On the 3rd of December 2024, then South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in South Korea. On the 4th of December 2024, the opposition parties submitted the motion to impeach President Yoon. On the 4th of April 2025, the constitutional court upheld the impeachment in a unanimous 8–0 decision. It took a total of 121 days.
Two photographers from The Print Room, a black-and-white analogue photography studio and darkroom in Seoul, documented these historic moments through their respective lenses.
Paul Gadd and Kim Su-jin recorded the scenes of democracy unfolding across Seoul for the entire 121 days, centred around Gwanghwamun Square and extending to Yeouido, Anguk, Hannam-dong, Mapo, and Gwacheon. Though the two photographers' perspectives come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, they converged through their shared interest in democracy and civil society. Notably, all works were shot on analogue film. In an era when digital cameras have become commonplace, both artists deliberately chose film as their medium. Each scene was carefully selected, frame by frame, and hand-printed in the darkroom. This process ensures that every photograph embodies the artist's time and labour.
On the 3rd of December 2024, then South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in South Korea. On the 4th of December 2024, the opposition parties submitted the motion to impeach President Yoon. On the 4th of April 2025, the constitutional court upheld the impeachment in a unanimous 8–0 decision. It took a total of 121 days.
Two photographers from The Print Room, a black-and-white analogue photography studio and darkroom in Seoul, documented these historic moments through their respective lenses.
Paul Gadd and Kim Su-jin recorded the scenes of democracy unfolding across Seoul for the entire 121 days, centred around Gwanghwamun Square and extending to Yeouido, Anguk, Hannam-dong, Mapo, and Gwacheon. Though the two photographers' perspectives come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, they converged through their shared interest in democracy and civil society. Notably, all works were shot on analogue film. In an era when digital cameras have become commonplace, both artists deliberately chose film as their medium. Each scene was carefully selected, frame by frame, and hand-printed in the darkroom. This process ensures that every photograph embodies the artist's time and labour.
Exhibition Poster
The first day from 121일
All the world’s a stage No Man’s land The first day Moment of silence Liminal place Lee Jae Myung – The first march Crossing the line Mugunghwa flower has bloomed 204 14 December After the verdict At Sejong culture centre Cagged Celine Final hours Fish cake at the palgakjeong Flag and fortune Flag man of democracy Instant noodle Lost in translation March to Namdaemun MSKGA On that day SNo Man Santas grotto Screaming from the sidelines Sitting at South gate Solitary protester Stop the “steel” The wall View from Junghak Wake up and smell the doughnut watch your bag 멸윤 Noodles Beam me up Eye’s on Yoon Where’s Wally We come in peace Vigil at Yoon’s Trash can Time out No China Nothing is free Press at Yeouido Quilted Sleep over Snakes and ladders Something’s brewing Steam clean Magpie light sticks Keep off our democracy Keep in line Hanging with the locals Hammer time Halmeoni stop Gyeongbokgung Palace Dad’s army Early morning at Gyeongbokgung Effigy Effigy #2 Eomuk-kkochi Force fed Flypost Free fingers Consequence of Youtube Chit chat Black & White Bear ears I want my cat to join right now.