The Korean Cultural Centre India is presenting a comprehensive photography exhibition titled "Korea, In the Shadows of Pain, The Light of Dreams" to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korean Liberation Day. The special exhibition runs from August 14 through October 31, 2025, at the Exhibition Hall of the Korean Cultural Centre India, offering visitors an immersive journey through Korea's contemporary history.

The exhibition features the distinctive works of three celebrated Korean photographers: Koo Wangsam, Cho Kyusun, and Baek Jongha. Each artist brings a unique perspective to documenting Korea's transformation, exploring profound themes including liberation from colonial rule, ideological conflicts, the development of independent culture and arts, and the nation's often turbulent path toward democratic governance. Their collective body of work provides visitors with a nuanced understanding of Korea's historical evolution through powerful visual storytelling.

The exhibition is thoughtfully organized into three dedicated galleries, each showcasing one photographer's contributions. The first gallery features Koo Wangsam's realistic photographic works, which masterfully capture the spatial and temporal realities of post-liberation Korea. His images document the immediate aftermath of independence and the complex social changes that followed. The second gallery highlights Baek Jongha's evocative rural landscapes, characterized by warm tones and delicate portrayals that emphasize the inherent lyricism of Korea's natural environment and countryside life.

The third gallery presents Cho Kyusun's renowned "Dancing Egret" series, which has gained international recognition for its artistic merit. In this compelling collection, Cho uses the graceful form of the egret as a powerful metaphor to represent the tensions, contradictions, and sweeping societal changes that occurred during Korea's rapid modernization period. The elegant bird serves as a symbol of resilience and beauty amid transformation.

Beyond traditional gallery displays, the exhibition incorporates several innovative interactive experience zones designed to engage visitors more deeply with Korean history. The centerpiece interactive installation features a large-scale map of the Korean Peninsula installed directly on the floor, which is overlaid with authentic Polaroid photographs taken by foreign journalists in the immediate aftermath of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. Visitors can physically walk across this historical map, exploring key moments and regions while immersing themselves in the authentic sights and atmosphere of that pivotal era.

Additional interactive elements include a slide film exhibition housed within a specially designed wooden box, focusing on the poignant theme "The Silent School, Running Children." This installation offers visitors a more intimate viewing experience of historical imagery. Another wooden box installation contains detailed biographical information and life stories of the three featured photographers, providing context for their artistic perspectives and the historical periods they documented. These interactive components transform the exhibition from a passive viewing experience into an educational journey that connects contemporary audiences with Korea's complex historical narrative.