Visitors read calligraphy works featuring poems written by President Ho Chi Minh between 1942-43.—VNA/VNS Photo Minh Duc

HA NOI (VNS)– As many as 45 calligraphy works by 24 leading South Korean artists celebrating the prison diary of late President Ho Chi Minh are on display at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in downtown Ha Noi.

The event is one of a series of cultural activities marking the Viet Nam – South Korea Friendship Year and the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The works on display feature poems from the diary - titled Nhat Ky Trong Tu in Vietnamese - along with sketches illustrating Ho Chi Minh's time in prison. Much of the poetry demonstrates his patriotism, determination and aspiration for freedom and an independent nation and is written in the Chinese language as it was created while he was imprisoned in China by the Chiang Kai-shek Administration between August 1942 and September 1943.

In the past 50 years, the diary has been translated into various languages and inspired both domestic and foreign artists in different fields. In 2000, it was translated into Korean and struck a chord with many South Korean calligraphers.

Their representations of the diary have been exhibited in many cities in the two countries.

The current collection on display has been given to the museum as a gift. – VNS