Jeju April 3rd International Special Exhibition Draws Attention in Paris

Deep Local Interest in "Records of Truth and Reconciliation"
Korean Community Responds... Meaningful Connections Left by the Special Exhibition

At the Korean Pavilion in the Cit? Internationale Universitaire de Paris, a special exhibition titled "Jeju 4·3 International Special Exhibition: Records on Truth and Reconciliation" is being held from the 9th to the 15th in anticipation of the UNESCO World Heritage registration of the Jeju 4·3 archives. Provided by Jeju Province

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced on the 15th that the "Jeju 4.3 International Special Exhibition: Records of Truth and Reconciliation," held in Paris, France, has received a great response locally.

This special exhibition, held at the Korean Pavilion of the Cit? Internationale Universitaire de Paris for a week starting from the 9th, was organized ahead of the inscription of the Jeju 4.3 Archives on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. With the inscription officially confirmed on the 11th, the opening ceremony held on the same day became a meaningful occasion that combined celebration and commemoration.

The opening ceremony was attended by officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France, the Korean Cultural Center in France, representatives from the Paris Korean School, members of the Korean community, and local foreigners, all showing special interest in Jeju 4.3. Soprano Kang Hyemyung, who served as the artistic director and lead in the opera "Suni Samchon," delivered an aria performance that deeply moved the attendees.

Under the theme "Records of Truth and Reconciliation," this special exhibition showcased key archival materials among the 14,673 records submitted to UNESCO in November 2023, which have been inscribed as Memory of the World.

In particular, replicas of major records testifying to the reality of 4.3, such as survivor testimonies, military court records, and official government documents, were displayed, leaving a deep impression on visitors.

The exhibition also distributed postcards featuring "Waiting (2015)" by artist Lee Myungbok, set against the backdrop of Jeongbang Waterfall?a famous tourist site in Jeju and a massacre site during 4.3?allowing visitors to keep the memory of Jeju 4.3 for a long time.

As of the 13th, about 400 people had visited the exhibition hall to reflect on the historical significance of Jeju 4.3. A French visitor remarked, "I learned about a lesser-known tragedy in modern Korean history, and I am impressed by the efforts of Jeju residents to resolve 4.3 with the spirit of reconciliation and coexistence that overcame conflict," expressing empathy for the exhibition.

The special exhibition also held special meaning for the Korean community. An official from the Korean Association in France said, "Through this exhibition, I learned that my family are descendants of 4.3 victims. Learning this at such a special time is even more meaningful, and I sincerely hope that the UNESCO inscription of the 4.3 archives serves as an important wake-up call for everyone."

Hyun Ki-young, author of "Suni Samchon," who participated in the special exhibition, stated, "The inscription of the memories and records of Jeju 4.3 as UNESCO Memory of the World will serve as an opportunity for humanity to reflect on the horrors of war and state violence through Jeju 4.3."

Lee Ilyeol, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in France, emphasized the significance of the UNESCO inscription, saying, "The inscription of the Jeju 4.3 Archives as Memory of the World will become a global motto for peace."

Kim Jongmin, Chairman of the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation, stressed, "Jeju 4.3 is a tragic history that must never be repeated, but the way Jeju overcame it has been sublimated into a proud history of peace and human rights."

Kim Changbeom, President of the Jeju 4.3 Victims' Families Association, stated, "We will strive to ensure that Jeju 4.3 becomes a leading example of resolving historical injustices in world history and resonates with people around the globe."

Governor Oh Younghoon, through a video message, said, "The spirit of 4.3 shown by the people of Jeju is a history of hope where justice, pioneered by those who did not turn away from the truth, triumphed. I hope that with the inscription of the Jeju 4.3 Archives as UNESCO Memory of the World and the special exhibition, Jeju 4.3 will remain in the memory of all people around the world as a symbol of peace."

Meanwhile, on the 11th, the 221st UNESCO Executive Board officially approved the inscription of "Revealing Truth: Jeju 4.3 Archives," submitted by Jeju Province and the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation in November 2023, as Memory of the World.