0
/ The Korean Publishers Association

The Seoul International Book Fair, South Korea's largest literary festival, will take place from June 24 to 28 at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Marking its 68th anniversary this year, the book fair will center on the theme "Declaration of Humanity: Homo Duduri," shedding light on the meaning of human existence and thought in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

This year's fair will feature 538 publishers and literary organizations from 18 countries, including South Korea. The event will host a total of 415 programs, encompassing lectures, dialogues, seminars, and exhibitions, with 326 domestic and international authors and speakers scheduled to engage with readers. Driven by the recent "texthip" trend—where younger generations embrace reading as a distinct cultural and lifestyle preference—pre-ordered tickets for the event sold out early, reflecting high public anticipation.

The focal theme, "Homo Duduri," is a newly coined term referring to human beings who refuse to settle for the pre-packaged answers provided by AI, choosing instead to continuously pose questions. In a thematic statement co-authored with an AI, novelist Kim Yeon-su defined reading as "the act of knocking on the door of an unknown world," emphasizing the intrinsic value of humans as questioning entities.

Throughout the festival, a diverse array of programs will explore the intersection of humanity and creative production in the AI era. Novelists Baek Su-rin and Lee Ju-hye will discuss language and literature in an age where AI is reshaping the creative landscape, while Kim Ae-ran and Park Seon-woo will hold a dialogue focused on the complex inner worlds of human beings. Additionally, actress Kim Shin-rok and neuroscientist Chang Dong-seon will meet with the audience to explore the intriguing question, "Can Humans and Artificial Intelligence Fall in Love?"

The thematic exhibition titled "Declaration of Humanity: Homo Duduri: 2×2=5" is also drawing significant attention. The exhibition will feature classics that delve into human existence, including Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust, alongside an array of questions left behind by authors and readers, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on the core of humanness.

The fair will also provide ample opportunities to interact with prominent domestic and international literary figures. Korean-American science fiction writer Park Ji-sun will hold a conversation with Kim Cho-yeop, while Kwon Oh-kyung is set to discuss literary worlds alongside Pyun Hye-young and other writers. International guests include Taiwanese author Chen Saixiong and Chan Wai, the creative mind behind the acclaimed film Comrades: Almost a Love Story. Acclaimed Korean literary and picture book authors, such as Chung Serang, Park Sang-young, Kim Bo-young, and Suzy Lee, will also connect with their readers.

France has been designated as this year's Guest of Honor, commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France. Under the banner "Reading France," the French Pavilion will feature 23 publishers and institutions showcasing works across contemporary literature, children's books, graphic novels, and the humanities and social sciences. Notably, bestselling author Bernard Werber will visit South Korea to mark the release of his new novel, Waltz of the Souls. His itinerary includes a reader talk, a fan signing event, and a special dialogue with Choi Jae-cheon, Professor Emeritus at Ewha Womans University.

                                                                                                           Jeon Hye-won