Godzilla: 20 Mind-Blowing Facts You Didn't Know
18. North Korea Tried To Make Their Own Godzilla Film
In North Korea, you can't wear jeans. The government ships crystal meth, and in the 1990s, every North Korean teacher had to be able to play the accordion by law.
So, when I tell you that the country's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-il kidnapped a director and forced him to make a Godzilla rip-off, you shouldn't be too surprised.
When Jong-il decided he wanted to set up a movie studio to showcase his nation in a positive light, he kidnapped the South Korean director, Shin Sang-ok, and forced him to make seven films with his ex-wife, Choi Eun-hee, as the lead actress.
While in North Korea, Sang-ok made Pulgasari; a movie which revolves around a Godzilla-esque monster that allies with peasants to defeat the monarchy. Jong-il desperately tried to market the film worldwide but to no avail.
When Sang-ok and his wife fled back home, they told the authorities that they were kidnapped by the North Korean government. Although Jong-il denied this, Sang-ok had secret recordings of the North Korean leader to validate his accusations.
This story is so incredible and surreal, it's astounding it has yet to be adapted into a film.