Revisiting the Vision of K-Culture through Baekbeom Kim Gu
Revisiting the Vision of K-Culture through Baekbeom Kim Gu.
Cultural Day in Heyri
In June, the month of national defense and remembrance,
I participated in the "Cultural Day in Heyri - Heyri Humanities Picnic" held at the Heyri Art Village and Hangil Book House Gallery.
The event focused on a book talk highlighting Baekbeom Kim Gu, who has been selected as a UNESCO World Commemorative Figure for 2026.
Before the book talk began, the Children's Historical Choir's clear singing added a special meaning to the occasion of remembering Kim Gu.
Honoring independence activists is not merely reminiscing about the past, but a way of conveying the value of history to future generations.
Recently, the world has been focusing on K-culture, including K-pop, K-dramas, and K-literature.
However, Baekbeom Kim Gu spoke about the power of culture long ago.
In his "Baekbeom Ilji," he stated, "The only thing I want for our nation is the power of high culture."
He envisioned a respected nation not only through military or economic power but through cultural dignity.
The current trend of K-culture that the world is paying attention to may align with the cultural powerhouse that Baekbeom dreamed of.
Thus, UNESCO's selection of Baekbeom Kim Gu as a World Commemorative Figure in 2026 is not merely an act of honoring one independence activist,
but a chance to revisit the values and vision he left behind.
During the book talk, author Lim Soon-man described Kim Gu as "an unyielding man like a mountain," "a man with primitive creativity," and "a person who can cry."
The phrase "an unyielding man like a mountain" reflects his steadfastness in the face of crises and trials.
The term "a man with primitive creativity" signifies his insight in finding new paths that transcend conventional thinking.
Most impressively, the expression "a person who can cry" revealed his human side, showing that even a strong leader could weep for the suffering of the people and the realities of the nation.
During the book talk, we had a vivid experience of Kim Gu's life through readings by voice actors.
Especially striking was Kim Gu's strong intellectual curiosity.
Though he was an independence activist and political leader, he was someone who continually sought to learn and understand the world.
His desire to embrace new knowledge and ideas and find better paths prompts reflection even today, in an era that emphasizes lifelong learning.
If Kim Gu had not been assassinated, I wonder what the Korean Peninsula would look like today.
The book talk reminded me that Baekbeom Kim Gu was a figure who strived tirelessly for the unification of North and South Korea.
His leadership, which transcended differing ideologies and positions, resonates deeply even in today's world of ongoing division and conflict.
This humanities picnic was a time to reflect on the significance of the values left by Baekbeom Kim Gu in our society today.
In an era of increasing conflict and confrontation, it is essential to foster tolerance and patience,
and to recognize the importance of collaboration among people with different perspectives.
"What kind of country do we dream of, and what kind of society are we building?"
The future of the cultural powerhouse that Baekbeom envisioned may very well be the responsibility of all of us living today.
"The power of culture that Baekbeom dreamed of is ultimately the power to embrace people and connect the world."
The "Cultural Day in Heyri" will continue until November, so I encourage anyone interested to participate!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/paju_si/224317905533
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