Author Jeong Chan's novel revives the 'May 18 novel' from 24 years ago

In a recent interview with The Hankyoreh, acclaimed author Jeong Chan discussed his latest novel, "Where They Were." This work is a profound exploration of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal and tragic event in South Korean history. Jeong Chan, who covered the events as a reporter at the time, brings his unique perspective to the narrative, aiming to convey the raw intensity and human cost of the uprising to contemporary readers.

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I supported the on-site reporting of the 5.18 Gwangju Uprising. The editor-in-chief called me and said, 'Are you trying to die?' and 'If you speak in a Gyeongsang Province dialect incorrectly...'. At the time, there were even rumors that soldiers from Gyeongsang Province were trying to wipe out the people of Jeolla Province.

The novel is structured in a diary or documentary format, meticulously detailing the events between May 18 and May 27, 1980. By interweaving real and fictional characters within a strict chronological framework, Jeong Chan seeks to create an immersive experience for the reader, transporting them back to the tumultuous days of Gwangju. He emphasizes that the novel goes beyond a simple retelling, delving into the complex dynamics of the uprising, including the internal conflicts within the citizen army and the broader implications of the US-South Korea relationship at the time.

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If armed citizens are not rioters, then the martial law troops must be rioters. Otherwise, there is no way to explain the tragedy.

Jeong Chan's work is particularly significant in its attempt to address the lingering questions and historical narratives surrounding the Gwangju Uprising. He notes that while many are aware of the event, the specifics of its origins, evolution, and conclusion remain obscure to a significant portion of the public. His novel aims to fill this gap, offering a detailed and emotionally resonant account of the spiritual wounds endured by the citizens of Gwangju. The author draws a parallel between the past and present, suggesting that current events, such as the political climate in 2024, can serve as a catalyst for re-examining historical tragedies and understanding their ongoing relevance.

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The reason the citizens of Gwangju cast aside the fear of death was to avoid being reduced to beasts.

This novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting historical truths. In South Korea, the Gwangju Uprising remains a deeply sensitive and significant event, often discussed in the context of democratization and human rights. While international coverage might focus on the political ramifications, for Koreans, it is a matter of national memory and identity. Jeong Chan's dedication to exploring this event through literature underscores its enduring impact on the nation's consciousness and its continued relevance to understanding the present.

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We do not have the power to stop the martial law troops. They will steal the time of liberated Gwangju. But there is a time they can never steal from us. The time that truth was making and will continue to make.