South Korean literary giant Jo Jung-rae said his latest novel, “Golden Paper,” marks the beginning of the ultimate chapter in his literary journey. Reflecting on his extensive career since his debut in 1970, Jo categorized his years so far into two phases: The initial phase of short stories and novellas and the second phase which he dedicated to exploring the country's turbulent history through a number of epics -- “Taebaek Mountain Range,” “Arirang” and

"Seol Ja-eun Returns to Geumseong" By Chung Serang Munhakdongne Publishing Chung Serang, the author behind "School Nurse Ahn Eun-young," which was the base for the Netflix series "The School Nurse Files," ventures into the realm of historical mystery adventure with her latest novel, "Seol Ja-eun Returns to Geumseong." The novel marks a shift toward the historical and detective genres for the star writer who previously explored speculative fiction and scien

"A Heart Wishing for Blessings" (a literal translation of the Korean title) By Kim Hye-jin Moonji Publishing In Kim Hye-jin's short story, "Mokhwa Mansion," protagonists Man-ok and Sun-mi share a complex relationship of landlord and tenant, finding themselves in equally precarious situations. They look out for each other, extending neighborly assistance in the beginning. But when things get rough, Man-ok demands that Sun-mi vacate the house as soon as possible. Sun-mi re

"A Day of Your Existence" By Park So-young Changbi Publishers In the latest novel by emerging sci-fi writer Park So-young, titled "A Day of Your Existence," readers are transported to a captivating future society. The story unfolds in a world with a "human 7-day rotation system," where seven individuals share a single body -- due to environmental destruction and food scarcity. Within this system, known as “Bodymates,” each person utilizes the shared bo

GWANGJU -- To capture humans in works of literature is a pledge against violence, according to award-winning writer Han Kang. Han, who recently won the Prix Medicis for foreign literature in France and was the first Korean to do so, delivered a keynote speech on Wednesday at the 9th International Congress of Writers Writing in Korean. The event, organized by the PEN Korean Center, a member of PEN International, a worldwide association of writers founded in London in 1921, took place at the Kim D

Her happiest moment in writing so far was when she finished “I Do Not Bid Farewell,” said novelist Han Kang at a press conference in Yangcheon-gu, western Seoul, Tuesday. “Because it was a work that took me a long time and was so difficult to write,” she said. Han made history Thursday by winning the Prix Medicis for foreign literature in France, becoming the first South Korean author to achieve the feat. Portuguese author Lidia Jorge’s “Mercy” was named

Folktales are passed down through generations, evolving as they move from one storyteller to another. They transcend being merely old stories, but "stories of the present" and "stories of the future," according to South Korean novelist Hwang Sok-yong. A towering figure in the country’s literary scene since his debut in 1962, Hwang announced a distinctive turn in his literary journey: He will focus on folktales for children as he approaches the twilight of his career. Fo

Min Byoung-chul, widely known as a multicultural educator and for his practical English teaching, released his autobiography on Tuesday. Written in Korean, the book, “Solid Success Comes from a Chance Encounter," describes over 60 chapters how crossing paths with strangers in life led him to new opportunities. It expands on his interview in January this year on tvN talk show “You Quiz on the Block,” hosted by comedian duo Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho. The last chapter of t

South Korean author Han Kang’s latest novel, “I Do Not Bid Farewell,” has clinched the prestigious Prix Medicis for foreign literature in France, the first time a work by a South Korean author has received the prize. Portuguese author Lidia Jorge’s “Mercy” (“Misericordia” in French) is a co-recipient of the prize, which was announced Thursday. The Prix Medicis is one of the four major literary awards in France, along with the Goncourt, Renaudot and

South Korean author Han Kang won a prestigious French literary award Thursday with her novel "I Do Not Bid Farewell." The 2021 book was named the winner of the Prix Medicis award for foreign literature. The Prix Medicis, founded in 1958, is among the top literary awards honoring works of fiction in France. The foreign literature category was added in 1970 to recognize books published in translation. Han had also been nominated for the Prix Medicis with "Greek Lessons" in 2017

French writer Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio, recipient of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature, talked about myth and Jeju Island in a lecture at the Kyobo Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on Friday. Titled “The Myth and the Tale,” the lecture was hosted by the Daesan Foundation. Le Clezio emphasized the significance of myths, describing them as collective fictional creations. “Myths are collective fictional creations … and Korea has a rich source of inspiration through its

'Prescription for You From Memory Care' translation competition winner will be reviewed for publication by Penguin Random House

Novelist Hyun Ki-young became the oldest recipient of the Daesan Literary Awards Monday for his latest three-volume novel, "Oh, Jejudo” (Changbi Publishers), which narrates the whirlpool of Jeju Island myths and tales following the history of the island from the late Joseon period, the Japanese colonial period to the April 3 uprising and tragedy. “I am quite embarrassed to receive an award at this age when I should be giving out (awards),” said the 82-year-old writer durin

"Condolences for the Lost Time" (a literal translation of the Korean title) By Kim Hong-shin Hainaim Kim Hong-shin, the author of Korea's first million-selling novel, "Human Market" (1981), meets readers with "Condolences for the Lost Time," a narrative that delves into the torment and redemption of a person unfairly stigmatized by a group. The story begins with Han Seo-jin's daughter, Ja-in, reading her father's posthumous letter and retracing his li

"Ground Explorers" By Kim Cho-yeop Publion Best-selling science fiction writer Kim Cho-yeop has published her second full-length novel in two years. While her first novel, “Greenhouse at the End of the Earth,” which sold over 150,000 copies, told a story about plants taking over the Earth, her latest dystopian sci-fi novel, “Ground Explorers,” deals with fungi. Fungal spores that spread madness to humans take over the Earth, driving humans into dark, musty und