Top of The Drop
Daniel Springer of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN), “Danno” picks his favorite newly released tunes that you may have missed, along with some upcoming albums and EPs that you might want to keep on your radar.
Songjeong District, Gwangsan-gu
The neighborhood of Songjeong is wonderful and provides a serene environment as well as a safe and secure atmosphere where the international residents can lead happy and joyful lives.
Local Loner’s Longtime Sledding Dreams Dashed
Sensing faint pangs of discontent across social media, the ever-perceptive Gwangju News dispatched its crack team of reporters to pursue a bevy of disparate leads, all of which culminated at the Cheetos-strewn bedside of a gaunt, woebegone loner for further elucidation. What follows is our earth-sundering report.
Valentine’s Day: All You Need Is Love
The 14th of each month marks a romantic celebration between couples in Korea, such as Green Day in August, Wine Day in October, and Hug Day in December, with February 14 being the most important date on the calendar for people in relationships. Unfortunately, the meaning of the day is somewhat lost to consumerism, with many choosing to lavish one another with extravagant gifts.
The Brave New World of 2023
Twenty-twenty-two’s legacy for 2023 is a sentimental walk down memory lane. For one thing, we’re already beginning to wax nostalgically about Christmas Eve. We’re also feeling nostalgic for the winter solstice, with its trademark red-bean porridge, and about Lunar New Year’s Eve with a white night, either attempted or attained. Per folklore, the porridge here is a sturdy fence against winter weather.
Painter of “The Wind Flows Among the People”: Yoon Nam-woong
The place where I first met Yoon Nam-woong’s artworks was at Daein Market in downtown Gwangju. When the old market, where I used to go grocery shopping with my mom as a child, was gradually emptying out because of the newly emerging shopping malls, young artists came into the vacated shopping areas and created their own work spaces. One by one, small, unique galleries were created like nothing I had seen before, and people began to visit Daein Market to see their artworks. I remember that “The Arts Market” was opened every weekend and that my family also went to Daein Market to enjoy the various artistic works as well as the fresh foods.
City of Lights, Camera, Action: Filmmaker Attila Korosi in Gwangju
Attila Korosi was born in Yugoslavia and is the director, writer, and producer of the feature film Maze of Fate. Maze of Fate is a crime drama, filmed in one of America’s most dangerous neighborhoods. The film is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2023, and Mr. Korosi is currently working on his new projects while based in Gwangju. Upon coming to Korea, he created a short documentary about the May 18 Democratization Movement and received a special award for it. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Korosi took the time to meet our team in person and shared his interesting story.
From the Editor
February is here, the shortest month of the year. But even though it contains fewer days, it is still filled with four full weeks, two of the 24 seasonal terms (Ipchun, “The Coming of Spring,” and Usu, “Spring Rain”), and the sweetest of sweet observances (Valentine’s Day).