Reenacting May 18: Lim Chulwoo and Han Kang Book Exhibition

Celebrating the Nobel Prize in Literature
Exploring "Spring Day" and "Human Acts" at the May 18 Archives until January 26

Hangang Artist Book Exhibition.
Photo by Gwangju City

The May 18 Democratization Movement Archives announced on November 6 that it will hold the exhibition “Reenacting May 18: Book Exhibition of Lim Chulwoo and Han Kang” on the third floor of the archives until January 26 next year, in celebration of author Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature.

This exhibition focuses on how the May 18 Democratization Movement, which serves as the backdrop for Han Kang's novel “Human Acts,” is represented in literature. It is organized around the works of Lim Chulwoo and Han Kang, both leading authors of so-called “May Literature.”

The exhibition features a total of 29 books: 17 titles by Lim Chulwoo, including “Spring Day” and “Father’s Land,” and 12 titles by Han Kang, including “Human Acts” and “I Do Not Bid Farewell.” In addition to the books, explanatory materials and a scrapbook related to Han Kang are also on display to enhance visitors’ understanding. All books can be read in the reading room on the fourth floor during the exhibition period.

Lim Chulwoo’s 1997 novel “Spring Day” is a full-length documentary-style novel that records the May 18 Democratization Movement based on verified materials and testimonies, and is known to have had a significant influence on Han Kang.

Having received worldwide attention from readers after winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, Han Kang addresses state violence and personal trauma in “Human Acts,” exploring the brutality and dignity of humanity through her uniquely restrained and poetic language.

Although Lim Chulwoo and Han Kang both reenact the same historical event that took place in the same time and space, their works differ in terms of narrative style and perspective. This exhibition is expected to offer an opportunity to explore the characteristics and diversity of “May Literature” through the works of these two authors.

Kim Hokyun, director of the May 18 Democratization Movement Archives, said, “I hope that, through the works of these two authors who have addressed painful episodes in modern history, more citizens will have the opportunity to deeply reflect on the May 18 Democratization Movement, what was lost and gained as a result, and the pain and wounds it left behind.”