강익중 작가, UN참전국 어린이 1만여명과 '광화문 아리랑'으로 '평화' 메시지
To mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, an internationally recognized South Korean artist has created a huge work of art in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square.
Despite being commissioned to commemorate one of the most tragic times in Korea's history, the artwork also offers hope for a brighter future.
Kim Sung-min reports.
This huge art installation in the very heart of Seoul is packed with symbolic meaning.
'Gwanghwamun Arirang', an 8m tall piece of public art, was installed here to commemorate the Korean War.
"In this art piece, the artist Kang Ik-joong, wanted to commemorate fallen war heroes as well as depict children's dreams about the future and his hope for Korea’s unification."
The top half rotates 90 degrees clockwise every 70 seconds to mark the 70th anniversary of the war.
This also symbolizes the passage of time, from past to present and into the future.
"I’d like to remember the war as a healing point, I’d like to use the war as a vaccine. We can heal this country’s really sad and painful memory."
At a glance, the art might seem at odds with one of the darkest times in Korea's history. Kang used bright colors to represent a bright future and symbols that could bring people together.
"So we used five different colours, Obangsaek, children drawing and Arirang, symbol of our country. It's a combination of hope and healing of dark past of Korean War."
The Korean letter blocks are the lyrics of Korean folk song "Arirang", and in the middle are the drawings of children from Korea and the 22 UN nations that participated in the Korean War.
Wrapped around them are the names of the 1-hundred-75-thousand-8-hundred-1 fallen heroes.
"It's more meaningful because at the first sight you think it's just children drawings but now it's like very important part of history of South Korea so it's more meaningful now."
Visitors to Gwanghwamun Square can enjoy the artwork while commemorating the events of 70 years ago.
'Gwanghwamun Arirang' will be on display until June 30th.
Kim Sung-min, Arirang News