Opened on the 13th
Reading by novelist Hwang Jungeun, performance by Kim Sawol
Poet Kim Hyesoon’s reading session on the 17th
Related programs held nationwide
Hosted by the Korea Arts Council and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Literature Week 2025 ‘Help-Touch’ opened on the 13th. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event will welcome visitors with a variety of programs until the 19th.
At the opening ceremony of Literature Week 2025 "Help-Touch" held on the 13th, actress Ok Jayeon is speaking. Korea Arts Council
The opening event, ‘Nobody, to Someone,’ began with a talk by six planning committee members, followed by a reading by novelist Hwang Jungeun, who is marking her 20th anniversary since debut, a stage appearance by actress Ok Jayeon as the host, and a performance by singer-songwriter Kim Sawol. In line with the event's theme, Kim Sawol performed the song ‘To Someone,’ reflecting on the meaning of ‘Help-Touch.’
In the multipurpose hall at the House of Artists, playwright Park Chunhyo, who won six awards at the 78th Tony Awards for the musical ‘Maybe Happy Ending,’ met with poet Kim Hyun. The two artists shared the joys and sorrows of the creative process in books, music, film, and musicals, and discussed the world of art that is ‘more painful than expected, but as joyful as imagined.’
At the outdoor plaza in Marronnier Park, a range of interactive programs were held, including the ‘Art Forest Festival in Daehangno,’ a humanities concert, literature curation, and a special booth celebrating the 10th anniversary of Literature Week.
On the evening of the 19th at 7 p.m., the event will conclude with a reading session for poet Kim Hyesoon’s new poetry collection ‘Synchronized Sea Anemone’ at the Daehangno Arts Theater Small Theater. Kim Hyesoon and several other poets will read and listen to more than 60 poems together.
Literature Week will expand beyond Daehangno to various regions across the country. Related programs where writers and local residents participate together will also be held at Kim Yujeong Literature Village in Gangwon, Cheonghak Seolim in Gyeongnam, Gususandong Library in Daegu, Suyeong District Library in Busan, and other locations.
Shin Eunhyang, Director of Arts Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “Literature is a medium that goes beyond personal impressions to help us understand and connect with each other,” adding, “We will expand our support so that more literary festivals can be held in communities across the country.”
Jung Byungguk, Chairperson of the Korea Arts Council, said, “Over the past 10 years, Literature Week has worked with more than 1,700 writers, expanding the impact of K-Literature through performances, exhibitions, and online content. We will continue our efforts so that ‘Help-Touch’ can reach both writers and the public through literature.”
Literature Week will run until the 19th, and participation is available by pre-registering through Naver Reservation. If the event is sold out, participation will be possible only for remaining seats on-site. For detailed schedules, please refer to the Korea Arts Council website and official social media channels.
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