The Gangnam Writers’ Association, led by Chairman Kim Moo-woong, successfully held the “30th Anniversary Literary Festival of the Gangnam Writers’ Association” on July 8 at the auditorium of the Samseong 2-dong Community Center in Seoul.
 [The Korean Today] Promotional poster and representative literary anthology for the 30th anniversary event of the Gangnam Writers’ Association © Reporter Baek Chang-hee |
The event was organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Gangnam Writers’ Association. As part of the program, Professor Kim Hyung-suk, Korea’s oldest philosopher and professor emeritus at Yonsei University, was invited to give a special lecture under the theme, “The Mission of Humanities and Literature in the Age of AI.”
The event was hosted by poet and novelist Kim Jin-myung, secretary-general of the Gangnam Writers’ Association, who led the ceremony with dignity and grace. Before the main program began, participants enjoyed pre-ceremony music and reflected on the meaning of literature while browsing Professor Kim’s books and the Representative Anthology of Gangnam Writers.
 [The Korean Today] Greeting remarks by Kim Moo-woong, chairman of the Gangnam Writers’ Association © Reporter Baek Chang-hee |
Many distinguished guests from the literary world and local community attended the event. Chairman Kim Moo-woong introduced the guests and expressed his gratitude to all attendees, including advisors and representatives of literary associations, educators, and cultural figures.
Following congratulatory remarks by novelist Lee Eun-jip, vice chairman of the Korean Writers’ Association, and Kwon Yong-tae, advisor to the Gangnam Writers’ Association, the highlight of the day was the special lecture by Professor Kim Hyung-suk, who turned 106 this year.
Professor Kim said, “Literature is the greatest expression of art through language,” adding that “literature is an art form that most deeply embraces human life and spirit.”
He also emphasized the role of art in connecting people and society, saying, “Music is a living art that moves not only people but also animals and nature, and it has the power to move the world.”
 [The Korean Today] Introduction to Professor Kim Hyung-suk’s special lecture, “The Mission of Humanities and Literature in the Age of AI” © Reporter Baek Chang-hee |
Professor Kim further stated, “Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mechanical sciences, and AI are not fields that should compete with one another. They must grow together like one tree.” Through this message, he stressed the importance of convergence in the AI era.
Regarding the humanities, he said, “There is no single correct answer. Humanities is the process of discovering what each person values most in life.” He emphasized the importance of human thought and reflection, qualities that remain uniquely human even in the age of artificial intelligence.
Professor Kim also noted that religion, humanism, and the humanities ultimately protect human conscience and spirit. “Technology advances, but human value is completed within the human heart,” he said.
Reflecting on his own life, Professor Kim shared the message, “I raised myself.” He encouraged the audience to continue learning and growing with hope, even beyond the ages of 80, 90, 100, and even 120. His words deeply moved the participants.
 [The Korean Today] Professor Kim Hyung-suk’s special lecture: “Even in the age of AI, literature must protect human value and conscience.” © Reporter Baek Chang-hee |
“AI creates knowledge, but literature creates people.”
This brief yet powerful statement invited the audience to reflect once again on the essence of humanity and the enduring value of literature in a rapidly changing AI era.
After the lecture, host Kim Jin-myung expressed his gratitude, saying, “I believe every word from Professor Kim today will become a compass for all our lives. We have received the wisdom to live the next hundred years from a philosopher who has lived through more than a century.”
During the Q&A session, participants asked various questions about the humanities and the value of life in the AI era. Professor Kim responded with his characteristic warm smile and deep insight, receiving great applause from the audience.
 [The Korean Today] Group photo from the 30th Anniversary Literary Festival of the Gangnam Writers’ Association © Reporter Baek Chang-hee |
The event concluded with a commemorative photo session with Professor Kim and the attendees. Through this 30th anniversary celebration, the Gangnam Writers’ Association reaffirmed the precious value of literature in enriching human life.
In particular, the message that literature and the humanities play an essential role in preserving the essence of humanity in an age where AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life left a lasting impression on writers and citizens alike.
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