flames from northern troops. While this might seem like entertainment fantasy, the reality is more brutal: North Korea actually captured Seoul in 1950, not just border DMZ areas as portrayed.
During the Soviet Union's heyday, it fully supported communist allies like North Korea with weapons. On June 25, 1950, North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel without warning. South Korea was unprepared to repel this ideological invasion.
This was the Cold War era, with fierce ideological clashes. As the Soviet Union backed the North, the U.S. supported the South. With American help, South Korean forces reclaimed Seoul after three months, retaking the city that fell within three days.
Influential Female Leader
A key character in Call of Duty is Commander Ri Ju-yeong, sister of Ri Seung-ho, North Korea’s supreme leader in the game. Her stern, ruthless yet decisive and cold demeanor suggests the creators were inspired by Kim Yo-jong, the real-life ruthless younger sister of Kim Jong-un, who holds high political positions and is often seen alongside him in public.
Kim Yo-jong first attracted global attention in 2018 as North Korea’s representative at the Winter Olympics in South Korea. She became widely known in June 2020 when she threatened to destroy the inter-Korean liaison office in Gaeseong, which was bombed and completely demolished days later.
An ABC News article speculates that the Kim siblings' roles may be public performances: Kim Jong-un often appears gentle, meeting people and praising youth, while Kim Yo-jong plays the tough role by issuing harsh statements or threats against South Korea and the U.S. over military drills and diplomatic issues.
Defectors’ Perspectives on Call of Duty
“The violence shown in the game is still mild compared to reality,” said defectors reacting to Call of Duty, as featured in a reaction video by YouTube channels DimpleVide and The NK Guys, which garnered 3.7 million views.
The two North Korean defectors explained that the game’s opening scene showing Pyongyang at night without electricity is very realistic, as the country frequently suffers severe power shortages leading to complete blackouts.
However, the game’s portrayal of North Korean soldiers dressed in full uniforms with helmets and body armor is inaccurate. According to the defectors, ordinary soldiers often lack even body armor or helmets, and in winter sometimes do not even have cold-weather boots.
Most discussed was the brutality of this mysterious land, which defectors say the game downplays. Scenes of soldiers raiding homes, detaining villagers, or interrogating suspects show soldiers speaking politely and administering milder punishments than in reality.
In North Korea, those suspected of defecting or treason are mercilessly beaten or killed without trial, negotiation, or exceptions for children or the elderly. Families of offenders, including children, are often purged or sent to labor camps immediately.
In conclusion, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 introduces a novel and intriguing storyline. However, debates arise since the game clearly reflects the South Korean perspective. The true reality of North Korea remains unknowable, as the world views this complex land with curiosity and incomprehension.
References:
Wikipedia (n.d.). Korean War. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War
SMH (2017). Tourists can explore North Korea’s secret tunnels beneath South Korea. https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/tourists-can-explore-north-koreas-secret-tunnels-beneath-south-korea-20171107-gzg7xi.html
BBC News (2012). North Korea's tunnels. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-19252862
GlobalSecurity.org. KPA Tunnels. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/dprk/kpa-tunnels.htm