Participants pose during a CQ Forum at the New Zealand ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Tuesday, where calligrapher Kang Byung-in delivered a lecture on the philosophy behind the creation of Hangeul. Courtesy of the Corea Image Communication Institute

The creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, reflects Joseon-era King Sejong's willingness to "think different," calligrapher Kang Byung-in said, describing the Korean script as a writing system whose beauty lies in its structure and creative design.

Kang said this as he delivered a lecture Tuesday evening at the CQ Forum held at the residence of the New Zealand ambassador in Seoul. The event was organized by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), a nonprofit cultural organization that promotes Korea's global image and cultural exchange.

Launched in 2006, the CQ Forum invites diplomats, cultural figures and scholars to explore various aspects of Korean culture through lectures and discussions.

In a talk titled "In the Spirit of the Creation of Hunminjeongeum and the Think Different of Sejong and the Beauty of Hangeul," Kang reflected on the philosophical background behind the Korean writing system and the creative mindset that shaped it.

"The beauty of Hangeul does not mean it is the most beautiful script in the world," Kang said. "It refers to the originality of the system, in which the way the letters were designed, structured and expressed."

Kang is one of Korea's most prominent Hangeul calligraphers, known for pioneering modern calligraphy that blends traditional brush strokes with contemporary graphic design. Since the late 1990s, he has played a key role in popularizing Hangeul calligraphy in everyday visual culture.

His work appears in a wide range of commercial and cultural projects, including brand lettering for products such as Jinro's Chamisul soju, Hwayo liquor and Yeol Ramen, as well as title lettering for cartoon-turned-dramas "Misaeng" and "Awl." Kang has also exhibited internationally in cities such as Moscow, Madrid and Jakarta.

Calligrapher Kang Byung-in demonstrates Hangeul calligraphy during the CQ Forum at the New Zealand ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Tuesday, writing the Korean word for “spring day.” Courtesy of CICI

During the lecture, Kang argued that the defining trait of King Sejong's leadership was his intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas.

Source: Korea Times News