'Changjakgwa Bipyeong' Celebrates 200 Issues in 57 Years... "We Will Move Forward with the Spirit of Beopgochangsin"

"With a consistent yet ever-renewing spirit of 'Beopgo Changsin (法古創新)', we will uphold our direction while finding ways to implement it in accordance with changing circumstances, sensibilities, and challenges of the times."

At the press conference commemorating the publication of the 200th issue of the quarterly magazine Changjakgwa Bipyeong, Editor-in-Chief Namju Lee expressed this ambition. Regarding reaching the 200th issue since its inception in 1966, he said, "It is rare worldwide for a comprehensive magazine combining literature and serious commentary to reach 200 issues," and added, "We have continuously strived to make it a platform for discourse in Korean society." According to him, despite the declining popularity of print magazines, Changjakgwa Bipyeong has maintained a circulation of over 10,000 copies since its launch. It has 5,000 regular subscribers, and since 2017, it has started the web-focused Magazine Changbi, increasing the transition to and influx of digital readers.

From the left, Baek Ji-yeon, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Lee Nam-joo, Editor-in-Chief, Hwang Jeong-ah, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
[Photo provided by Changbi]

In an era where information and issue consumption is rapid, maintaining the core of a quarterly magazine is not easy. Changjakgwa Bipyeong also feels a sense of crisis but still believes in the value of slowness. Deputy Editor-in-Chief Jeongah Hwang stated, "I believe there is a role for 'slow' media. While we cannot chase issues quickly, we can carefully preserve parts that have been overlooked due to inadequate coverage," and added, "The pace of careful examination resonates with the physicality of paper."

They also plan to strengthen the role of literature, another pillar of serious commentary. Deputy Editor-in-Chief Jeongah Hwang said, "We intend to address the theme of 'Great Transformation' in a manner unique to literature. Literature is a kind of 'commons' that gives voice to all members and serves as a communal space to seek answers to what constitutes a valuable life," and explained, "Through literature’s way of changing feelings and nurturing the heart, we aim to enhance critical awareness on issues such as ecology, capital, locality, and care."

While preparing for the 200th issue, they plan to pay more attention to feminism and minority stories. Deputy Editor-in-Chief Jiyeon Baek said, "In the past, while combining serious commentary and literature, we may not have vividly captured topics like disability, care, and feminist theory with rich voices, but we have tried to take time to reflect on these themes from multiple angles," and added, "Connecting these topics concretely with the 'Great Transformation' is our task."

Editor-in-Chief Namju Lee emphasized, "We consider the declining interest in print magazines a serious challenge. However, there is special content that only print magazines can realize," and stated, "We will continue to form a knowledge community by leveraging the usefulness of print magazines."

Alongside the release of the special 200th issue of Changjakgwa Bipyeong, four special interviews included will also be made available on YouTube in June.