Novelist Jo Jung-rae's Lecture on "What Does the Nation Mean to the People?"

Nowon-gu to Hold Lecture on "What Does the Nation Mean to the People?" at Nowon Culture and Arts Center on the 30th

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) will hold a special lecture series titled "Immortal Master Lectures" on the 30th at 7 PM at the Nowon Culture and Arts Center Grand Theater.

"Immortal Master Lectures" is a cultural lecture inviting prominent figures from various fields whom residents wish to meet, sharing personal life stories and contemporary issues.

This lecture will feature novelist Jo Jung-rae as a guest speaker, presenting for 120 minutes on the theme "What Does the Nation Mean to the People?" Jo Jung-rae will incorporate his unique novelistic style to sincerely discuss thoughts on the people and the nation in this era with the audience.

Residents wishing to attend the lecture can enter free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis without prior registration. However, to maintain social distancing, seating is limited to 300 seats arranged in a zigzag pattern with one seat left empty between attendees.

Jo Jung-rae debuted in the literary world in 1970 when his novel "Numeong" was recommended by Modern Literature. His representative works include "A Thousand Years of Questions," "Taebaek Mountain Range," "Arirang," "Han River," "Human Practice," and "Fire Play." He has received awards such as the Modern Literature Award and the Korea Literature Award. In 2017, he was awarded the Silver Crown Cultural Medal for contributions to the development of culture and arts.

The district plans to upload the lecture video to the lifelong education portal on the district website and the NBS internet broadcasting homepage for residents who cannot attend.

"Immortal Master Lectures" began last year with instructor Kim Mi-kyung's lecture "How to Love Myself Intensely: Life's Beautiful Answers," followed by Monk Hyemin's "The Brighter Things in Stillness," Jung Jae-seung's "Twelve Steps: Gaining Life Insights through Neuroscience," and singer Kim Chang-wan's "Living with Childlike Innocence," totaling four sessions. Each session attracted about 800 residents, receiving great acclaim.

To prevent COVID-19 infection, disinfection will be conducted in the grand theater and other areas before the lecture. Hand sanitizers will be provided at the entrance, and participating residents will be required to fill out health questionnaires and undergo temperature checks. The district urged residents to comply with personal mask-wearing and maintain distancing as part of daily quarantine guidelines.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, "This lecture offers an opportunity to reflect on the people and the nation with novelist Jo Jung-rae during the COVID-19 era," adding, "I hope 'Immortal Master Lectures' will be a healing time for residents tired of daily life."