E2024-G092

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

Narrative

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 by other activists 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.