Actor and publisher Park Jeong-min has ventured into the world of immersive art with a unique auditory exhibition titled “Wanju:Record:01,” inspired by the novel My First Summer, Wanju by author Kim Keum-hee. The exhibition, which opened on May 23, is currently on display at LCDC Seoul, located in the trendy Seongsu-dong area of eastern Seoul.
The installation creates an entirely new sensory experience for visitors. In a darkened, 9.9-square-meter (106-square-foot) space, the audience is enveloped by the sounds of footsteps, chirping insects, and the voice of actor Ko Min-si. This auditory journey transports visitors into the fictional world of the novel, providing an opportunity for an experience that blends sound and fiction in a deeply personal and intimate way.
Park, who established the independent publishing house Muze four years ago, is known for his love of books and his dedication to amplifying often overlooked stories. He described My First Summer, Wanju as a project that resonates with him on a personal level, particularly as it bridges sound and narrative. The exhibition has already drawn over 1,000 visitors in its first week, attesting to its growing popularity.
During a recent book talk for My First Summer, Wanju, held at the venue, Kim Keum-hee expressed her admiration for the exhibition, noting that the auditory nature of the event evokes the same warmth and comfort as the voices that accompany her writing. Park also shared his emotional connection to the story, recalling the profound impact it had on him while filming for the Coupang Play original series Newtopia.
A multifaceted project, the exhibition also showcases a blend of visual and auditory elements. The story, which was first released as an audiobook in mid-April—specifically designed for visually impaired readers—has since been expanded into various formats, including music videos, soundtracks, and even paintings and sculptures. Visitors to Wanju:Record:01 can explore works by eight contributing artists, including painters, calligraphers, and ceramists from across Korea and Japan, offering a diverse range of perspectives on the story.
The Wanju:Record:01 exhibition is held in intimate 30-minute sessions, with a capacity of eight people per session. With 18 sessions held daily, tickets have sold out for an entire week, indicating the high demand for this unconventional exhibition format. Audience members have praised the experience, noting how it reimagines the solitary act of reading into a collective, multi-sensory event.
Park’s commitment to enhancing the accessibility of the novel is evident in his innovative approach to its release. Following its audiobook debut, My First Summer, Wanju was made available in print on May 8, quickly rising to number eight on the Kyobo Book Centre’s fiction bestseller list. The novel, set in the serene countryside, follows a protagonist seeking respite from burnout. With its pacing and transitions specifically crafted for an auditory experience, the novel features professional voice actors, including Ko Min-si, Kim Do-hoon, and Yum Jung-ah.
The exhibition has garnered significant attention for its creative blending of art forms and its ability to expand on the narrative. Park, who co-hosted the book talk with Kim and an audience of about 100 readers, is deeply involved in every aspect of the project—from planning to publicity. He has even incorporated symbolic elements in the exhibition, such as partition walls that represent the act of bridging gaps between marginalized communities and the audience.
As a cultural hub, LCDC Seoul is the perfect venue for this forward-thinking exhibition. Since its opening in 2021, the four-story cultural complex has become a major attraction for art lovers and visitors alike. The ground-floor exhibition hall, where Wanju:Record:01 is showcased, is particularly designed to heighten the immersive experience, drawing attention to the space itself as a key element of the exhibit.
Park, who recently announced a yearlong break from acting, has expressed his commitment to focusing on his publishing career. In addition to the exhibition, he is working on the next installment of the My First Summer, Wanju audiobook series and is committed to continuing his mission to highlight underrepresented narratives.
For those interested in experiencing the exhibition, Wanju:Record:01 will be on display at LCDC Seoul until June 10. Limited-edition books and merchandise are also available for purchase after viewing.
