E2024-G053

Choe Nam-ju: An Entrepreneur and Patron of the Arts in Colonial Gwangju

Narrative

Choe Nam-ju (1905–?) was a figure who bridged industry and culture in Gwangju during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945). His family had already been one of the leading affluent households in the region since the time of his grandfather, Choe Won-taek, who headed the Gwangju Agricultural and Industrial Bank and the Gwangju Local Financial Cooperative. Choe himself was a successful entrepreneur, renowned as the “Mining King of Honam.” From his teenage years, he showed great interest in culture and the arts, running Hagyesa Publishing Company and the Joseon Film Company, thus engaging actively in the cultural industry. In 1939, the company produced the film Mujeong (Heartlessness), directed by Bak Gi-chae (1907-?), which was screened at the Gwangju Theater. At the time, Choe lived at Ogaheon House near Geumnam-ro Road, leading a life as both an entrepreneur and a patron of the arts. His career exemplifies the multifaceted character of a colonial-era regional capitalist and cultural elite.