Do you know professor Jin jung-kwon (43. German Lang. and Lit)? If you just little attention in political issue or esthetic, you can easily hear the name. He was specialize take up esthetic at the university and write many books, such as Esthetic Odyssey, Red virus, requiem etc.. Most of his books are about art&philosophy or social and political phenomena.
Now, he active columnist, culture reviewer, and professor. In addition, from this month he start his radio program. This month, The Chung Ang Herald (CAH) met him .
CAH: 'Student Jin Jung-kwon' was what a sort of man? I think he was may be fight for truth and justice, seriously thought for art and philosophy, or you can gain in public favor by your volubility. What was real?
Jin: At that time, I was attend almost all of demonstration. But, I lacked the courage going prison, so I'm not take the lead. About study, I learn more in 'idea club' than school lecture. And I self-study above the theme. I remember that I indulgence in reading social scientific books, was vogue at 80's.
I'm unpopular in ladies. Because, in those days, people think the athletic type or a noble-minded patriot was hero .
CAH: In spite of the your major is esthetic, Why do you always complicated and hard talking about very various theme in TV, news paper, or radio?
JIN: I think it's not concerned about major. As a member of society, each member must have their opinion. And I'm just talking it.
CAH: Your writing is very strong individual character.
There are any episode by your article?
JIN: Assemblyman Kim mu-sung belonging to the The Grand National Party-Hannara accuse me, but it's too unreasonableness to accusation. And from assemblyman kim chung-hwas belonging to the The Grand National Party-Hannara, receive a threat letter. the letter said 'apologize me'. But, I ignore that.
CAH: Recently, the nation have more concerns about Tokto, and an anti-Japanese sentiment has been provoking. What do you think about distortion of Japanese history textbook or people's reaction to making a Takesima's day?
Jin: I think that it is not proper to response against craziness of Japanese nationalism by the other nationalism. It is very dangerous.
Japan and China are going extreme nationalism. At this time, we must stand on universal value of mankind which is passed over narrow nationalism. For example, It is better to examine our history textbook, whether it has nationalism or not, and apologize about participation in vietnam war in last time than whole country make clamor for an anti-Japanese sentiment. In addition to It would rather joint with conscientiously force than make whole Japan to enemy. I think that it is more right.
CAH: These days student's indifference at politics more and more. What did you think about it?
Jin: People become indifference in politics are natural.
But, democracy never preserve without participation
concern. We can confirm that by japan become rightist.
CAH: When I freshman, many senior recommend your book-Esthetic Odyssey. Especially in college of art,
Esthetic Odyssey is every student must read. Did you know that , your book is a must book?
Jin: Yes, I know the book is widely read. I'm always thanks for that. And I hope the student read a more difficult book after read a easy book -like Esthetic Odyssey. If read a book for mental growth, for the growth needs pain from difficult to understand.
CAH: How about your plan to future??
There is any special. I just write a book about media art and techno art, after study about it.
CAH: What is media art and techno art ? And they are how influence on whole art?
Jin: Well known artist is paik nam-june.
from 20c, paradigm was change from production paradigm to information paradigm. And at 21c, therefore, I forecast it will be more approach between
art and technology.
CAH: Now, artist hear a expression that marketing ability is no less important than a work. How do you think about Andy worhole's phrase that "Business is the highest art." and a view that "Art is too business." as a culture critic?
JIN: It has been that marketing ability quietly have an big effect on a evaluation of a work of art from long ago. That is all this is remarkable latterly. Of course, from now on the tendency will be deepen but it is not always. Because there is some case that even if artist was good at marketing, a work was fail and even though artist had not good ability at marketing, his work succeeded. I think, finally, artist is estimated as a work.
CAH: If you have advice to CAU student?
Jin: Most of all, I hope, student recognized the important of text. Todays students practiced only image. But in the image age, the ability of reading text is more important. If you can't read text, you can't read image too. And, If return to university, I'd like to try taking a trip to whatever places.
By Kang Ju-ock
News reporter
