discovering baseball"s hidden presence in north korea

Baseball has a historical presence in Korea, with the first known game played in 1894 in Seoul, before the country was divided. American missionaries likely introduced the sport to the North, and despite its current obscurity, there are indications that baseball is still played in limited forms, including in the military and through women's softball teams in Pyongyang. Defectors recount memories of baseball, revealing a cultural connection that persists despite the regime's efforts to suppress it. In the 1970s, exhibition games were held in North Korea against Cuban teams, showcasing a brief period of engagement with the sport. However, the political climate has led to a decline in baseball's popularity, particularly due to its associations with Japan, which ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945. Defectors like Kim share stories of their childhood, where playing baseball-like games could lead to severe consequences, illustrating the regime's control over cultural expressions. Despite the challenges, there are remnants of baseball culture in North Korea, such as stamps issued between 2000 and 2009 that depict the sport. These stamps were part of a broader strategy to present North Korea as a friendly nation that embraces various sports. Additionally, baseball is featured in North Korean media, including films and cartoons, often with political undertones that reflect the regime's narrative. The future of baseball in North Korea remains uncertain, but as the country evolves, there may be a resurgence of interest in the sport. Defectors and historians hope that one day, North Koreans will rediscover their baseball heritage, allowing them to connect with a part of their history that has been overshadowed by decades of dictatorship.