Hiroshi Watanabe has my respect for doing that project. I am actually doing a very similar long-term project to his about North Korean refugees living in South Korea and China. A small gallery of images is located HERE.

Hiroshi's project was shot entirely in North Korea...the world's most repressive regieme. Personally I find it amazing that he was able to do any serious work there, much less come back with an entire body of strong images. I think he deserved to win. Granted, the images are austere and simple, but it fits the subject matter quite well. I have seen much of his work in North Korea and I really like it.

Venchka, don't be so hard on yourself...you belong in the same company as me...heck, you ARE in the same company as me, here on APUG! Hehe.