Though Too Late, Let's Start Now

In a world often saturated with conflicting narratives, the plight of the Palestinian people demands deeper understanding, and graphic novels offer a powerful medium to convey their enduring struggle. This article, appearing in Hankyoreh, delves into a selection of these visual narratives, aiming to shed light on the complex realities faced by Palestinians.

The timing of this exploration is particularly poignant, coinciding with a recent statement by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on social media platform X, where he condemned Israel's "continuous anti-human rights and anti-international law actions." This official condemnation from the highest level of government resonates with the sentiments expressed in the reviewed works and has been welcomed by solidarity groups, underscoring a growing awareness and support within South Korea.

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The key is a symbol of hope for the Palestinian people to return to their homeland.

The article introduces "Ah! Palestine" by Korean artist Won Hye-jin as a starting point for understanding. Published initially on OhmyNews and later as a book, it simplifies Palestinian history with a charming art style, yet doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities, including the tragic death of a young boy, Rami Jamal, from Israeli gunfire. Based on extensive research and fact-checked, it serves as an accessible yet informative guide.

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It was a welcome coincidence that President Lee Jae-myung recently criticized Israel's 'continuous anti-human rights and anti-international law actions' on social media platform X.

Further enriching the perspective is Joe Sacco's seminal work, "Palestine." Sacco, an American cartoonist, spent time in the Palestinian territories in the early 1990s, creating a powerful reportage that challenges preconceived notions. His work, praised by Edward Said, focuses on the lives of the marginalized and offers a critical look at how the conflict is perceived, particularly in the West. Sacco's journey from viewing Palestinians through a lens of terrorism to a more nuanced understanding is a testament to the power of firsthand experience and empathetic storytelling.

The article also touches upon Sacco's later works, "Palestine": "Notes from a Gaza Strip" and "The Fixer," as well as "Gaza War," demonstrating his continued engagement with the Palestinian narrative. It broadens the scope to include works like Guy Delisle's "Jerusalem Chronicles" and "The History of Jerusalem," offering different angles on the shared city, and even touches upon fictional works like Kim Bo-hyun's "Nablus" and Won Hye-jin's "Philist." The inclusion of Naji al-Ali's "11-Year-Old Handala" brings a direct voice from the Palestinian people, emphasizing the enduring symbol of the key as a representation of hope for return.

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The subtitle 'It's too late, but from now on' reads with the longing of those who have long cared.

From a South Korean perspective, as presented by Hankyoreh, the article champions these graphic novels not just as art, but as crucial tools for fostering empathy and challenging dominant, often biased, international media coverage. It implicitly argues that understanding the Palestinian narrative requires looking beyond headlines and engaging with the deeply human stories told through these powerful visual mediums. The emphasis on "it's too late, but from now on" reflects a sense of urgency and a call to action for greater awareness and solidarity.

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Palestinians, despite their poverty, treat strangers and ask one thing: 'Please tell them when you go back to your country. Tell them what you saw and heard.'