Korean City of Gwangju apologizes over Taiwan Pavilion Controversy

The local government stepped in directly six days after the biennale organizers allowed the use of the "Taiwan Pavilion" name, stating, "We respect the One-China Principle," in an attempt to quell the situation.

Gwangju City issued an apology on the 31st, stating, "We deeply apologize for the controversy that arose due to insufficient communication between participating institutions regarding the biennale pavilions (special exhibitions)." The city emphasized, "Our stance on respecting the One-China Principle, in line with the government's diplomatic policy, remains unchanged," and clarified, "The designation of the Taiwan Pavilion is merely an expression left to the participating artists in the artistic domain and does not imply that the city or the biennale recognizes Taiwan as a country." It further stated that it would thoroughly investigate operational issues in the event's preparation process and take appropriate measures.

This controversy was self-inflicted by the biennale organizers' "inconsistent administration." Earlier, the Gwangju Biennale had prohibited the use of the "Taiwan Pavilion" name and insisted on using "National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition Hall (NTMoFA Pavilion)" since last June. This led to strong backlash from Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and the international art community. Mayor Min Hyung-bae of Jeonnam-Gwangju also stated, "I oppose the intervention of political and administrative power in the artistic domain." In response, the biennale organizers approved the reversion to the "Taiwan Pavilion" name on the 25th.

When the "Taiwan Pavilion" name was reinstated, China reacted strongly. Ambassador Dai Bing of the Chinese Embassy in South Korea visited Mayor Min in person on the 27th to express strong regret over the approval of the name. The following day, artists and staff affiliated with the Chinese Pavilion at the Ha Jung-woong Museum of Art in Seo-gu halted all installation work, escalating the situation.

As the situation spiraled into chaos, Jeonnam-Gwangju City eventually issued an apology to appease China. It was reported that the city had agreed with the Chinese Embassy to conclude the controversy by releasing the apology statement. A source from the Gwangju Biennale stated, "Since we approved the name change for the Taiwan Pavilion, no further measures are planned," and expressed hope that "the Chinese Pavilion would proceed as scheduled, ensuring the exhibition runs smoothly."