November 1 at Jeonilmaru, Jeonil Building 245
Gwangju Dong-gu announced on October 30 that it will host the "2025 Book of the Year Reading Discussion Forum" with citizens at Jeonilmaru in Jeonil Building 245 on November 1.
This event goes beyond a simple reading gathering, bringing together various reading communities such as families, schools, and book clubs to share their thoughts under the theme "A Society That Listens to Hidden Words."
The forum will discuss works selected as the "2025 Book of the Year," including "If the Bananas Are to Arrive Earlier" by Jung Jin-ho, "The Girl Who Walks in Dreams" by Baek Hye-young, and "A Heart That Prays for Blessings" by Kim Hye-jin.
The discussion will be moderated by literary critic Professor Lee So from the Department of Creative Writing at Gwangju University. Expert panelists, as well as representatives of youth and citizens, will participate to share perspectives across generations. About 50 pre-registered audience members will join, and the forum is characterized by its open format, allowing participants to discuss social topics on-site even if they have not read the books.
The forum will focus on the social messages and human reflections conveyed by the three works, providing an opportunity to listen to "hidden words"-the small voices in society that are often overlooked in daily life. Participants are expected to experience understanding and respect for differences through the medium of books, and to reflect together on the meaning of empathy and solidarity.
Additionally, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the same day, the "Dong-gu Reading Results Exhibition" will be held at the outdoor exhibition plaza in front of Jeonil Building 245. Linked with Geumnam-ro's "Car-Free Street," this exhibition will showcase the achievements of "Dong-gu Reading," Dong-gu's flagship humanities city project. The results of reading activities by children, youth, adults, and school groups who participated in the "2025 Book of the Year Reading Contest" held in July and August will be released to the public.
District Mayor Lim Taek stated, "I hope that books will help generations and citizens understand each other's thoughts and that we will become a society that listens to stories that have not been spoken." He added, "We will continue to build Dong-gu as a humanities city that grows together with its citizens."
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