Martyr <a href="https://time.news/the-main-characters-house-in-the-boy-is-coming-located-280m-next-to-the-old-house-on-the-han-river/" title="The main character's house in 'The Boy Is Coming' located 280m next to the old house on the Han River.”>Moon Jae-hak’s father says, “I miss my son while underlining.”
Mother Kim Gil-ja: “I find comfort in my son and husband’s books”
The bereaved family of the real-life protagonist of ‘The Boy Is Coming’, the work that led author Han Kang to the Nobel Prize in Literature, donated the book to Gwangju City.
Gwangju City announced on the 13th that Kim Gil-ja, mother of martyr Moon Jae-hak, delivered a book at the opening ceremony of the ‘The Boy Is Coming’ mini book cafe.
The donated book is a book that the late Moon Geon-yang, the father of martyr Moon Jae-hak, read with tears in his eyes, and traces of it remain intact.
Mr. Moon read the book by drawing lines in red, circling the name ‘Dong-ho’ and writing ‘Moon Jae-hak’, missing his son.
Additionally, when the book was published in 2014, Mr. Moon purchased dozens of copies and distributed them to people around him, and passed away in 2022.
During the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980, martyr Moon Jae-hak served as a member of the citizen settlement committee while he was a first-year student at Gwangju Commercial High School (currently Gwangju Dongseong High School).
He played a role in caring for the casualties and guiding the bereaved families at the old Jeonnam Provincial Office. On May 26, he heard the news that martial law forces were re-entering Gwangju, but he did not return but remained in the provincial office and was found shot dead the next day.
Author Han Kang shed light on the May 18 incident by writing the story of martyr Moon Jae-hak under the name Dong-ho in his book.
Ms. Kim, who donated the book, said, “My son and husband have passed away, but I feel comforted that they remain in the book. Please teach me well so that May 18 is not forgotten.”
Meanwhile, Gwangju City opened the ‘The Boy Is Coming’ mini book cafe at Jeonil Building 245 to commemorate author Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature award. At the book cafe, you can freely read over 100 works by past Nobel Prize winners and famous Korean writers.
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Time.news Interview with Dr. Hwang Ji-soo, Historian and Expert on the May 18 Democratization Movement
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Hwang. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The recent events surrounding the donation of Han Kang’s book by Kim Gil-ja, the mother of martyr Moon Jae-hak, have deeply resonated with many. What are your thoughts on this significant gesture?
Dr. Hwang: Good morning! Thank you for having me. This donation is a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made during the May 18 Democratization Movement. For Kim Gil-ja to find comfort in her son’s and husband’s legacy through literature highlights how stories can keep memories alive. It’s incredibly meaningful that she chose to donate a book that connects directly to her son’s narrative.
Editor: Absolutely. The book, “The Boy Is Coming,” is not just a piece of literature; it symbolizes the experiences of those who fought for democracy. Can you elaborate on how Moon Jae-hak’s story reflects the historical context of the movement?
Dr. Hwang: Of course. Moon Jae-hak was only a student at the time, yet he demonstrated remarkable bravery. As a member of the citizen settlement committee during the uprising, he risked his life to help others. His decision to remain at the Jeonnam Provincial Office when martial law forces returned shows his deep commitment to his community. Han Kang’s portrayal of him as ‘Dong-ho’ allows readers to connect emotionally with the broader implications of the struggle for democracy—a struggle still relevant today.
Editor: It’s heartbreaking yet inspiring. I understand that Moon Geon-yang, Jae-hak’s father, had a profound connection with the book—he even annotated it deeply. What does this tell us about the role of literature in processing grief and loss?
Dr. Hwang: Literature serves as a powerful tool for coping with loss. Mr. Moon’s annotations reflect his longing for his son and the emotional weight of remembering. By marking the text, he not only honored Jae-hak’s memory but also intertwined his own grief with the narrative of the book. This deep engagement with literature allows individuals to navigate their emotions and foster resilience in the face of tragedy.
Editor: And Kim Gil-ja has expressed her desire for the legacy of May 18 to be remembered and taught. How important is it to keep such historical events alive in public consciousness?
Dr. Hwang: It is crucial. Collective memory shapes our identity and understanding of the past. The May 18 incident is pivotal in South Korea’s history—it catalyzed the transition to democracy. By fostering discussions around it and encouraging education about these events, we ensure that future generations recognize the sacrifices made and the value of democracy. It’s through these stories that we can foster empathy and societal growth.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hwang, for sharing your insights. As the mini book café opens in Gwangju, showcasing Nobel Prize winners and engaging with history, what do you hope will emerge from such initiatives?
Dr. Hwang: I hope that the mini book café becomes a space for dialogue and reflection. Literature not only provides knowledge but can also bridge gaps in understanding across generations. It’s an opportunity for individuals to connect with the past and engage with the stories that shape our society. Ultimately, I wish for it to inspire more people to advocate for justice and remember the lessons of history.
Editor: Beautifully said, Dr. Hwang. Thank you for your time and for shedding light on the importance of preserving our collective memory. Let’s continue to keep these stories alive.
Dr. Hwang: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we all contribute to this conversation.