International Students Share Their Favorite Artists

The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed three students about artists in their countries. This gives us the opportunity to share the voices of and learn from those who have experienced things that many of us have not. – Ed

Which movie director from your country would you like to introduce?
I would like to introduce Guillermo del Toro. He gained international fame by winning academy awards for films such as “The Shape of Water” and “Pinocchio.” He creates imaginative worlds through fantasy and animation. His films often contain scary and weird elements, but I think his charm radiates human warmth and Mexican spirit in his works.

What kind of people would you recommend this director’s work to?
I hope more Korean people get to know him. I think his style fits well with that of Korean directors. He is a bit similar to the director of “Parasite,” a film which revealed hard truths about society in a humorous and lighthearted way. So, I think Korean people will enjoy his work.

What are the differences between his movies and Korean movies?
Korean movies are often realistic, historical, and grounded in real life. But Guillermo del Toro uses fantasy and surreal elements, which is different from the realistic and gritty style of Korean movies. He shows humor and jokes even during difficult times. For example, when dealing with issues like earthquakes and Trump-related topics, Mexican people often use jokes or memes. We can see this Mexican spirit in his movies.

Can you tell me which novelist is gaining attention in Russian literature?
Classical writers remain popular in Russia, no matter how much times change. My favorite author is Leo Tolstoy, best known for his novel “War and Peace” and “Resurrection.” The reason is because when I first read this author Leo Tolstoy’s work, I found it was interesting and difficult at the time. Another author is Lyudmila Ulitskaya, who described family life and social issues insightfully.

What did you find most impressive about her works?
Lyudmila Ulitskaya explores Russian family dynamics, social issues, and the experiences of ordinary people in her novels, including “The Funeral Party: A Novel” and “Medea and Her Children.” I was impressed by her ability to examine moral and social themes, such as love and death, good and evil. Her characters feel real, and their struggles make the stories deeply relatable.

How has the general public reacted to these novelists’ works?
A lot of people in Russia really like these novelists. As I mentioned earlier, their works have received positive responses because they help readers reflect on and improve their lives and experiences. That’ s why I think they receive attention. Their books are studied in schools, which shows how respected they are in Russia.

Who is the most popular artist these days?
With his 2018 single “Lover Boy,” Phum Vipurit generated a huge response overseas. His musical style blends indie pop with neo-soul. He has toured continuously around Europe and the U.S., raising his global profile. The combination of soft, guitar based melodies and English lyrics has made his music a kind of lifestyle music for the younger generation in Thailand.

What do you think about the global spread of T-pop and Thai music?
I’m very proud that T-pop and Thai music are increasingly forming a global fandom. In the past, Thai music was mostly consumed only within Thailand, but recently, it seems that people all over the world have become interested in Thai lyrics and unique musical styles through platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Can you tell me about a popular music festival in your country?
The Wonderfruit festival is not only a music festival but it also features art shows, eco-friendly activities, and many workshops. You can spend the whole day and experience new cultures there. It is very special to enjoy music freely in nature, and many fans from other countries make it feel like a truly international festival.

By Kang Min-ji, Reporter