Gwangju Biennale faces Chinese backlash over Taiwan pavilion name

The Gwangju Biennale is facing a diplomatic dispute just a week before its opening, as China has halted exhibition installation work due to objections over the naming of Taiwan's pavilion. Chinese installation workers withdrew from the Gwangju Museum of Art on Friday, refusing to continue work despite pleas from Biennale officials.

The Gwangju Biennale Foundation views the conflict as stemming from diplomatic issues between China and Taiwan. Since 2018, the biennale has featured special pavilions for participating countries and institutions. This year, 16 countries and 11 institutions are involved.

The National Taiwan Museum had requested its pavilion be named simply 'Taiwan Pavilion.' However, the Gwangju Biennale Foundation insisted on the more formal 'National Taiwan Museum Special Pavilion,' creating friction. Following criticism that this constituted diplomatic oppression and interference, the foundation approved the use of 'Taiwan Pavilion' on August 26, allowing installation to begin.

This decision prompted an immediate backlash from China. On August 27, China's ambassador to South Korea met with the governor of the Gwangju metropolitan area, expressing regret over the approval of the 'Taiwan Pavilion' name. The governor reportedly stated that politics should not influence art. Yoon Beom-mo, president of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation, stated, "We will continue to persuade the Chinese side and strive to hold the exhibition normally."

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We will continue to persuade the Chinese side and strive to hold the exhibition normally.