Korean Literature: In the News & in the World

An Overview & Recap of Korean Literature in August 2021

Another month is in the books, and Korean Literature continues to thrive on the world stage.

August 2021 saw several notable accomplishments in Korean Literature, spanning new works, translations, and the enshrinement of a notable poet. It was, undoubtedly, a month of diverse developments in the comprehensive world of Korean Literature.

To aid you in staying up to date with all of the exciting events that have taken place, we have compiled and highlighted some of the more impactful literary moments of the last month. From new works you should know about to the ways in which Korean Literature is expanding on a global scale, this is your source for all things Korean Literature.

August 2021 was a big month for Korean Literature, so continue reading to discover the recent happenings in the world of Korean Literature, what you may have missed, and what you should know.

Korean Novel Written by Artificial Intelligence

A full-length Korean novel found its way onto bookstore shelves in August. Clocking in at over 500 pages, this novel was the first of its kind—a work of literature written entirely by artificial intelligence (AI).

The AI author, known as Birampung, was managed by Kim Tae-yon, a Korean novelist and mathematician. The catalyst behind this project? The repetitive nature of writing, according to Tae-yon, who has written several other books.

Prominent Poet Honored by University

Known primarily for his contribution to the culture and literature of Kazakhstan, Abai Qunanbaiuly is a 19^th-century composer, philosopher, and poet renowned by those familiar with his work. His body of work has been widely translated and embraced across the globe.

In a symbolic ceremony recognizing the growing bond between Korea and Kazakhstan, a bust of this iconic literary figure was unveiled on the campus of Seoul Cyber University. It was a truly beautiful moment representative of the importance of artistic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Band Members to Publish Children’s Books

Popular boyband TVXQ has announced that they will publish children’s books. This project, part of the show “Check This Out,” involves the band meeting with four children to develop stories and create the books. The books are written and illustrated by the band members.

There is something beautiful about reconnecting with the inner child we all carry within us. As the band profoundly put this sentiment, “we felt the childlike innocence in our hearts that we had forgotten.” The members hope that those who read the books will “rediscover their childlike hearts.”

New Publisher Brings Korean Comics to More English Readers

The prominence of Korean comic books is no secret in the literary world. With the popularity of these works growing across the globe, especially in English-speaking nations, a new publisher has arisen to facilitate the impressive spread of Korean comic book literature.

Goggas, a Korean publisher that specializes in bilingual publishing, has released two first-time translations of Korean comic books. They are available in Korean and English and can be found at a wide selection of popular bookstores, including giants Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

According to Goggas, these two comics are simply the beginning, and a whole host of bilingual works will be published in the future. The hope is to further propel Korean comic books onto the world literature stage.

Korean Poems Translated and Published in the United States

Two Korean poets recently had their work published in the United States. Choi Dong-ho, who has been a poet for 50 years, and Lee Soho, an up-and-coming talent in the genre, were born 40 years apart, and their works span generations.

Both Choi’s “Monarch Butterfly” and Lee’s “Catcalling” received translation and publication grants from the Daesan Foundation.

Anthology Dives into the Impact of Early Modern Feminists in Korea

Investigating the past is key to understanding the present and shaping the future, especially when it comes to cultural trends and significant societal change. While Korean literature has been historically dominated by men, female writers in the early 1900s left a permanent and vital mark.

These trailblazers are widely considered to be among the first modern Korean feminists and to have shaped the feminist movements of today. A new anthology has reexamined and translated the works of these brave women. Titled “Modern Girl,” this compilation of pertinent literary works includes an essay collection, poem anthology, and short story collection.

With authors like Baek Shin-ae, Kang Kyeong-ae, and Rha Hye-seok, this anthology is a must-read for those interested in the origins of modern feminism, seeking meaningful anecdotes born of real-life experiences, or looking for significance in a modern world shaped by the moments recorded in these pages.

If you enjoy literature and the ways in which it influences our ever-changing culture, be sure to follow Korean Literature. Each month, we highlight the most notable developments in the realm of Korean Literature, keeping you informed on recent happenings and exciting future works. Simply check back each month for your essential Korean Literature update.