CHOO Youn-Kong

Born in Seoul, S. Korea in 1954, to father who was a painter and mother who was a school teacher. Started in teenage years to painting, grew up, but without much hope. In 1974, once studied law for the bar, but desire to express something important in life. Began art education with a conviction that something vitality important exists. For the ten years to come, tried hard to find out the truths and meaning of life through painting. More confusion... perhaps, there exists some other mode to express myself.

In 1987, grew attached to the Black/White photography, during this period, I met S. Korean documentary photographer Choi Min-Shik, a prominent documentary photograper in South Korea, and his Black/White photographs deeply touched me.

Every year since 1981, I showed my painting works in various exhibitions, and some paintins are selected in various national art contest, but the feeling of emptiness that prevailed in me was unstoppable. Confusions and disorder...

In 1988, last solo exhibition of my painting, but I decided to quit painting for good. Bought a 35mm Nikon camera with a 50mm lens, and on to the streets. I wanted to see and get at the truth of the lives of people.
Contributed to the International news agencies as a freelance photographer, and worked in various news sites.

In 1989, offered position as a staff photojournalist from Agence Frace-Presse, began to work for AFP. The more time spent on the streets for my persona Black/White photography.
In 1990, with colleagues, held a photo exhibition with the Black/White documentary photographs in Seoul. In 1993, second exhibition with the Black/White documentary photographs in Seoul.

In 1995, in and outbound activities as AFP staff photojournalist, but couldn't help thinking that I don't belong here for good. Life seems to head for its own desitionation.
In 1996, notification from the London Natural History Museum. They selected one of my pictures from Kobe earthquake for a permanent exhibition for 15 years. Held a third joint photo exhibition in Seoul.

In 1996, held a solo exhibition in Seoul with my personal Black/White photographs, titled "The Hollow Men"

In 2001, posted to AFP Indonesia bureau as chief photojournalist.

2005, After the 2004 Asia Tsunami, quit AFP. Living in Indonesia, working as freelance photojournalist.