Remembering the First Neighborhood of 5·18 Through Han Kang

Recalling May Through Han Kang's "Human Acts"
A Humanities and Arts Stage with Jung Junhee, Kwak Hyohwan, and More
518-Member Village Orchestra to Sing "March for the Beloved"

A humanities and cultural arts festival will be held in Owal First Neighborhood in Bukgu, Gwangju to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the 5·18 Democratization Movement.

The Gwangju Bukgu Village Autonomy Urban Regeneration Center announced on May 12 that it will host the "2025 May First Neighborhood Culture Fringe Festival" on May 16 from 5:18 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 5·18 Historic Site No. 1 near the main gate of Chonnam National University.

Children and residents participating in the "May Rice Ball Making" at the 5·18 Experience Booth are smiling as they shape rice balls. Provided by Gwangju Bukgu Village Autonomy Urban Regeneration Center

This event has been organized to carry on the spirit of May and to celebrate writer Han Kang, a native of Owal First Neighborhood, for winning the Nobel Prize in Literature. The festival is hosted by the Center and organized by the Gwangju Bukgu Culture and Arts Association.

Opening with Professor Jung Junhee (former host of MBC's "100-Minute Debate") as the emcee, the festival will feature a humanities lecture and talk by poet Kwak Hyohwan (former president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea), reflecting on the meaning of the 5·18 Democratization Movement through Han Kang's novel "Human Acts" and other works.

Last year, residents and children of Bukgu sang "March for the Beloved" on stage at the "May First Neighborhood Culture Fringe Festival." Provided by Gwangju Bukgu Village Autonomy Urban Regeneration Center

The following performances will include media art by media artist Shin Dowon, a performance by the Gunsan City Children's Dance Troupe and dancer Gong Jinhui, as well as a variety of artistic stages?such as ensemble singing, choir, dance, traditional instruments, orchestra, and musical theater?by 22 community groups from Bukgu.

In particular, the grand finale will once again be marked by 518 Bukgu residents singing "March for the Beloved" as the "Village Orchestra," adding to the resonance of May.

Side events will include exhibitions of Han Kang's books and May-related materials, a 5·18 commemorative student writing and art exhibition, May Rice Ball Making, a calligraphy experience, and a Memory Photo Studio?offering a range of exhibition and experience booths for families to enjoy. More details about the event can be found on the Center's website.