Artist Statement  

Rein’s work revolves around the personal stories of people caught in the relentless gears of historical events and political decisions. Despite the abundance of publicly available information, many lived experiences of marginalized individuals and communities are being forcibly forgotten. This intentional erasure of memory is what Rein aims to challenge by preserving their stories in the form of video games.  

Rein’s thesis project, a diptych The Furthest East, is an interplay between two games created with different creative approaches, but united by one story. The audience is invited to explore places that are now deserted and customs that are almost lost, and to learn about the tragic experiences of Koryo-saram.    

Inspired by her ancestry and drawing from extensive research into historical records and personal testimonies, this artwork aims to preserve the lived experiences of Koryo-saram, foster empathy, and ensure that their pain and resilience are acknowledged by the world.