Seodaemun Prison, a symbol of Korea's tragic past, was built by the Japanese Empire to detain political dissidents. Even after 35 years of colonial rule and South Korea's liberation, it held those opposing military regimes.
Originally design to subjugate Korean Resistance by the Japanese, the prison ironically used to oppress our own political voices later. Today, it's a historical museum, a poignant reminder of past sorrows and a call to prevent their recurrence.
While documenting, I was captivated by faint sunlight through narrow windows. I aimed to capture the same light prisoners saw, unchanging through time. This journey, from capture to print, encouraged me greatly through my own struggles. I wanted to share this inspiration, urging others not to lose hope. The nation and oppressed prisoners achieved liberation, even for the unjustly confined.
In photographing the site, I chose black and white film and fiber-based paper. This decision wasn't just personal but also a belief in the enduring appeal of black and white photography, including the darkroom process, amid modern trends. It echoes the site's message and my series theme: remembering and finding hope in dark times.
