The SOAS Centre of Korean Studies is delighted and honoured to welcome Dr Seunghye Sun and Jaemin Cha, the two minds behind the “Bestselling and Beloved: Korean Literary Treasures” exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) UK.
They will speak about this special exhibition that delves into the heart of Korean literature, showcasing both its enduring classics and its dynamic contemporary scene, with a spotlight on Nobel Laureate Han Kang.
Director of the Korean Cultural Centre UK, Dr Seunghye Sun will talk about the inspiration and vision behind the exhibition and share her thoughts about Korean aesthetics and the future of Korean literature and culture based on her experience and expertise in cultural diplomacy, curatorial work and academia. The exhibition’s curator, Jaemin Cha will discuss the curation process of “Bestselling and Beloved” and share her thoughts on literary and visual art aesthetics.
We invite you to join us on this special occasion to hear more about this unique exhibition that celebrates Korean literature, which runs until 21 March at the Korean Cultural Centre UK.
Exploring beloved Korean literature and contemporary classics, the exhibition illuminates the broader contours of each generation—its politics, economy, society, culture, social systems, ideologies, and people’s daily life. Each one serves not only as a narrative but as a cultural artifact, offering insights into the collective psyche and societal shifts within Korea.
Structured around five thematic sections, the journey begins with ‘Timeless Masterpieces’ exploring Korea’s literary roots in the late 17th century. Then it progresses from ‘The First Bestseller’ to ‘A Mirror of the Times’ exploring how literature followed societal changes during the post-liberation, economic booms, and globalisation eras. ‘The Future of Korean Books’ looks ahead at the direction literature may take and finally ‘Nobel Laureate Han Kang’.
The exhibition celebrates the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Korean author Han Kang. The ‘Nobel Laureate Han Kang’ section highlights the significant cultural exchange her works have had between Korea and the UK through her collaboration with translator Deborah Smith and more.
Further details on the exhibition can be found on The Korean Cultural Centre UK website.
About the speakers
Seunghye Sun (PhD, FRSA) currently serves as the Director of the Korean Cultural Centre UK and Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. She has spearheaded significant cultural diplomacy efforts as the Director of the Cultural Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Korea. Since 2001, Dr Sun has distinguished herself as a curator at prestigious museums in Korea, the US, and Japan, including the National Museum of Korea, the Seoul Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Tokyo National Museum.
As the Director of the Daejeon Museum of Art in Korea, she focused on the intersection of art and technology, simultaneously holding an adjunct professorship at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). Dr Sun has seamlessly balanced her curatorial work with academic pursuits as an assistant professor of East Asian Studies at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea.
Her expertise spans the entire spectrum of Korean art and culture, from the ancient to the contemporary. Dr Sun holds a BA and MA in Aesthetics from Seoul National University and a PhD in Art History from the University of Tokyo.
Jaemin Cha is a curator and exhibition manager at the Korean Cultural Centre UK, where she has been curating a diverse array of exhibitions and cultural programs since 2018. Her work is distinguished by its ability to bridge multidisciplinary artistic traditions, fostering a dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary practice. She brings a diverse background to her role, having previously worked at the British Council, a private gallery, and in the financial industry before transitioning in the art world.