Gwangju Biennale chief regrets China's withdrawal over Taiwan row

As diplomatic tensions surrounding the Taiwan Pavilion project heighten, the organizers of the Gwangju Biennale have pleaded for a clear distinction between the art exhibition and the political disputes engendered by the controversy. The issue stems from the choice to label a project by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts as the Taiwan Pavilion, which caused a group of Chinese artists and organizers to bow out of the exhibition on Thursday, contending that the title intermingled political matters with the realm of culture.

Youn Bum-mo, the chief executive of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation, voiced his disappointment over the situation while maintaining that the foundation adhered to its established administrative procedures. During a press conference at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, on the eve of the 72-day event, Youn expressed deep regret for the state of affairs, stating, "It is truly regrettable that we have reached this situation, and I am deeply sorry."

He emphasized that the foundation had wished for the Chinese Pavilion to participate throughout the duration of the event, and the subsequent withdrawal was profoundly disappointing.