Gangnam-gu (district mayor Kim Hyeon-gi) will present a reading culture program combining literary readings, music, author meet-and-greets and humanities lectures to mark September Reading Month.
This year's lineup goes beyond passive reading, centering on participatory events where residents can listen, watch and share ideas. The district is using local cultural venues — Gangnam Theatre, Ilji Art Hall and the Yangjae Stream Waterside Culture Rest Area — to bring books and the humanities into everyday life.
The series opens with a classical reading concert at Gangnam Theatre on Sept. 2, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Homer's "Odysseia," a cornerstone of Western literature, will come to life through commentary and readings by author Hyeon Sang-pil, performances by stage actors and music by the Seoyul Band.
Audiences can experience the adventures of Odysseus as he makes his way home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, brought to life through literature and live performance. Hyeon is the author of "Socrates Health Club" and "From Runner to Gamer," among other works.
On Sept. 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a humanities concert with author Lee Seul-a will be held at Ilji Art Hall.
Lee, known for works such as "The Age of the Matriarch" and "A Brilliant Life," will share her thoughts on books, writing and everyday storytelling under the theme "Everyday Change Through Consistent Writing." A jazz vocal performance will precede the main talk.
On Sept. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., professor Kim Dae-sik — a specialist in neuroscience and AI — will hold a humanities concert at the Yangjae Stream Waterside Culture Rest Area. Drawing on his books "Asking ChatGPT About Humanity's Future" and "AGI: Angel or Demon?", Kim will explore how AI is reshaping society and what the future holds for humanity. The event invites residents to reflect together on the questions humans and society must ask amid a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Registration for each event opens two weeks before the event date through the Gangnam District Public Library integrated website and QR codes on event notices. Sign-ups for the Sept. 2 opening event are available starting Wednesday.
"I hope residents will rediscover the joy of reading through music, literary readings and conversations with authors — going one step further than simply reading a book," district mayor Kim said. "We will continue to expand opportunities for residents to encounter books and the humanities naturally at cultural spaces close to home."
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