The More, the Better, alternatively referred to as Dadaikseon (Korean: 다다익선), is a video sculpture created by Nam June Paik for the purpose of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art during the 1988 Summer Olympics.
[2] The arrangement of screens displays a variety of imagery, including Korean folk drummers, Merce Cunningham's dance performances, airplanes, ceramics, birds, and more, presented in rapid succession.
By presenting a diverse range of imagery, the artwork aimed to overwhelm and challenge traditional notions of media consumption, preventing definitive satisfaction for the viewer.
The event aimed to capture the artistic highlights of multiple cultures in a single space, celebrating the connectivity and global fellowship facilitated by television.
It is worth noting that the title of the installation, "The More the Better," carries a touch of irony, underscoring its connection to mass production and consumerist culture, which reflects South Korea's own economic aspirations.
[5] The creation and restoration of The More, The Better held personal significance for Paik, as evidenced by the accompanying exhibition titled "Merry Mix: The More, the Better" (Sep 15, 2022 - Feb 26, 2023).
He received extensive support and was frequently commissioned to create projects for international events hosted by Korea, such as the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Summer Olympics, and the Expo '93.
At the time, South Korea's cultural expressions faced significant censorship under the military regime, which harshly punished intellectuals who dared to challenge its legitimacy.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) retrieved and restored these videos from their archive, presenting them as part of the special exhibition titled "Merry Mix: The More, the Better.
[7] As part of the comprehensive restoration plan announced in September 2019, the 18.5-meter-tall tower underwent the final stage, including a six-month test run in January and concluding on July 8.