Han Young-soo, photographer behind black-and-white snapshots of women in postwar Korea

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 06:18

Theater & Others

Han Young-soo, photographer behind black-and-white snapshots of women in postwar Korea

Posted : 2022-12-26 16:57

Updated : 2023-03-23 20:05

"Myeong-dong, Seoul, Korea" (1956-1963) / Courtesy of Han Youngsoo Foundation

By Park Han-sol

When a female street vendor in Myeong-dong, central Seoul, is not busy drawing in her customers with her knowledge of the latest trends, she buries herself in the pages of a newspaper rather than idly watching the world go by.

If it weren't for her floral "hanbok" (traditional Korean dress) and pair of stained white "gomusin" (rubber shoes), the image of this well-informed trader would not seem that outdated in the eyes of most present-day viewers.

So, imagine viewers' surprise when they hear that this black-and-white snapshot was taken against the immediate backdrop of postwar Seoul ― a city left bruised and battered by the 1950-53 Korean War, which killed an estimated 2.5 million civilians and reduced major parts of the nation to rubble.

Between the years of 1956 and 1963, Han Young-soo (1933-1999), better known in Korea as a first-generation advertising and fashion photographer, captured amid scenes of destruction the grit and resilience of such people who found ways to live on.

"Seoul, Korea" (1956-1963) / Courtesy of Han Youngsoo Foundation

But it's important to note that his candid photography was not filmed from the perspective of an unfamiliar outsider, usually from the West at the time, who might have merely objectified the poverty-stricken population within the war-ravaged country.

Rather, Han's penchant for aesthetic perfection and everyday humanism ― gleaned from the self-study of influential artists like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Edward Steichen ― allowed him to document the multifaceted aftermath of the Korean War and the dynamic recovery of the capital through a series of beautifully composed images of everyday people on streets.

Among these rare, historic snapshots of mid-century Korea, some 30 images from his fourth photobook entitled, "When the Spring Wind Blows" (2020), have been unveiled at Baik Art Seoul for the exhibition of the same name.

Co-hosted by the gallery and Han Youngsoo Foundation, the show specifically brings to the limelight women of Korea's 1950s and '60s.

"Myeong-dong, Seoul, Korea" (1956-1963) / Courtesy of Han Youngsoo Foundation

While characterized by different occupations, fashion styles and expressions, the female subjects captured through Han's lens all have a common thread ― that is, an air of unique confidence.

In fact, Han often photographed women at work and at leisure, highlighting their leading role in the rebuilding of Korea as men became scarce after the war. Without interfering or staging any part of the event being unfolded, he pressed the shutter to immortalize fleeting moments of beauty found in their everyday lives.

In his refined images, women stroll alongside the picturesque stonewall walkway, or "doldamgil," of Deoksu Palace on a rainy day, or carry simultaneously their children and loads of goods to the street market.

Some, clad in translucent, silky hanbok, shield themselves from blazing sunlight with a parasol, while others choose to bask in the afternoon sun as they go on a boat ride in the Han River.

Regardless of who or where they are, the women seen through Han's camera exude an aura of empowerment and capability.

"When the Spring Wind Blows" runs through Jan. 18 at Baik Art Seoul.

"Deoksugung Palace, Jeongdong, Seoul, Korea" (1956-1963) / Courtesy of Han Youngsoo Foundation

hansolp@koreatimes.co.kr