KBS Documentary Insight Volcano, Human Part 1 Yasur Grandpa November 28, Thursday, 10 PM KBS1 The most beautiful and happy country on earth, Vanuatu A society of passionate coexistence between volcanoes and humans, boys and girls growing into 'adults' there. Vanuatu, where the balance of nature has been disrupted by the climate crisis, how will they overcome their fate? Using special equipment, the vivid images of active volcanoes and ultra-high-definition images vividly convey the volcanic zone. The 40,000 km-long Pacific Ring of Fire surrounding the Pacific Ocean border is home to 75% of the world's volcanoes. It is also where about 90% of the world's earthquakes occur. Hundreds of millions of people of various ethnicities live beneath the dangerous volcanoes. The production team of 'Volcano, Human' deeply follows the lives of people living with volcanoes in Asia, America, and the South Pacific. For them, volcanoes are sometimes the spark of 'great disaster', and sometimes the source of life that allows them to continue living. What are the insights into life that those who accept coexistence with volcanoes as their fate and sometimes live against them have realized? ■ Vanuatu, the happiest country in the world The first journey of 'Volcano, Human' takes us to Vanuatu, the happiest country in the world. Vanuatu, consisting of about 80 islands, is an archipelago nation formed by volcanic activity tens of millions of years ago. There are 9 hotly active volcanoes. In particular, Yasur Volcano on Tana Island spews lava about every 10 minutes. Yasur Volcano, which lets us hear the beating heartbeat of the Earth, is like a grandfather to the tribesmen. It contains the story of two tribes living with volcanoes in the great nature that still retains its original form. ■ Boys growing up as descendants of 'Grandfather Yasur' The tropical rainforest, which is like the lungs of Tana Island. There is a mysterious cave with the legend of Yasur there. Ikurup boys from a mountain village who perform a ritual to commune with nature. They hold a ceremony of thanksgiving to Mother Nature for successfully completing the circumcision ceremony. The boys are living independently, separated from their families. They learn survival skills in the jungle, such as making fire and hunting, as a rite of passage to become adults. During this period, they cannot meet any women, including their mothers. Will the boys be able to endure the training and grow into descendants of the volcano? “Everything I teach the children, I learned from my father. My father learned it from his grandfather. Today, I will teach the children so that they can pass it on to their sons and grandsons.” Jodi / Ikurup Tribe ■ Girls growing up as descendants of ‘Grandfather Yasur’ The Narak Tribe children of the coastal village live in the natural environment that Yasur gave them. The caves and hot springs created by volcanic activity are invaluable spaces. They live while preserving the way of life that has been passed down from their ancestors. This is where the girls’ coming-of-age ceremonies take place. The process of cutting their skin and getting tribal tattoos is painful, but it is a rite of passage to become an adult. In order to become descendants of the volcano, they must pass through another gateway. Although she is scared and fearful, Melissa goes with her father to meet Grandfather Yasur, the highest being in the village. “Yasur is our grandfather and our family. He is the first grandfather of our tribe. Yasur is not a god of destruction. He loves us all.” Nakot / Narak Tribe ■ Grandfather Yasur’s Wrath The Ikurup tribe, who live self-sufficiently, gather materials from nature and farm on the soil of Yasur. Thanks to the nutrients in the volcanic ash, it is a fertile land where anything grows well. However, there is a worry. Recently, the crops have withered due to the violent eruption of Mount Yasur, and the harvest is not as good as usual. If this continues, the village’s livelihood cannot be guaranteed. The tribe heads to the Giant Banyan Tree, a mysterious forest where they communicate with the spirits of Mother Nature. Will they be able to appease Grandfather Yasur’s anger in this forest of life? “The Banyan Tree is a tree that contains everything. The spirits also live in the Banyan Tree.” Jodi / Ikurup Tribe "Yasur will still look after us. We must also respect Yasur. It is said that humans and nature must protect each other." Sam / Yasurmine (Volcano Shaman) ■ The crisis facing the people of Vanuatu To the Narak Tribe, the sea embraced by Yasur was like a mother. It was a place that gave everything without holding back. However, it is not easy to catch fish these days. The crisis has come as the habitats of aquatic animals are being destroyed by climate change. Their livelihoods are also threatened by rising sea levels. Let's find out through 'Volcano, Human' whether the tri