Core Points - The event aims to enhance cultural exchange between China and South Korea through literature, featuring prominent authors and scholars from both countries [1][2][4] - The APEC meeting serves as a significant opportunity for cultural dialogue, with expectations for deeper collaboration in literature and translation [4][6] - The concept of "cultural roots" is emphasized, highlighting the shared literary heritage and mutual influences between the two nations [4][6][9] Group 1: Event Overview - The event was co-hosted by the Global Times, the Korean Cultural Center in China, and Beijing Language University, featuring speeches from key figures in literature and culture [2][4] - Notable participants included award-winning authors and translators who discussed the impact of Chinese and Korean literature on each other [2][6] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The term "same root and origin" was frequently used to describe the relationship between China and South Korea, emphasizing their geographical and cultural proximity [4][6] - The event highlighted the importance of literature as a medium for cultural understanding and the need for increased translation and publication collaboration [4][6][9] Group 3: Literary Exchange - Recent years have seen a rise in the translation of contemporary Chinese literature into Korean, with works like "To Live" and "The Three-Body Problem" gaining popularity [6][9] - Discussions included the universality of themes in literature, such as family and responsibility, which resonate across cultures [6][7] Group 4: Future Directions - The event called for a renewed focus on reading literature from neighboring countries, suggesting that greater awareness of each other's literary works can foster understanding [9][10] - The role of youth in shaping the future of Sino-Korean relations through literature was emphasized, with hopes for new inspirations and ideas emerging from such exchanges [10]

Core Perspective - The article discusses the evolution of the social image of the elderly in China from 1900 to 2025, highlighting the transformation from traditional views to a more diverse and active perception of the elderly in contemporary society [1][34]. Phase Summaries Phase 1: Traditional and Turbulent "Respectable" and "Obsolete" (1900-1949) - The elderly were viewed through a dual lens: as "respectable" figures rooted in Confucian culture and as "obsolete" individuals amidst societal upheaval [2]. - Traditional family structures placed elderly men in positions of power, symbolizing authority and moral guidance [2]. - The collapse of traditional values led to the emergence of the "obsolete" image, where some elderly were criticized as outdated and irrelevant [5]. Phase 2: Collectivism and "Revolutionary Elders" (1949-1979) - Post-1949, the elderly's value shifted to their political identity and revolutionary contributions, with "old revolutionaries" gaining respect [9][10]. - Elderly women transitioned from traditional roles to "revolutionary mothers," reflecting the changing gender dynamics [10]. - The Cultural Revolution polarized elderly images, with some being revered and others vilified based on their political stance [14]. Phase 3: Transition and Reflection "Lost" and "Watchers" (1980-1999) - The reform era emphasized economic development, yet traditional family values persisted, with elderly often seen as family heads [16]. - Literature and film began to reflect on the historical experiences of the elderly, portraying them as witnesses to national history [17]. - The rise of market economy led to a decline in the traditional authority of the elderly, with many feeling marginalized and disconnected from societal changes [19]. Phase 4: Deep Aging and the Diverse Image of the Elderly (2000-2025) - By 2000, China officially entered an aging society, with projections indicating that by 2024, over 22% of the population will be aged 60 and above [21]. - The elderly's image has become increasingly negative, often framed as a societal burden due to issues like pension gaps and healthcare challenges [21][22]. - The concept of "silver economy" has emerged, recognizing the elderly as consumers rather than just dependents, leading to a rise in industries catering to their needs [24][26]. - Urban and rural elderly face different challenges, with urban seniors benefiting from social security while rural seniors often experience neglect [27]. - The emergence of "active elderly" and "new elderly" reflects a shift towards a more empowered and engaged image of the elderly, emphasizing lifelong learning and personal fulfillment [30][34]. Future Outlook - By 2050, the elderly population is expected to reach 500 million, necessitating a redefined image that emphasizes their contributions and diversity [34]. - The future elderly image should transition from "passive recipients" to "active contributors," recognizing their potential as valuable societal resources [34][35]. - Acknowledging the internal diversity of the elderly population is crucial, promoting a multifaceted representation that includes various lifestyles and contributions [35]. - Emphasizing lifelong learning and adaptation to technological advancements will be essential for integrating the elderly into modern society [36]. - A shift in focus from mere survival to a holistic approach that values the dignity and quality of life for the elderly is necessary for societal progress [36].

Core Insights - The article highlights the evolving landscape of reading habits in Beijing's subway, showcasing how commuters engage with books amidst a fast-paced environment [2][3][4] Group 1: Reading Trends - The author has documented over 2,800 reading moments and 1,300 different books, indicating a strong culture of reading among commuters [2] - Classic literature remains popular among subway readers, with titles like "Dream of the Red Chamber," "Ordinary World," and "Three-Body Problem" frequently observed [3][4] - The influence of social media and short video platforms is reshaping reading preferences, leading to a rise in books like "The Art of War" due to their association with trending content [4] Group 2: Changes in Book Formats - There is a noticeable shift towards digital reading formats, with more readers opting for e-books and audiobooks, reflecting a trend towards "immersive reading" in a fragmented media landscape [5] - The types of books being read are also changing, with an increase in smaller, more portable editions, while traditional heavy volumes are less common [5] - The publishing industry faces the challenge of adapting deep content to fit the busy lifestyles of modern readers, prompting a reevaluation of how books are presented [5]

Core Perspective - The adaptation of Yu Hua's short story "Classical Love" into a stage play by Meng Jinghui represents their third collaboration, following "To Live" and "The Seventh Day," highlighting the theme of personal fate amidst the backdrop of a grand era [1][3]. Summary by Sections Adaptation and Performance - "Classical Love" premiered at the 2025 Anaya Theatre Festival, with tickets selling out quickly and the opening delayed due to long entry lines [3]. - The stage design features modern elements, creating an abstract maze-like environment, while the music blends electronic and classical styles to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative [3][7]. - The play will return to Beijing's Hive Theatre from August 6 to 10, continuing to explore reality through its performances [3]. Author's Reflection - Yu Hua reminisces about his writing process for "Classical Love," noting that it was a parody of popular literary forms of the time, diverging from traditional narratives to explore unexpected outcomes [5][8]. - The story revolves around the tragic love between Liu Sheng and Miss Hui, culminating in themes of despair and the futility of hope, reflecting contemporary human experiences [5][7]. Thematic Exploration - The adaptation intertwines elements from Yu Hua's other work "Blood Plum Blossom," creating a narrative that traverses time and space, while presenting a postmodern sense of nihilism [7]. - The play's emotional impact is evident, as audience reactions include expressions of sorrow and despair, indicating its resonance with modern societal issues [7]. Artistic Philosophy - Both Yu Hua and Meng Jinghui are recognized as avant-garde figures in the cultural sphere, with Meng emphasizing that the essence of avant-garde lies in its posture rather than its outcomes [9]. - Yu Hua believes that the core of a literary or theatrical work is its treatment of time, which serves as the soul of the narrative [10]. Contemporary Relevance - The themes of "Classical Love" resonate with the feelings of disillusionment and existential angst prevalent among today's youth, reflecting a broader societal malaise [11]. - Yu Hua's philosophy on life emphasizes endurance and acceptance of fate, suggesting that the strength of existence lies in resilience rather than aggression [11].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the establishment of Meng Jinghui's theater studio in Hangzhou's Binjiang District, marking a significant expansion of his theatrical influence beyond Beijing [1][2] - Meng Jinghui's latest work, "Classical Love," premiered at the 2025 Anaya Theater Festival, showcasing a collaboration with writer Yu Hua, and represents a modern reinterpretation of love through a postmodern lens [2] - The studio aims to serve as a bridge between avant-garde art and the public, promoting a series of classic and original works while utilizing the cultural space "Dianhun Zizai Li" for regular theatrical activities [1] Group 2 - "Classical Love" incorporates innovative technology, such as real-time dynamic capture interactive devices, aligning with Binjiang District's emphasis on technological innovation [2] - The successful premiere of "Classical Love" at the Anaya Theater Festival sets the stage for its upcoming performances in Hangzhou on July 26 and 27, inviting local audiences to engage with the redefined concept of love [2]

Core Insights - The event "In the Rain, Shouting - A Cross-Border Dialogue between Literature and Film" featured renowned author Yu Hua, who expressed his excitement about the emergence of new literary talents like Liu Chuxin, who recently won the Li Jiang Literary Award for his novel "Mud Pit" [1] - Yu Hua emphasized the importance of perseverance in writing, noting that Liu Chuxin's 20 years of dedication without publication eventually led to his success [1] - The publication of "Yu Hua's Literature Class" in April marks a significant moment for Yu Hua, who considers himself an excellent reader and reflects on the profound influence of various authors on his writing [1] Author Influence - Yu Hua identified Japanese author Yasunari Kawabata as a key influence, teaching him the importance of detail in writing [1] - Franz Kafka inspired Yu Hua to embrace freedom in writing, encouraging him to write without constraints [1] - Nobel laureate William Faulkner helped Yu Hua understand psychological portrayal in literature, emphasizing the need to bring characters to life [1] Literary Legacy - Yu Hua's works, including the novel "To Live," have transcended textual boundaries, leading to adaptations in film and theater, showcasing the dialogue between literature and other media [1] - The 1992 publication of "To Live" in "Harvest" magazine and its subsequent film adaptation in 1994 by Zhang Yimou highlight the cross-media impact of Yu Hua's storytelling [1]