E2024-G092

Hwang Sok-yong: Remembering the May 18 Democratic Uprising through Words

Narrative

In the heart of South Korea, the echoes of the May 18 Democratic Uprising reverberated, capturing the indomitable spirit of a people yearning for freedom. Hwang Sok-yong, a revered author, etched this historical epoch into the annals of literature, weaving narratives that bridged past and present. The May 18 Democratic Uprising was a seminal event, marked by the courage of Gwangju citizens who stood against the authoritarian regime spearheaded by Chun Doo-hwan. This struggle for democracy in May 1980 became a fertile ground for the birth of "May Literature," a literary movement that used the uprising as its historical canvas. Central to this movement was Hwang Sok-yong, whose creation, Oraedoen jeongwon (The Old Garden), stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit. The novel, intricately linked to the film of the same name, is a derivative work that carries forward the narrative of resilience and love amidst political turmoil. This narrative is not solitary but part of a broader tapestry that includes the works like Jukeum eul neomeo sidae ui eodum eul neomeo (Gwangju Diary: Beyong Death, Beyond the Darkness of the Age), co-authored by Hwang and Yi Jae-eui, and the poignant folk song, 임을 위한 행진곡. Through "May Cultural Contents," the uprising's legacy continues, encapsulating films, songs, and literature that pay homage to the sacrifices made during those harrowing days. The soul-stirring spiritual wedding of Bak Gi-soon and Yun Sang-won," a symbolic act of resistance, finds its voice in the lyrics of "Im eul wihan haengjingok" (March for the Beloved), connecting the past's heroes with the creators like Hwang Sok-yong who immortalize their stories. Thus, through words and art, the spirit of May 18 lives on, reminding future generations of the power of collective action and the timeless quest for justice and freedom.

Hwang Sok-yong (1943-), a revered figure in Korean literature, has played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of the May 18 Democratic Uprising through his works. His novel Oraedoen jeongwon (The Old Garden, 2000), is a cornerstone of the so-called "May Literature," a literary movement inspired by the uprising. This work's significance is further highlighted by the film adaptation (2006) of the same name, underscoring its importance in Korean cultural narratives. Hwang's influence extends to Jukeum eul neomeo sidae ui eodum eul neomeo (Gwangju Diary: Beyond Death, Beyond the Darkness of the Age, 1985) a record of the events of the uprising written by Yi Jae-eui but initially published under Hwang's name. This work delves into the struggles of the uprising era, standing as a testament to his commitment to depicting the period's harsh realities. Additionally, the song "Im eul wihan haengjingok" (March for the Beloved, 1981) was composed as part of a musical written by Hwang to commemorate the symbolic posthumous wedding of the young democratization activists Bak Gi-sun (1957-1978) and Yun Sang-won (1950-1980), thereby reinforcing the cultural memory of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Through his writings, Hwang Sok-yong ensures that the stories of resistance and hope remain vibrant, preserving the legacy of a significant chapter in Korea’s pursuit of democracy.