(CNA, reporter Yang Chi-fang, Seoul, 1st) — Dissatisfied with the Gwangju Biennale restoring the name "Taiwan Pavilion," the Gwangju Metropolitan City government issued an apology statement, emphasizing that in accordance with the government's diplomatic policy, it respects the "One China" principle, and that the name "Taiwan Pavilion" was an expression independently determined by the participating artists within the realm of art.
According to *The Chosun Ilbo*, regarding the naming controversy over the "Taiwan Pavilion" that arose during the preparation process for the 16th Gwangju Biennale, and under strong backlash from the Chinese side, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City finally issued an apology statement yesterday: "We deeply apologize for the controversy caused by insufficient communication among the participating institutions related to the Biennale Pavilion."
Gwangju City stated that, following the tone of the government's diplomatic policy, its position of respecting "One China" remains unchanged; the name "Taiwan Pavilion" was merely an expression decided by the participating artists themselves in the artistic sphere, and does not imply that the city government or the Biennale recognizes Taiwan as a country. The city government also stated that it will thoroughly investigate operational issues that occurred during the event preparation process and take appropriate measures.
The report mentioned that this controversy was the result of the Biennale organizers' "flip-flopping administrative handling." The Biennale had previously insisted on using the name "National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts Pavilion (NTMoFA Pavilion)," which sparked strong backlash from Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and domestic and international art circles in South Korea. Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae had also previously stated, "We oppose political and administrative power intervening in the artistic field."
However, after the name "Taiwan Pavilion" was restored, it was the Chinese side's turn to strongly push back. Following a meeting with Mayor Min Hyung-bae on the 27th, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing expressed deep regret over the matter. The next day, Chinese artists and exhibition staff affiliated with the China Pavilion, who were preparing their exhibition at the Ha Jeong-woong Museum of Art, completely halted the installation of their works to protest through concrete action.
As the situation gradually spiraled out of control, the Jeonnam-Gwangju city government ultimately issued an apology statement to step in and "appease China." According to reports, Gwangju City has consulted with the Chinese Embassy and decided to temporarily draw a line under the controversy by having the city government issue an apology.
A source related to the Gwangju Biennale stated that since the change to the name "Taiwan Pavilion" has already been approved, no further measures will be taken. The source also indicated a hope that the China Pavilion would proceed with preparations according to the original plan to ensure the exhibition is held smoothly.
