You Hong-june, the director of the National Museum of Korea who took office in July, has made it his mission to bring Korean art history to international readers through comprehensive publications. At a press conference held on Tuesday to mark the publication of his latest works, You emphasized his commitment to filling a significant gap in foreign language resources about Korean art.
"Compared to China and Japan, Korea has fallen behind because art history as a discipline started late and we have lacked researchers," You explained during the press conference for his newly published books on Korean art. He acknowledged that while there have been insufficient foreign language publications on Korean art in the past, the current global interest in Korean culture presents an ideal opportunity to change this situation.
You has recently published two comprehensive books with distinctly different target audiences in mind. "Introduction of Korean Art" is specifically designed for those living outside Korea or beginners who want to understand Korean art at a fundamental level. Meanwhile, "Story of Korean Art" caters to intermediate-level readers who already have some background knowledge of the subject. Both books are currently published in Korean, but You has ambitious plans for international distribution.
The director is actively pursuing the publication of "Introduction of Korean Art" in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese. Unlike "Story of Korean Art," which follows a chronological approach, "Introduction of Korean Art" is strategically organized by art genres to better serve international readers. "With international readers in mind, I also emphasized both the shared cultural grounds as well as the distinct characters of Korea across ceramics, painting and architecture," You said.
The comprehensive 571-page "Introduction of Korean Art" covers an extensive range of artistic periods and styles. The book categorizes art genres spanning from the prehistoric period through Buddhist art to the Goryeo Kingdom, which lasted from 918 to 1392, and the Joseon era, which ran from 1392 to 1910. This thorough approach ensures readers gain a complete understanding of Korea's artistic evolution throughout history.
You expressed his determination to ensure the highest quality international publication of his work. "I want this book to be published at the highest standard by those with real distribution power. We are looking for the right partner in each country, and given the global demand, those conversations are already underway," he stated. His approach demonstrates a strategic understanding of the importance of working with established publishers who can effectively reach international markets.
As Korean culture continues to spread globally, You feels a personal and professional responsibility to make Korean art history accessible to international audiences. "As Korean culture spreads abroad, I feel a responsibility to publish Korean art history in translation – one written differently for international readers than for Koreans," he emphasized. This approach recognizes that international readers may need different context and explanations compared to domestic audiences.
You brings significant credentials to this endeavor as a former art history professor at both Yeungnam University and Myongji University. He has already achieved considerable success as an author, particularly with his widely popular series "Travels in Search of My Cultural Heritage," which began publication in 1993. This nine-part book series focusing on Korean cultural heritage has been followed by additional volumes exploring cultural heritage in China and Japan, with three volumes dedicated to each country. The most recent volume in this acclaimed series was published in 2020, demonstrating You's continued commitment to cultural education and preservation through accessible writing.
