To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Lee Jung-seop (이중섭), a special exhibition is underway showcasing never-seen before material, including personal letters, by the legendary artist who loved Seogwipo. Suejin Choi reports.
“Please never forget that my heart is filled with thoughts of you. There is no couple in this world more great and pure and beautiful than Nam-deok (남덕) and Jung-seob (중섭).”

This love letter was written by artist Lee Jung-seop (이중섭) to his wife Lee Nam-deok (이남덕) who lived in Japan, around November 1954.

[slug]
100th anniversary of the birth of Lee Jung-seop
Special exhibition through April 30 at Lee Jung-seop Art Museum

It is currently on display at a special exhibition of never-seen-before material, including personal letters - such as this one.
Although the original in Japanese remains undisclosed, as requested by surviving family members… the translated version still clearly delivers Lee’s sentiments at the time.

Interview
Kim Hyeon-joo / Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
I feel like it shows his loneliness from not living with his family. His artwork also seems to carry a sense of responsibility and loneliness…
< 김현주 / 서울시 영등포구 >
가족과 떨어져 사는 외로움이 잘 나타나 있는 것 같아요. 책임감과 외로움이 작품에 잘 표현된 것 같고.

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Nine personal letters disclosed for the first time

The exhibition showcases nine personal letters written by Lee Jung-seop (이중섭) to his family between 1952 and 1954 which was during and after the Korean War.
Also on display are full-sized representations of Lee’s famous paintings including his trademark fighting bull.

Interview
Jeon Eun-ja / Curator, Lee Jung-seop Art Museum
Through these personal accounts and conversations Lee Jung-seop shared with his family, we are able to get a glimpse of what his personal life might have been like.
< 전은자 / 이중섭미술관 학예사 >
이중섭 화가가 당시 어디에서 어떤 생활을 했는지, 가족과의
관계에 있어서 가족만이 나눌 수 있는 대화를 통해서
///
이중섭 화가에 대해서 조금 더 소상하게…

This year marks 100 years since the birth of Lee Jung-seop (이중섭) and to commemorate the occasion, various other events, such as seminars and performances, are being held on the sidelines.

Interview
Oh Gwang-soo / Honorary director, Lee Jung-seop Art Museum
In addition to our exhibition, there’s also a play titled ‘Journeying Family,’ a dance performance called ‘Moon and Crow,’ and an operetta soon to be staged that all talk about Lee’s life.”
< 오광수 / 이중섭미술관 명예관장 >
100주년 기념전을 비롯해서 연국 '길 떠나는 가족'이 나오고
'달과 까마귀'라는 무용, 그리고 오페레타가 나옵니다.

[camera]
Kim Yong-min

[reporter]
Suejin Choi

The late Lee Jung-seop sought refuge in Jeju during the Korean War, and although his time on the island was short-lived, he became greatly fond of Seogwipo and left behind a legacy there… A legacy that lives on to this day... through his artworks.

Suejin Choi KCTV.