Jeju's 'One Year Bookstore' Begins Season 2 with Author Events, Shifts Focus to Animal Welfare

The 'One Year Bookstore' on Jeju Island has embarked on its second season, signaling a continuation of its unique literary and community-focused endeavors. The recent events, featuring author Geum Min-ah's puppet show and a book talk by Lee Ji-won, underscore the bookstore's commitment to engaging audiences through diverse and meaningful experiences. As reported by The Hankyoreh, this initiative is more than just a commercial venture; it's a space for cultural exchange and thoughtful reflection.

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Even if you create a book with all your heart, it's useless if it doesn't reach the readers, so I carry the puppets and visit schools and event venues to meet young readers.

Geum Min-ah's performance of 'Dogs and Cats,' a story about a beloved pet, resonated with the audience, particularly her dedication to bringing her work to young readers through handmade puppets and engaging performances. Her journey from author to performer highlights a deep commitment to connecting with her audience, a sentiment that The Hankyoreh often celebrates in its coverage of independent artists and cultural initiatives.

Equally compelling was Lee Ji-won's talk about her experiences volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, detailed in her book 'A Guide for Those Who Want to Meet Elephants Anew.' Her narrative, which shed light on the harsh realities faced by elephants exploited for labor and entertainment, served as a powerful reminder of our relationship with non-human animals. The stories of elephants like Yaibuya, who worked in logging for 60 years, and the visually impaired Jokiya, who was shot by her owner, evoked deep empathy and underscored the cruelty humans can inflict.

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The lives of elephants, who live almost as long as humans, enduring abuse in logging camps or being used for human entertainment, their bodies broken, and eventually abandoned.

This expansion of the bookstore's focus to include a greater emphasis on non-human animals and environmental consciousness is a significant development. The mention of sanctuaries in Korea, such as Bear Sanctuary Eomber, Mini Farm Sanctuary, and Dalttneun Bogeumjari, along with horse sanctuaries for retired racehorses in Jeju, indicates a growing awareness and effort towards animal welfare within the country. The 'One Year Bookstore' is positioning itself as a platform for these important conversations, aiming to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world. This commitment to environmental and animal welfare themes is a perspective that resonates strongly with The Hankyoreh's editorial stance on social and ecological issues.

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The story of elephants like Yaibuya, who carried logs for 60 years and tourists for 40 years, and died at 100, awakens us to the cruelty of humans who exploit animals to the fullest.