“This photo exhibition was held for the following two reasons: to familiarize Korea University (KU) students with The Granite Tower (GT) and to display the changes in photographic styles, as we transformed from a newspaper into a magazine,” said Editor-in-Chief Lee Jeong Min (’10, Business Administration).

Lee said that since GT is trying to communicate in English, there is always a limit in getting closer to KU students. This exhibition was a way of approaching them in an easier and more relaxed way. lee also wanted this exhibition to be an opportunity for reporters to reflect upon themselves and to realize the importance of press photos.

Held in the People’s Square of KU for September 3 through September 5, the path to holding this photo exhibition was not an easy one. With four photographers in the Photo Division, Park Jin Yung (’11, English language and literature), the Associate Editor of the Photo Division, had a lot of work on hand. Since no one had experience in organizing this kind of exhibition, putting it all together started from ground zero. The panels, picture frames, and other small items were also obstacles to consider. However, it was worth it.

The exhibition was divided into four sections. The first and second section comprises of black and white photos of historical events in and out of KU. As its titles, “An Agitated KU” and “Silent Witnesses to a Turbulent History” suggest, significant historic events such as 4.19 revolution and 5.18 Democratic Uprising are depicted in the photos. The third section is the long-time favorite, “The Annual Ko-Yon Games.” The last section portrays impressing covers during the 58 years of GT.

After seeing the first two sections, Kim Yeong Su (’11, Business Administration) said, “Frankly, I thought a university English newspaper was just for the rich kids, especially in the past. However, by seeing the photos of all the demonstrations, I am glad that there were people who were interested in social issues and who actually stood up to voice their opinions. As reporters, they always seem to have tried their best to be at the scene.” Kim also mentioned that he is sorry that KU students these days are not as concerned with social issues as their seniors used to be.
One group of students that came by to take a look at the exhibition on their way to class expressed surprise. Bang Young Ji (’12, Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering) was surprised to learn that GT took photos as well. “After learning that GT takes photos, I feel as if its rather stiff image is vanishing. It seems much more familiar with me.”

Some professors were highly impressed with the exhibition. Professor Glenn P. Sundeen (Institute of Foreign language Studies), who is enthusiastic about photography, also visited the exhibition. Sundeen said, “It is both sad and maybe good that there are not as many dramatic events to cover these days. I was really surprised to find out that GT had been around for 58 years.” As Sundeen said, GT has a long legacy to live up to.

▲ KU students are showing interest in the photos of Annual Ko-Yon Games. Photographed by Choi Ji Won