Picture your life into four frames [Photo Essay Contest]
The Korea JoongAng Daily hosted its first photo essay contest for elementary, middle and high school students on the theme: “Promote the beauty of Korea to foreign countries." The contest ran from October to November. Photos containing scenes of traditional culture, family love, places to see and tasty treats in Korea were submitted for the contest.
Jason Hyunwoo Bang from NLCS Jeju won the participation prize in the high school category for this photo essay.
Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Seoul, where the city's rhythm aligns with the pulse of modern trends, 인생네컷(Insaeng-Nae-Cut) awaits. Bring your friends, bring your loved ones - the studio will distill your moments into four frames. But don't be afraid: the soft hum of laughter and the gentle click of digital cameras will weave a tapestry of visual tales of your life, where the mundane transforms into a unique and captivating experience.
인생네컷(Insaeng-Nac-Cut), also known as Life4Cuts, is a cultural trend originating from South Korea, where individuals can express themselves through four thoughtfully curated photos. Visitors can select objects for decoration, choose photo outlines for formatting, and finally receive the photos printed out - selling for ￦4000 ($3) for a pair.
This trend is spreading throughout the country. According to a recent report, the monthly visit to Life4Cuts photo booths reached an impressive 2.3 million people. And while it might be a new type of photo booth, Life4Cuts' popularity is on the rise.
While Korea has been notoriously known for its non-togetherness and individualism, Life4Cuts is bringing people together. Rigorous education fosters intense competition among students, and the desire for a high position causes conflict between colleagues. Here, Life4Cut starts to serve as a solution to bring people back together - the prospect of capturing shared moments and fostering a sense of closeness.
Korea is a small-scale country, and people move at a relentless pace. As a result, the ability to capture moments easily and swiftly has been essential. To fit in, Life4Cuts is quick and easy. It only takes 40 seconds - ten for each - to take joy in photos. Life4Cut becomes a brief respite, offering a momentary escape for people immersed in Korean life.
Creativity keeps Korea alive. The freedom to take photos according to personal whims and the availability of various objects for self-customization intrigues visitors. People can craft unique visual stories, expressing their identity in diverse and imaginative
ways.
Life4Cuts is based on the classical Western style of photo framing. The incorporation of the nostalgic framing seamlessly blends modern and past aesthetics and adds an extra layer of sophistication. It resonates with the fusion of tradition and innovation, a theme deeply embedded in Korean culture.
In essence, 인생네컷(Insaeng-Nae-Cut) has become a cultural phenomenon not just for its trendiness but for its profound ability to meet our societal needs. It acts as a catalyst for togetherness, bringing friends and loved ones closer. Providing a swift escape from the hustle of Korean life, it becomes a refreshing pause. By encouraging the boundless creativity of visual storytelling, 인생네컷 offers a canvas for personal expression. It's not just a trend; it's a mirror reflecting our contemporary yearnings for connection, creativity, and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Now, in the spotlight of Life4Cut, it's your time to weave the unique tapestry of your life into four captivating frames - your story, your way.
By Jason Hyunwoo Bang, NLCS Jeju
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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