Seoul: The Seoul International Book Fair, the country's largest literary event, commenced on Wednesday, drawing an anticipated 150,000 visitors. This surge aligns with the "text-hip" trend, which has made reading increasingly fashionable among younger generations. The event, marking its 68th edition, is hosted at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul and will run through Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a total of 538 publishers and industry organizations from 18 nations are participating in this year's fair. The event will also feature 326 authors and speakers from both South Korea and abroad. Advance tickets for the five-day event have already sold out, highlighting the fair's popularity. This year's theme, "Homo Duduri," aims to explore the essence of humanity in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Kim Yeon-su, a Korean novelist, in collaboration with AI models Claude and Gemini, articulated the theme's focus: "Today, the fire of AI blazes before us... What kind of wisdom, then, do we need in the face of these fierce flames?" He emphasized the contrasting nature of AI and human inquiry, stating that while AI provides definitive answers, humans continue to seek deeper questions, with books serving as repositories of these explorations.
The fair will host a diverse range of renowned writers, including novelists Baik Sou Linne, Chung Bora, Eun Hee-kyung, and Kim Ae-ran, as well as poets Ahn Mi-ok and Oh Eun. Additionally, notable figures such as singer-songwriter Sunwoo Jung-a and actress Kim Shin-rok will deliver talks on varied topics, from music to temple cuisine.
France has been honored as the guest country to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and France. French literary figures, including novelist Bernard Werber and philosopher Pascal Bruckner, will engage in dialogues on French literature and culture. The fair will display approximately 12,000 French books.
Prominent international writers like sci-fi novelist Silvia Park, Hong Kong writer Chan Wai, and Taiwanese novelist Kevin Chen are also scheduled to participate. The event will feature seminars addressing challenges faced by the publishing industry due to the AI boom and explore publishing trends in countries such as Bangladesh, Singapore, Taiwan, and Turkey.
First lady Kim Hea Kyung graced the opening day, visiting various booths and acquiring books. As quoted by the presidential office, she emphasized the transformative power of books, noting their ability to change thoughts and society. She praised the growing interest in reading among younger generations, viewing it as a hopeful sign for the future. "Books are records of what humanity has asked itself, reflected on, and hoped for over time," she reflected, underscoring the enduring significance of literature despite technological advancements.