History museum archives 'Gobau,' gem of political cartoon
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Editorial cartoonist Kim Sung-hwan pose at a exhibition for his political cartoon “Gobau” at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Seoul, Monday. / Courtesy of National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Seen is the first episode of political cartoon “Gobau,” which was released on F eb. 1 of 1955 through Dong-A Ilbo.
This is the final episode of political cartoon “Gobau,” which was published by Munhwa Ilbo on Sept. 29, 2000.
By Baek Byung-yeul
The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History holds a special exhibition commemorating Korea’s longest daily political cartoon “Gobau.”
With his famous character, Mr. Gobau, political cartoonist Kim Sung-hwan helped his readers have new angle to tumultuous situation of modern Korea, lampooning country’s social affairs with wit and acuity, and gained his fame as one of the country’s most influential editorial cartoonists.
The 82-year-old cartoonist had published a total of 14,139 cartoons at major newspapers including Dong-A Ilbo, Chosun Ilbo and Munhwa Ilbo for 45 years from 1955 to 2000 when he retired.
“Mr. Gobau was one of some 200 characters that I created during the Korean War (1950-1953),” Kim said at the opening day of the exhibition, Monday. “Even for me, it is the first time to meet so many cartoons of mine at one place. I would like to express my gratitude to my fans that have loved my cartoons.”
The exhibition, titled “Korean Contemporary History through Cartoon Gobau” displays 200 works among those 7,700 works that the museum has collected during the past year.
“We have collected his works starting from last year, considering the meaning of Gobau’s historic and symbolic meaning and value in modern Korean history,” the official of the museum said.
Like the explanation of the museum, “Gobau,” together with the readers, had gone through critical moments of the country’s contemporary history from the April 19 Revolultion in 1960 that took out the autocracy of Syngman Rhee, Korea’s first president to June 15 South-North Joint Declaration in 2000 that two leaders from each side met and made the landmark declaration bringing about a reconciliatory mood on the Korean Peninsula.
Recognized for his contribution to the society, “Gobau” has been appointed as registered cultural property no. 538 last December.
Comprised four parts, the exhibition gives a chance to glimpse at different kinds of cartoon characters other than Mr. Gobau, first and last episodes of “Gobau” and few episodes that weren’t published due to censorship.
The exhibition runs through Nov. 30. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3703-9200 or visit www.much.go.kr.