Collecting 1000 Messages... Erecting a Giant Hangul Wall in Manhattan, New York

New York Korean Cultural Center Creates Hangul Wall with Artist Kang Ikjung

"The Hangeul Wall is a quiet cultural revolution that connects you and me. Amid the growing interest and enthusiasm for K-culture and K-art, I want to promote Hangeul, the core asset of Korean culture, to broaden and deepen the scope and depth of the Korean Wave."

On the 7th (local time), world-renowned installation artist Kang Ik-jung said at a press briefing held at the New York Korean Cultural Center in Manhattan, "We will create a Hangeul Wall that beautifully embodies the spirit of humanity and freedom contained in Hangeul, connecting the world in the warmest and most beautiful way."

Artist Kang, together with the New York Korean Cultural Center, plans to unveil an 8-meter wide and 22-meter tall Hangeul Wall at the cultural center's new building in September. The Hangeul Wall, which will be the world's largest public Hangeul art installation, will feature writings collected from people around the world on the theme of stories they want to share with the world. Throughout May, anyone worldwide can create their own Hangeul artwork with precious messages via the Hangeul Wall campaign website. Among these, Kang will select a total of 1,000 works to design and produce the mural starting in June, and it will be presented to the public in September.

Kang explained, "Hangeul is a script where vowels and consonants come together to produce a single sound," adding, "The Hangeul Wall is also a very special wall created collaboratively by artists and the public without a leader." He emphasized, "Hangeul is not a wall that divides us but a wall that connects us. Our goal is reconciliation and coexistence, making the world warm and beautiful."

Kim Cheon-su, director of the New York Korean Cultural Center, which planned this project, said, "The Hangeul Wall, which will contain precious Hangeul messages from people around the world, will become a treasure trove of collective intelligence," and added, "Through the Hangeul Wall, we will create a semi-permanent and vibrant icon for the cultural center."

This Hangeul Wall project features the participation of many Hallyu stars, including actors Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Lee Ha-nee, and Han Ji-min. It is sponsored by LG, global beauty company Kiss, and the Yang Jae Foundation.