SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (Oct. 20, 2023) — The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) announces the upcoming art exhibition, “Singing About North Korea: Heaven on Earth,” dedicated to raising awareness of North Korean human rights issues.
This thought-provoking exhibition will be held in the main hall of South Korea’s National Assembly from Oct. 25 to 27 in collaboration with the office of the North Korean defector, human rights activist, and South Korean parliamentarian Ji Seong-ho.
Exhibition venue: Second Lobby of the Members’ Office Building of the National Assembly of South Korea
Address: 1 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Exhibition Dates: Oct. 25-27
“Singing About North Korea: Heaven on Earth” will feature the work of renowned artist and former North Korean propagandist-turned-activist Song Byeok. Born in North Korea, Song Byeok is often called the “Andy Warhol of North Korea” for his vibrant and provocative artwork. For seven years, he created official propaganda posters for the North Korean regime, portraying idyllic scenes of rural laborers and glorifying the country’s prosperity. But Song Byeok’s life was vastly different from the scenes he depicted, having personally experienced the harsh realities of North Korean life, including famine, arrest, torture, and six months in a labor camp.
Following his escape, he draws upon his experiences and insights in his artistry to raise global attention to the human rights violations within North Korea, employing humor and allusion to ignite a universal desire for freedom.
This visually striking and extraordinary exhibit will be an emotionally compelling experience as you witness the power of art in exposing human rights issues.
Join HRF CEO Thor Halvorssen and President Céline Assaf-Boustani for the opening ceremony on Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Various civil society organization representatives, government officials, and featured artist Seong Byeok will also be in attendance.
*Participants must bring an ID to enter the venue.
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact media@hrf.org.