Close but No Cigar

Director/Producer KIM Sanghyun | Korea | Approx. 30min | Delivery Date: February 2025

Project Description

Production Schedule

Synopsis

The 3D full-body scanner at the Korean Air Force Training Camp permanently stores data logs of over 30,000 early 20s male recruits each year. The collected data is classified as a national asset without the individuals' consent, waiting for becoming material for various big data industries. As a non-binary individual discharged early from the flight crew, I explore the ideology of the country converting biometric information into a weapon.

Director's Note

It has been four years since enlisted soldiers have been allowed to use mobile phones in the camp. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Ministry of National Defense, 97% of enlisted soldiers expressed their support for an extension of the allotted mobile phone usage time. Among officers, a majority of over 77% also endorsed this measure. The integration of mobile phone usage has become a natural part of the Korean military culture. However, I harbor doubts regarding the notion that "alleviating isolation from civilian society" is the most significant advantage of mobile phone usage. This film aims to document an investigation into the following hypothesis: Hypothesis: Mobile phone usage does not inherently possess a healing effect; instead, it will shed light on the multifaceted issues specific to the military environment.