The Independence Movement: Layered Gazes

• Prize
  Gold in Fine Art/Other, 1st Place winner in Fine Art
• Photographer
  Hakbong Kwon, Korea, Republic of
• Studio
  Hakbong Kwon
• Website
  https://hakbongkwon.com/

The incident last December, resembling a self-serving coup attempt through martial law, was a deep shock. I realized the real threat to Korea lay not abroad, but within. This led me to reflect on the nation's true roots—especially the March 1st Movement and the independence struggle.

The girl in the Ewha school uniform symbolizes not only Yu Gwan-sun, but countless unnamed fighters. Her floating figure connects past and present, showing their spirit still lives on. Through this work, I ask how we live today—and what future we must shape.

Hakbong Kwon studied Visual Design at Dankook University, then worked as a designer at Hanwha before transitioning to photography. He won the Onbit Award in 2014 and his WORSHIP series earned Honorable Mention at the International Photo Awards (IPA). Since 2017, he has lived in Lampang, Thailand, directing the Korea–Thailand exchange “PhapthaySajin.” Blending documentary and fine art, he portrays diverse human experiences. He also shares expertise through books, YouTube, and lectures.

Awards 2014.05 Nomad People, Solo Exhibition, Cafe Madagascar (Dream Factory + Hankyoreh Newspaper Contest), Seoul, Korea
2012 Snowden Photo Contest, Choice Award (Australia)
2014.11 Onbit Documentary, Selected for Onbit Award (Top 11)
2018.11 Onbit Award, Onbit Documentary, ‘Rohingya Refugee Camp, One Year Later’
2023.09 IPA Fine Art, Abstract Category, Honorable Mention, ‘WORSHIP’