Jeju 4·3 Special Exhibition in Paris Attracts Attention Amidst UNESCO Recognition 🇫🇷🤝🇰🇷

The Jeju 4·3 Special Exhibition held at the Korean Pavilion in the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP) from September 9th to 15th has garnered significant attention, coinciding with the UNESCO designation of the 4·3 archives as a World Heritage Record. This event has drawn local Korean residents and international students alike.

Key Highlights:

• High Attendance: The exhibition attracted an average of 100 visitors per day, doubling the attendance compared to previous exhibitions in the UK and Germany.
• UNESCO Impact: The timing of the exhibition alongside the UNESCO recognition amplified its impact, drawing attendees from various backgrounds.
• Personal Connections: One Korean resident discovered their family’s connection to the 4·3 incident through the exhibition, highlighting its emotional resonance.
• International Awareness: Foreign visitors expressed their appreciation for learning about a lesser-known tragedy in Korean history and acknowledged the efforts of Jeju residents in addressing the issue.

Exhibition Details:

The exhibition, themed ‘Records on Truth and Reconciliation,’ showcased replicas of key 4·3 records submitted to UNESCO. These included survivor testimonies, military tribunal records, and official government documents.

Statements:

• Hyun Ki-young, co-chair of the Committee for the UNESCO World Heritage Record Designation, emphasized that the designation would serve as a reminder of the atrocities of war and state violence.
• Lee Il-yeol, director of the Korean Cultural Center in France, stated that the UNESCO designation would become a global symbol of peace.

What is Jeju 4·3?

The Jeju 4·3 incident refers to the events that occurred on Jeju Island between 1948 and 1949, marked by a civilian uprising and its subsequent suppression, resulting in significant loss of life. 4·3 stands for April 3rd, the date when the incident began.

This exhibition and the UNESCO designation mark a significant step in preserving the memory and promoting awareness of the Jeju 4·3 incident on a global scale. 🌍