History Through a New Lens
What if you could view history through a variety of different lenses? At Ohyun High School, the story of the Jeju 4.3 Incident is a living history, rediscovered every year by students through fresh and creative perspectives.

"Historical facts remain in the past, but how we interpret and 'think' about them defines our present and shapes our future."

A History of Remembrance
The Jeju 4.3 Incident is a pivotal moment in Korean history where thousands of innocent lives were lost. To ensure their stories are never buried, Ohyun High School holds an annual exhibition dedicated to remembrance, reflection, and the lessons we must carry forward for a better world.

Opera: A New Bridge to the Past
Teacher Yukyeong Moon, the organizer of this event, designs each exhibition around a new theme to prevent history from becoming a forgotten relic. Last year, the exhibition explored 4.3 through the philosophy of Hannah Arendt, focusing on the "Banality of Evil" and the theme of "Coexistence." This perspective taught us that when we stop "thinking" for ourselves, ordinary people can become part of a great tragedy.

This year, the lens shifted to the dramatic world of Opera, specifically Tosca and Fidelio. By connecting 4.3 to these masterpieces, Teacher Yukyeong Moon helped students explore the universal themes of power, freedom, and the indomitable spirit of human resistance, finding a "human voice" within the historical facts.

Reporter Kim Yejun interviewing Teacher Yukyeong Moon
Reporter Yejun Kim (right) interviews Teacher Yukyeong Moon (left) about how creative lenses can bridge the past and the future.

Interview with Teacher Yukyeong Moon

Q1: Why did you choose "Opera" as this year's theme? "Most 4.3 exhibitions stop at informing people of the facts. By using 'Opera' as a theme, I wanted to express the human rights issues of those sacrificed by state power in a more powerful and artistic way." Q2: Where do you find your inspiration for these themes? "I read extensively, listen to music, and follow the news daily. I’ve made it a habit to jot down notes whenever I find a concept that could serve as a bridge to 4.3." Q3: Why do you continue to organize these exhibitions? "Sometimes, only those who actively research 4.3 remember it, while others slowly forget. I want this history to be shared and remembered continuously by every generation, linking our past directly to our future."

A Growing Echo in the Hallways
Throughout the week-long exhibition at the main entrance, many students had the chance to move beyond memorizing dates and truly empathize with the victims. While 4.3 can still feel like a difficult or heavy topic, this exhibition opened a door for students to approach it through music and philosophy.

We hope this article serves as a small invitation for even more students to stop and engage with our school's creative displays. History is not just behind us; it is the ground we stand on as we create 'Our Future' together.