Squirrel and Hedgehog explained

Creator:	Kim Jun-Ok (Pilot, Episode 1-4), Kim Yong-Chol (Episode 5-)
Director:	Kim Jun-Ok (Episode 1~4), Kim Yong-Chol, Kim Kwang-Song, Do Chol, O Sin-Hyok, Yun Yong-Gil, Ri Sok-Hun, Ri Chol
Voices:	Won Jong-SukKim Thae-Ryon
Theme Music Composer:	Kim Myong-HuiPyongyang Ryulgok Secondary School
Opentheme:	"철벽의 동산 꾸려나가자" (Let us fortify our Hill)
Country:	North Korea
Language:	Korean
Runtime:	18-27 minutes
Network:	Korean Central Television
Last Aired:	Child: yes Context: north Korean title Hangul: 다람이와 고슴도치 Rr: Dalam-iwa Goseumdochi Mr: Taramiwa Kosŭmdoch'i

Squirrel and Hedgehog is a North Korean animated series made by SEK Studio (Korean: 조선4.26만화영화촬영소).^[1] Squirrel and Hedgehog is one of the most popular animated series in North Korea. The show was supposedly discontinued in 2012, which was around the time North Korean state television changed its broadcasting schedule, which cut several animated programs along with it.

The first episode of the show, produced in 1977, is based on a short novel published in a North Korean children's magazine in the 1970s. The short film was so popular with the public that the crew decided to turn the show into a series.^[2] In 2006, the producers said the show would be in production.^[3]

The series is currently being re-aired on Korean Central Television since July 2023 for the show's 46th anniversary.^[4]

Characters and Locations

Flower Hill

The main character's hometown. Squirrels, hedgehogs, ducks, rabbits and small animals live in this village.

• Geumsaegi (금색이/Gold Squirrel, Code name "Pang-ul-ggot") - The main character of the series. He is agile, brave, and has a great intellect.
• Juldarami (줄다람이/Striped Squirrel) - He is a scout from Flower Hill and a partner of Geumsaegi. He trusts and loves Geumsaegi and is willing to give everything for him. He shows strong loyalty and friendship towards Geumsaegi to the point of saying "I will give my life for him". Their relationship turned into 'twin brothers' in the international dub.
• Pamsaegi (밤색이/Brownie, Brown Squirrel) - Younger brother of Geumsaegi. A new character of the second series. He used to be Dr. Mole's assistant but becomes a scout following his brother.
• Scout Kosŭmdochi (고슴도치 정찰병/Scout Hedgehog) - A close friend of Geumsaegi and Juldarami. Brother of Undochi.
• Scout Mulangae (물안개) - A briefly seen spy of Flower Hill.
• Undochi (은도치) - Younger brother of Goseumdochi. A new character of the second series. He wants to be a great scout following Geumsaegi and his older brother.
• Gomajeossi (곰 아저씨/Uncle Bear) – A blustering friend of the village who promises but fails to protect it.
• Mulori (물오리 선장/Wild Duck Captain) - The Captain of Flower Hill's Naval Forces. A close friend of Geumsaegi.
• Dalamjwi-Salyeong (다람쥐 사령관/Squirrel Commander) - The Commander of the Covert forces of Flower Hill.
• Goseumdochi Salyeong-gwan (고슴도치 사령관/Hedgehog Commander) - The Commander of the Military Forces of Flower Hill.
• Pamnamu (팜나무/Palm Tree) - A briefly seen spy for Flower Hill.

Weasel Empire

• Captain Weasel (족제비 대장/General Commander)
• Mulmangcho (물망초/Forget-me-not/Buttercup (in Syenduk's translation)) - He is the main villain of the series. He wears glasses. He is one of the few characters who knows that Geumsaegi is a Flower Hill spy.
• Oegwipari/One-Eared (외귀팔이) - He is a mouse following Mulmangcho. He lost one ear.
• Black Weasel (검은 족제비) -
• One-Eyed Weasel (애꾸 특무대장, 돌산 참모장/Scout Commander) - Commander of the Covert Forces of the Weasel Empire.
• Dr. White Weasel (흰 족제비 박사) - Head Staff of the Sturgeon Base until its destruction. Head Staff of the Iron Crow Unit of Toggaebi Island.
• Mangko-Jogjebi (망코 족제비/Mangko) - Chief-of-Staff of the Weasel Empire's Secret Police turned temporary De-Facto Leader through a Coup Against the General Commander.
• Field Mouse No. 2 (필드 마우스 2번) - a Scout for the Weasel Empire.
• Search Commander (수색사령관/Susaegsalyeong-gwan) - The Envoy and Commander to Mt. Rock

Wolves' Den

• Captain Wolf/Keoteo (승냥이 대장) - He is the captain of the wolf army. He has blue glowing eyes.
• Assistant Weasel/1st Lt. Choi (족제비 보좌관) - A younger brother of Captain Weasel and second in command of the wolve's den.
• Assistant Fox/2nd Lt. Yeou/Lt. Fox Vixen (여우 장교) The Third in command of the wolve's den. She has a manipulative personality.

Other Flower Hill affiliated villages

• Squirrel Village
• Rabbit Village
• Fowl Village
• Giraffe Village (only referenced)
• Deer Village (only referenced)
• Monkey Village (only referenced)
• Weasel Village (only referenced)
• Bear Village (only referenced)
• Elephant Village (only referenced)
• The Desert Lands (only referenced)

Voice cast

• Geumsaegi: Unknown (episode 1, 2~4) → Won Jong-Suk (episode 5~31) → Heo Kyong-Hui (episode 32~)
• Juldarami: Unknown (episode 4) → Kim Tae-Ryon (episode 10~13, 17) → Won Jong-Suk (episode 14, 15) → Rim Bok-Hui (episode 19~)
• Bamsaegi: Rim Un-Yong
• Scout Goseumdochi: Unknown (episode 1~4) → Kwon Nyong-Ju
• Undochi: Lee Eun-Ju (episode 27) → Choe Hyon-Ha
• Dr. Mole: Kim Tae-Hong
• Captain Weasel: Unknown (episode 1~4) → Kim Tae-Hong
• Mulmangcho: Unknown (episode 7~11) → Kim Thae-Ryon (episode 6, 12~26) → Won Jong-Suk (episode 27) → Rim Bok-Hui (episode 28~)
• Oegwipali: Kwon Nyong-Ju (episode 8~26) → Lee Eun-Ju (episode 27~)
• Dr. White weasel: Kim Tae-Hong
• Captain Wolf/Captain Keoteo: Unknown (episode 27, 28) → Kim Yong-Chol (episode 31~)
• Assistant Weasel/1st Lt. Choi: Kim Tae-Hong (episode 27) → Song Yong-Chol (episode 31~)
• Assistant Fox/Lt. Fox Vixen/2nd Lt. Yeau: Rim Un-Yong
• Field Mouse No. 2: Won Jong-Suk
• Other Actors: Chang Chun-Ha, Choi Soon-Bong, Song Yong-Sook, Kim Jo-Kyung, etc.

Episodes

No.	Original Title	English Title (formal DVD title)	Directed by	Story	Music	Original air date
1	다람이가 찾은 교훈	The Lesson for Squirrel	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Jun-Ok, Kim Myong-Hui	1977
2	족제비네 소굴에서	In the Den of Weasels	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Myong-Hui	1978-1979
3	다람이의 복수전	The revenge battle of the Squirrel	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Myong-Hui	1980-1981
4	정찰병 금색다람이	The Scout, Gold Squirrel	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Jun-Ok	Kim Myong-Hui	1982-1983
5	끝나지 않은 싸움	The Continued Battle	Kim Kwang-Song	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Paek In-Song	February 8, 1997
6	금색이가 날린 전파	A Message sent by Gold Squirrel	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Han Sang-Chol	September 29, 1997
7	독거미굴의 비밀	The Secret of the Wolf Spider Cave	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yeong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	December 13, 1997
8	돌산으로 날아간 특사	Envoy to Mt.Rock	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	March 21, 1998
9	고슴도치의 위훈	The Great Service of Hedgehog	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	June 12, 1998
10	돌산에서의 결전	A Battle at Mt.Rock	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	September 1, 1998
11	검은 열쇠	Black Key	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	October 30, 1998
12	위험한 적수	A Dangerous Enemy	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	December 23, 1998
13	비밀문건	Secret Document	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	February 2, 1999
14	적후에서의 한순간	A Moment in the Enemy Rear	Kim Kwang-Song	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	June 9, 1999
15	흰눈작전	White Snow Operation	Kim Kwang-Song, Do Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	July 3, 1999
16	흰눈작전은 계속 된다	White Snow Operation Continues	Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	September 18, 1999
17	<방울꽃>은 보고한다	"Pangulggot" Reports	Do Chol, Kim Yong-Chol	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	September 20, 2000
18	파도를 헤치고	Through the Waves	O Sin-Hyok	Kim Hwa-Song	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	November 30, 2000
19	무서운 음모	A Hideous Plot	Kim Yong-Chol, Yun Yong-Gil	Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hee, Ham Chol	April 1, 2001
20	밤하늘에 울린 폭음	An Explosion At Night	Kim Yong-Chol, Ri Sok-Hun	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	November 25, 2001
21	원수는 살아있다	The Enemies are Alive	O Sin-Hyok	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	June 25, 2002
22	보석목걸이를 찾아서	Searching For the Jewel Necklace	Yun Yong-Gil	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	December 24, 2002
23	철갑상어 기지에서	At the "Sturgeon" Base	Yun Yong-Gil	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	May 5, 2003
24	위험을 맞받아	Against The Danger	O Sin-Hyok, Gye Hun	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	July 10, 2003
25	벼락작전	"Thunder" Operation	Yun Yong-Gil	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	November 28, 2004
26	불길속의 방울꽃	"Pangulggot" in the Flames	O Sin-Hyok	Kim Hwa-Song, Ri Yong-Chun	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	January 2, 2005
27	<올가미> 작전	"Noose" Operation	O Sin-Hyok	Choe In-Song	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	December 27, 2006
28	두더지 박사의 비밀문건	The Secret Document of Dr. Mole	O Sin-Hyok	Kim Hwa-Song	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	January 1, 2008
29	흰 족제비 소굴에서	In the Den of White Weasel	Oh Sin-Hyok	Kim Hwa-Song	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	August 25, 2008
30	원수를 맞받아	Against the Enemies	Ri Chol	Choe In-Song	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	October 17, 2010
31	승냥이 소굴에로	To the Den of the Wolf Unit	Ri Chol	Choe In-Song	Kim Myong-Hui, Ham Chol	February 17, 2011
32	원수는 간악하다	Enemies are vicious	Ri Chol	Choe In-Song	Kim Myong-Hui, Jong Pyong-Chol	June 6, 2012

Controversy

There is speculation among overseas critics that the squirrels and hedgehogs are the North Koreans, the mice are the South Koreans, the bear is the Soviets, the weasels are the Japanese, the wolves are the Americans and the foxes are United States working class and minorities, which are argued to coincide with metaphorical interpretations of the country's geopolitical environment.^[5] But, this allegorical interpretation is never revealed in the series, and staff at the SEK Studio claimed that this allegorical interpretation is not true. They repeatedly alleged that this animation was created to teach love, friendship, and patriotism to children.^[6] However, Choi Sung-guk, a North Korean defector who worked at SEK Studio as an animator for several years, said that "weasels, mice, and wolves symbolize foreign invaders (imperialists)."^[7]

Jajusibo, South Korea's leading far-left and pro-North Korea media outlet, ran a column criticizing Westerners' allegorical interpretations of the show. Citing interviews with SEK staff, they pointed out that such political speculation about the show was "exaggerated by Westerners". One Yanbian Korean-Chinese netizen said, "I have loved this show since I was a child, but I never thought that such an allegorical interpretation exists in the show.".^{[8] [9]}

Meanwhile, The Chosun Ilbo, a conservative South Korean media outlet, criticized the show for being very violent, brutal, and blatantly allegorical propaganda.^[10]

Merchandise

There are no known official records of merchandise, but brands of toothpaste and backpacks depicting the main characters have been sold in North Korean stores. There are also several statues in children's parks that are located in Pyongyang.

Manhwa

Alongside the television show, a North Korean manhwa was released. There were several key differences between it and the television series, such as the character "Lt. Fox Vixen" originally being depicted as male. It's unknown why this change occurred, but it could be to acknowledge that the United States Armed Forces had allowed women to fight alongside male soldiers.

Reception

The SEK Studio, the North Korean studio that produced this series, has also produced a number of stand-alone short cartoons with funny animal characters. Some of them are part of a large series named the Clever Raccoon Dog (Korean: 령리한 너구리). Unlike Squirrel and Hedgehog, they are focused primarily on road safety education, science, sport, summer volunteer work etc.

Mondo dub

The series was released in English and Spanish by Mondo TV, titled Brave Soldier and Soldados Valientes respectively.^{[11] [12]} The series' plot was changed in the dubs, so that subtle references to North Korea or blatant propaganda would end up removed. This translation is often criticized by the show's cult following for having generic voice actors and out of place audio dubbing. The second season was never dubbed due to licensing issues, as Mondo TV only owns the rights to the first selection of episodes.

See also

• North Korean animation
• SEK Studio
• Clever Raccoon Dog
• Boy General

Notes and References

1. Web site: Makinen . Julie . At a North Korean nursery school, tots get an early education in weaponry . Los Angeles Times . May 4, 2016 . November 18, 2017.
2. Web site: 북한의 애니메이션 . 2022-12-13 . m.terms.naver.com . ko.
3. Web site: 통일인문학연구단 IHU . 2022-12-13 . tongil-konkuk.co.kr . ko . 2021-05-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210508093348/https://tongil-konkuk.co.kr/ . dead .
4. Web site: 동영상 다람이와 고슴도치 제1부 다람이가 찾은 교훈 . dprktoday.com . 21 August 2023 . ko.
5. Web site: Cartoons in North Korea: The Squirrel and the Hedgehog. Visit North Korea. English. 2019-05-06. 2020-11-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025943/https://www.visitthedprk.org/cartoons-in-north-korea-the-squirrel-and-the-hedgehog/. dead.
6. Web site: http://www.tongilnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=51748. ko:北서 인기끄는 '다람이와 고슴도치'. tongilnews. 2 February 2005. ko. 2018-04-29.
7. Web site: http://unityinfo.co.kr/sub_read.html?uid=2930&section=sc5. ko:아동영화 다람이와 고슴도치 -1977년 시작 25부 방영. unityinfo. ko. 2018-10-28.
8. Web site: 2017-08-16 . [자주시보] [정문일침316] 북과 같은 고슴도치에게 치명적인 것은? ]. 2022-12-17 . 자주시보 . ko.
9. Web site: 2010-01-16 . [자주시보] 아동영화는 아동영화다 ]. 2022-12-17 . 자주시보 . ko.
10. Web site: 에디터 . 윤희영 편집국 . [윤희영의 News English] 북한 만화영화 승냥이와 고슴도치의 관계 ]. 2022-12-17 . n.news.naver.com . ko.
11. Web site: SOLDADOS VALIENTES / BRAVE SOLDIER - ES - YouTube. YouTube. en. 2018-01-14.
12. Web site: Mondo tv S.P.A - LIBRARY BRAVE SOLDIER. www.mondotv.it. en. 2018-01-14. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20180118212040/http://www.mondotv.it/scheda-singola-brave-soldier.html. dead.