Geumcheon-gu will host the "2026 Geumcheon-gu Book Concert" featuring author Kim Cho-yeop on Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. in the main auditorium of the Geumcheon-gu District Office, district mayor Choi Gi-chan announced.
The book concert is designed to give residents a chance to meet authors in person, exchange ideas through literature and deepen their interest in reading. This year's series centers on science fiction, science and the humanities, with two separate sessions — each pairing a themed lecture with a pre-show performance to offer a distinctive literary and cultural experience.
The first book concert will feature Kim Cho-yeop, one of the leading voices in Korean SF literature. Kim won both the grand prize and an excellence award in the novella and short story category at the second Korea Science Fiction Literary Awards in 2017, and has connected with readers through works including "If We Can't Go at the Speed of Light," "The Greenhouse at the End of the Earth" and "The World I Just Left."
Known for using science-based imagination to offer fresh perspectives on technology, the future, humanity and society, Kim has also received the Today's Writer Award, the Young Writer Award and the Korea Publishing Culture Award.
At the event, Kim will meet readers under the theme "SF: How to Sense Other Worlds," exploring how science fiction can reframe familiar reality and discussing the many ways our perception and senses can expand.
Before the lecture, a creative performance using AI technology will take the stage. The audiovisual show, tailored to the themes of science and technology, is intended to heighten the atmosphere of the book concert and build anticipation for the main talk.
Registration is available through the Geumcheon-gu District Office's integrated reservation website. Geumcheon-gu residents receive priority sign-up through Sunday, after which applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until Aug. 31. Residents unable to register online may also sign up in person on the day of the event.
This year's Geumcheon-gu Book Concert runs across two sessions in September and November. On Nov. 14, actor and novelist Cha In-pyo will take the stage as the second speaker for a talk centered on the humanities.
"I hope the book concert gives residents a chance to develop a greater interest and enthusiasm for reading," district mayor Choi said. "We will continue to put together a wide range of literary and cultural programs so that books and culture remain a close part of everyday life."
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