Gong chronicles 25-year literary career

Popular author Gong Ji-young, who is also known for her social activism, has published an anthology chronicling her 25-year literary career. The book, titled “To love is to be hurt,” consists of a total of 365 excerpts from Gong’s previous novels and essays.

“The book is my own celebration of my career,” Gong told reporters during a press conference in Seoul, Monday.

“I chose a total of 365 entries, as one year consists of 365 days. I thought it’d be nice for my readers to read one entry a day.”

Gong, whose popular books include “The Crucible” and “Maundy Thursday (Also titled as ‘Our Happy Time,’)” also has been working on a range of progressive issues, including labor rights and youth advocacy.

In August, she published a non-fiction essay titled “Musical Chair” about the infamous Ssangyong Motor incident in 2009 ― when the automaker laid off some 2,600 of its employees. A total of 23 workers have lost their lives since, mostly by suicide.

“I have no intention of enlightening the public,” said Gong when asked about her social activism.

“It was easier to write than not doing anything about what’s happening to the laid off workers. It’s hard to expand your literary imaginations when there are so many people suffering around you.”

Gong was recently announced as one of the 31 mentors of the Democratic United Party presidential candidate Moon Jae-in, along with prominent poet Shin Kyung-rim and literary critic Do Jong-il.

“Literature is all about people’s lives,” said Gong, who openly admitted she supports Moon during the press meeting.

“So it’s natural for writers to talk about social and political issues that affect people’s lives. I think it’s much more political when a writer does not talk about politics at all.”

The newly-published anthology comes with a audio version, which Gong voiced herself. She is currently working on a number of new novels, the writer said.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)