Korean Literature: In the News & in the World

An Overview & Recap of Korean Literature in September 2021

Korean Literature flourished in September 2021, continuing its noteworthy innovation and growth. Korean authors and translated works gained momentum and recognition at an astounding pace on the world stage as the seasons shifted to Fall, and we are here to give you a glance into exactly what happened.

Each month, we curate and highlight the most notable moments in Korean Literature. Regardless of niche or genre, if it happened in Korean Literature, it is on our radar, and we strive to share it with you. From poignant new works to important milestones from a worldwide perspective, the realm of Korean Literature is our specialty.

September 2021 was a massive month for Korean Literature in terms of works published, learning institution support, and recognition across the globe. Continue reading to discover the most important moments that took place in the world of Korean Literature in the month of September 2021.

Korean Work on the 2021 National Book Awards Longlist for Translated Literature

The prestigious National Book Awards have been recognizing the best in literature for 70 years. It is among one of the premier awards available in the world of literature, and this year, a Korean author has found their way onto the longlist for the translated literature category of the award.

“On the Origin of Species and Other Stories” by Bo-Young Kim was written in Korean before being translated into English by Joungmin Lee Comfort and Sora Kim-Russell.

Kim, who has acted as a consultant on such hit films as Snowpiercer, is no stranger to success. She has won the South Korean Science Fiction Novel Award three times thus far in her illustrious career.

The book currently being recognized, “On the Origin of Species and Other Stories,” blends genres with effortless fluidity. It is striking, intellectual, and undeniably poignant, sparking praise among readers and critics alike.

Korean Government Donates Literature to Dhaka University

The relationship between South Korea and Dhaka University continues to flourish, and this latest gesture by the government of Korea is the most recent example. Lee Jang-keun, South Korean Ambassador to Dhaka, had the privilege of delivering a number of learning materials to Dhaka University this month.

Included in the materials were over 100 books. These materials, which were donated to the Korea Corner at the university, center around Korea and its language, giving students further access to informational resources and learning. This is especially impactful now, as more and more Bangladesh youth have taken interest in Korean culture and in learning the Korean language.

Powerful Memoir Published

Korean author Hwang Sok-Yong has a storied history as an activist for democracy, political agitator, and well-traveled novelist. Upon return from a visit to North Korea—from which he fled as a child—Hwang was imprisoned in the South Korean Seoul Detention Center.

This biography, which has been translated to English by Sora Kim-Russell and Anton Hur, details this imprisonment, and so much more. In many ways, it is a comprehensive memoir that spans Hwang’s experience from childhood to war to imprisonment, and beyond.

Through it, Hwang examines the non-physical prisons he has been subjected to, including thought, writing, and the heart. It is an immersive piece of literature that weaves the powerful story of a complex life.

New Novel from Han Kang

Renowned Korean author, Han Kang, has released her first novel in five years. The author, known for her work “The Vegetarian,” was recognized in 2016 when she won the Man Booker International Prize.

Her new full-length novel, titled “I Do Not Bid Farewell,” revolves around several themes, including the events that took place on April 3, 1948, on Jeju Island. It was here that a civilian massacre occurred in the wake of an uprising against an oppressive government.

Han Kang, however, does not want this event to define her new novel—nor does it. According to Kang, the work is about “crossing from death to life.” More importantly, though, Kang says that “I Do Not Bid Farewell” is about “utmost love.”

 

The world of Korean Literature has never been more diverse, expansive, and alive. We strive to provide Korean Literature enthusiasts of all varieties with the most important developments, news, and updates on a monthly basis. If you are interested in staying up to date with the latest happenings in Korean Literature across the globe, be sure to check back with us at the beginning of each month.