Zen Foto Gallery is proud to present TFW Korea, an exhibition by Yang Seung-Woo, running from January 10 to February 22, 2025. This exhibition celebrates the release of Yang’s latest photo book, also titled TFW Korea.
Moved by the struggles and stagnation faced by many young people attending his exhibitions in South Korea, Yang decided to create a project that would reflect their lives. This marks his first time photographing his homeland since his early, influential series The Best Days. For TFW Korea, Yang invited young Koreans to have their portraits taken, allowing them to select locations significant to them. Over 50 individuals participated in the project, and approximately 20 of these portraits will be displayed as color prints in the exhibition.
The accompanying photo book, published in September 2024, expands on the exhibition by including personal reflections from the subjects alongside their portraits. Yang also provides an afterword written in both English and Korean, offering his perspective on the project and its deeper themes.
The exhibition’s closing day, February 22, will feature a talk session where young people can engage directly with Yang. While the project initially focused on South Korea’s youth, Yang welcomes participants from all nationalities to share their experiences and perspectives.
Yang’s inspiration for the project stemmed from a tragic accident in 2023, during which a crowd crush in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood claimed many lives during a Halloween celebration. This, coupled with memories of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, deeply affected Yang and prompted him to explore the experiences of South Korea’s younger generations.
In recent decades, South Korea has become one of the most competitive societies in the world, with its modern challenges deeply rooted in its cultural and historical context. The result is a nation grappling with the highest youth suicide rate among developed countries and the lowest birth rate globally. Some young people, using dark humor, refer to their homeland as “Hell Joseon” (Hell Korea).
Yang’s TFW Korea highlights the resilience of these young people, portraying those who refuse to conform to societal norms in appearance, mindset, or ambitions. Through his photographs and accompanying interviews, Yang celebrates their individuality while critiquing a culture where the weight of expectations often stifles self-expression.
Through TFW Korea, Yang captures both the struggles and the remarkable spirit of South Korea’s youth, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of modern society and the enduring courage to forge new paths.