From the Editor

This month is June 2021, exactly twenty years after the publishing of the first issue of the Gwangju News, so we thought we would indulge in a little celebrating of the 20th anniversary of this magazine that we take pride in by a feature on the people, present and past, involved in preparing this precious publication to punctually roll off the printer’s printing press. [See “Celebrating 20 Years,” page 6.]

May 18 has passed, but is certainly hasn’t been forgotten. Read our feature on the ongoing May 18 Memorial Foundation’s Exhibition: “May Is…” In a somewhat related feature, read about artist Hong Sung-dam and his involvement in both art and May 18. The City of Light has also selected this year’s Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Awardee who is conducting his fight in Thailand.

Ready to do a bit of traveling? This month, we take you on a tour of an undulated Gwangju amusement park and on a one-day trip to the one-time capital of the ancient Baekje Kingdom in Buyeo [Travel Section].

Our Blast from the Past column features two much-loved foods: one to beat the Korean heat and the other to protect against the polluted Korean air. And try out our “cool” recipe for a hot summer dish: oi-naengguk. While we’re on the subject of nourishment, check out our two restaurant reviews: Sabotage, where you can enjoy a hearty brunch or dinner, and the Lee Lee Nam Studio, where you can enjoy astonishing media art over a beverage and dessert [Food and Drink].

Our Community Section this month takes us behind the curtains of a tattoo parlor where our writer practices on pigskin! We bring you one article on the unhealthy aspects of extra health insurance and another one about caring for our environment by caring about our plastic waste.

In Teaching and Learning, we have a lesson on cooking for the Korean learner, and we discuss “funds of knowledge” for the language teacher.

And this month’s Gwangju News brings you much more. Check out City News for a new May 18-related movie. Check out our book review: The Last Girl. Check out the newest GFN program: Way Back With U. Check out the latest flash fiction in Gwangju Writes: The Road. And check out “the drop” in new tunes for June in “Top of The Drop.” So much to check out this month! Don’t forget our Photo Essay on a Naju theme park, our Photo of the Month, and our puzzling Crossword Puzzle.

As always, stay Covid smart, stay Covid safe, and enjoy the Gwangju News.

David E. Shaffer
Editor-in-Chief
Gwangju News