Imagining an Asian American Superhero of North Korean Origin: A Design Fiction ...

• Main Author: Chu, Seo-Young
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: Humanities Commons 2021
• Subjects: Korea; Asian Americans > Study and teaching; Asian Americans; Science fiction; Marvel; white fox
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17613/gnjn-9q42; https://hcommons.org/deposits/item/hc:46227/

My talk, a thought-experimental blend of literary criticism and speculative “design fiction,” will introduce you to an Asian American superhero of North Korean origin. In this science-fictional superhero, whom I have tentatively named “구름”/”☁️”/“Ku-reum,” Korea’s elusive realities coalesce into legible form. More specifically, they become available for narrative experience and relatable to us as an anthropomorphic character, a person with whom we might identify, come face-to-face, sympathize, interact dynamically, and have a conversation. Ku-reum is designed to reflect Korea’s complex past and hopes for the future. Existing beyond division systems, Ku-reum uses the non-binary pronouns “one”/“they.” Neither “South” nor “North,” neither “East” nor “West,” Ku-reum transcends the four cardinal directions. (Magnetic compasses break down in one’s/their presence.) While genetically related to the South Korean Marvel superheroes Taegukgi and Ami Han/White Fox (among others), Ku-reum is unique. One’s/their ...