Actual Portrait and Photograph of Hwang Hyun to Be Unveiled Next Month

Special Lecture by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Day

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on August 26 that it will hold a special lecture on September 15 at Dondeokjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, during which the actual portrait and photograph of Hwang Hyun will be released to the public.

Portrait of the treasure 'Portrait and Photograph of Hwang Hyun'
[Photo by National Heritage Administration]

Hwang Hyun (1855-1910), a descendant of Hwang Hui, was a patriot who fought against Japanese colonial rule and was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962. He entered government service in 1888 as the top scorer in the state examination, but returned to his hometown due to political turmoil to focus on research and writing. He authored works such as "Maechon Yarok" and "Ohagimun," and took his own life in 1910 when Korea lost its sovereignty.

The "Portrait and Photograph of Hwang Hyun" being released this time is the work of Chae Yongshin (1850-1941), a leading portrait artist of the modern era. The portrait was painted in May 1911, the year after Hwang Hyun's death, based on his photograph. The photograph was taken in 1909 at Cheonnyeondang Photo Studio, established by Kim Gyujin, and both the portrait and photograph have been designated as treasures.

A representative from the institute explained, "This is a monumental work by the leading artist of the time, depicting a patriot," and added, "It offers a glimpse into the modern production method of painting a portrait based on a photograph." The representative also noted, "Since it is privately owned, opportunities to see it in person are extremely rare."

Photo of the treasure 'Portrait and Photograph of Hwang Hyun'
Photo by National Heritage Administration

To participate, applicants must download and complete the application form from the institute's website starting at 10 a.m. on the 27th, and submit it via email. The institute will accept the first 20 members of the general public and 20 researchers on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected participants will be individually notified by text message on September 8.

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