Choo Mi-ae: "I Will Never Give Up—Shaping a Stronger Gyeonggi Province Like Crafting Ceramics"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae expressed her determination to build a stronger and more beautiful Gyeonggi Province, stating that although there are many challenges she must resolve, she will not give up, but rather shape the future tenaciously, just like crafting ceramics.

At the opening ceremony of the "2026 Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale" held on the 17th at the outdoor square of the Icheon Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum, Governor Choo said, "Every time I look at ceramics, it reminds me of our own lives," conveying her thoughts on the occasion.

Governor Choo stated, "Just as clay becomes firm and beautiful when it meets water and fire and transforms into something completely different from its original state, we, too, are shaped and deepened—both internally and externally—through countless experiences and encounters. I believe that Gyeonggi Province is also currently undergoing such a transformative time."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae is speaking at the opening ceremony of the Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale 2026 held on the 17th at the outdoor plaza of the Icheon Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum in Icheon. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

She continued, "There are countless challenges to resolve, and sometimes, things will not go as planned—just like clay slipping through your fingers and turning into dust. However, I will never give up. Even if the clay is scattered, I will collect it bit by bit with care, and—together with the wisdom of our residents and the dedication and hard work of our public officials—endure through the intense times. In this way, step by step and little by little, I will relentlessly work to shape Gyeonggi Province into something even stronger and more beautiful."

In particular, she added, "The tradition of ceramics is something uniquely ours, which we must continue to cultivate and promote globally. I hope Icheon, Yeoju, and Gwangju together will become remarkable places that continue the legacy of global ceramic art. I promise to devote myself even more so that Gyeonggi Province will shine brighter as a proud cultural representative."

Celebrating its 13th edition this year, the Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale is the nation's only ceramic arts biennale (a biannual international art event), taking place for 45 days from September 18 to November 1 throughout Gyeonggi Province, including Icheon, Gwangju, and Yeoju.

Under the theme "Earth Makes," the event features a thematic main exhibition, international competition, special exhibitions, and collection showcases, as well as scholarly activities such as academic conferences and workshops on ceramics. There will also be hands-on events for visitors—including a Children’s Biennale, traveling biennale programs, a ceramics market, and various educational and experiential programs. Tickets can be purchased through Naver Reservation, Ticketlink, or on-site at the event venue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.