North Korean Artist Chung Chang-mo's Exhibition Postponed

An exhibition by North Korean artist Chung Chang-mo (68) originally scheduled for August 16 at the Seoul Kyungin Art Gallery has been postponed due to questions arising over the authenticity of some works included in the exhibition.

Originally, some 50 art pieces by Chung and 5 pieces by his son Chung Sung-hyuk were supposed to be shown to the public on August 16 to coincide with the reunions of separated families.

However, on August 16, the sponsor Hankyeorae Unification Cultural Association announced, "Chung was not sure whether some of his pieces were really his. That's why we decided to put off Chung's Seoul exhibition for a while."

An official from Hankyeorae explained the events leading up to the cancellation of the exhibit, "We showed the list of his art pieces, which will be exhibited on August 16, to Chung, who is currently staying in Seoul for the North-South separated families reunion. But, surprisingly, Chung said, 'I think there are some pieces which aren't mine.'"

The Association said, "This exhibition was stocked with art pieces which we acquired through deals made between South Korea's Mansoo Art Trade and North Korea's Korea Trade Company. I guess there were some mistakes made during the process of the trade." Hankyeorae officials added that Chung said he would try to have an exhibition in Seoul after his September exhibition in Pyongyang, North Korea.

by Cho Hyun-wook