Commissioned by Ministry of National Defense
at The Room of Memory, Kwanhoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea, 26 OCT - 7 NOV, 2011
The Room of Memory by media installation artist JinJoon Lee tells the stories of three Korean War veterans. In this documentary-style project, family members who now bid farewell to these veterans participated in remembering them. The war stories that had been preserved deep in the memories of the veterans' younger sister, sister-in-law, and son were still neatly preserved despite being covered in the dust of time. The artist knocked on the door of that room of memories, recording their precious legacies revealed through their voices, gestures, and expressions.
The Room of Memory, 2011. Installation view at Kwanhoon Gallery
The Room of Memory, 2011. Installation view at Kwanhoon Gallery
The Room of Memory, 2011. Working process
First Room
Han Sang-ho, a Second Lieutenant (1931~1953), was born in Gokseong, Jeollanam-do. In the midst of the Korean War, in 1952, he enlisted as a lieutenant. He served as a platoon leader in the 3rd platoon of the 1st Company, Capital Division. On July 14, 1953, during the Battle of Baekma Hill in Geumhwa-ji Zone, he lost his life.
His remains have not been recovered yet, and they are currently being excavated. This record chronicles the story of his 3-year-old younger sister, Han Sang-ok.
Second Room
Go Jong-seok (Soldier without a military serial number, substitute serial number 0338185) was born in Hoengseong, Gangwon Province. According to records, he passed away on June 25, 1950. While carrying out his duties as a member of the 26th Regiment, 3rd Division, he lost his life.
His remains have not been recovered yet, and they are currently being excavated. This record chronicles the story of his sister-in-law, Kang Ki-soon.
Third Room
Choi Byung-ho, Sergeant (1923~1989), was born in Ulsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. He enlisted in the Army on September 3, 1950, and served from September 20, 1954. He participated in the Korean War, including the Battle of the Han River Bridge demolition operation in Noryangjin.
This record chronicles the story of his eldest son, Choi Dae-geol.
Commision
Ministry of National Defense, Korea