A Glimpse at Korea's Modern Election History: 'Saegilkkun 1948-2020' Exhibition

Ilmin Museum of Art, Co-hosted with the National Election Commission, from April 13 to May 31

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Ilmin Museum of Art will present its first exhibition of the year, "Saegilkkun 1948-2020: Elect Your Representatives and Send Them to the National Assembly," from April 13 to May 31. The exhibition looks back on 73 years of election history, from the first modern election?the May 10, 1948 Constituent National Assembly election?to the upcoming 21st National Assembly election to be held on April 15.

This exhibition, based on an "archive-style social play" platform, is co-hosted by Ilmin Museum of Art and the National Election Commission.

"Saegilkkun 1948-2020" reflects on the significance of elections as the foundation of modern Korean society and examines how acts of participation, such as voting, have dramatically shaped history at critical turning points?from the personal realm of individuals to the fate of the nation.

The exhibition features over 300 election-related artifacts and major newspaper articles preserved in the National Election Commission’s archive, documenting 73 years of election history in a multi-layered archive. Additionally, 21 contemporary artist teams participate, presenting a range of artistic forms including installations, performances, literature, drama, games, and music to unfold a stage of conflict, competition, and celebration.

"Saegilkkun 1948-2020" connects the museum with Gwanghwamun Square, recreating a democratic space where past, present, and future time and space intermingle as an artistic stage. This exhibition presents the various desires entangled within the election system in the forms of psychological games, parties, and festivals, empowering audiences to express their opinions and exploring art as a form of political expression, propaganda, and campaigning by artists.

During the exhibition period, performances simulating virtual election campaigns and canvassing will take place, including discussion stages for various minority groups. Collaborations with millennial electronic musicians will produce a compilation album and vinyl record titled "Songs for Future Generation Voters." Furthermore, the weekly event "Weekly Vote" will stage legislative theater on contemporary sharp social and political issues as well as everyday topics of general interest, featuring audience voting and vote-counting performances.

At the Newspaper Museum Media Lounge, the "Library Project" will allow visitors to search related books and newspaper materials, create digital election posters linked to newspaper production experiences, and enjoy various participatory programs such as stamp experiences using commemorative election stamps.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.