Writers from Canada, US win Nomo awards celebrating Korean diaspora

Three winners of the Nomo Literary Award were announced by the Literature Translation Institute of Korea on Monday. In the fiction category, Song Ji-young from Canada won for “Assembled Life,” which explores the linguistic, cultural and economic struggles of immigrants, likened to the challenges of

Sept. 3, 2024

Kim Ae-ran reflects on evolving views of growth in 'One of Them Is a Lie'

Describing her latest novel, “One of Them Is a Lie,” author Kim Ae-ran reflected on how her perspective on growth has changed since the release of her debut work, “My Brilliant Life” (2011). "I wanted to view growth differently. We often think of growth as getting bigger or advancing, but I’ve come to see it as more about shifting perspectives -- when other people’s stories and places enter into us, and those spaces grow within us,” said Kim during

Aug. 31, 2024

Journalist Daniel Tudor breathes life into Korea's last prince in novel

The historical novel “The Last Prince” weaves in imagination with the true story of Prince Yi Kang (1877-1955), the fifth son of Emperor Gojong, set against the backdrop of Korea’s turbulent history during the final years of the Korean royal family and the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945). In an unexpected twist for a work steeped in Korean history, the novel comes not from a Korean author but from Daniel Tudor, a British journalist and former Seoul correspondent for The Econo

Aug. 26, 2024

Mirinae Lee becomes first Korean to win William Saroyan for debut novel

South Korean author Mirinae Lee has won the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing for her debut novel, “8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster.” This biennial prize, jointly established in 2003 by Stanford University Libraries and the William Saroyan Foundation in honor of the novelist, playwr

Aug. 25, 2024

Travel essay bridges gap between Korea and foreign audiences with unique cultural insights

In Korea, the choice of alcohol can carry subtle social meanings. Saying, “Let‘s grab a beer,” and, “Let’s have some soju,” conveys different vibes, according to medical doctor and journalist Park Jae-young. Inviting someone for a beer typically means, “Let‘s hang out,” or, “I have something to talk

Aug. 24, 2024

New book compiles over 42 hours of interviews with Kim Dae-jung

Reflecting on South Korean history as a former president, Kim Dae-jung said, "When we examine history over the long term, those who dedicate themselves to the people are never truly defeated. They may face temporary setbacks, but history ultimately moves in the right direction." A new book on Kim Dae-jung (1924-2009) marks the centenary of the birth of the country's 15th president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate as well as the 15th anniversary of his passing on Sunday. Over 780 pages lo

Aug. 18, 2024

Poetic voices of resistance from Korea‘s darkest times

Eight poignant lines, penned by Yoon Dong-ju, one of Korea‘s most beloved poets, in November 1941, may be one of the most famous in all of Korean poetry: Until I breathe my last breath I wish to face my sky without shame. Even the wind blowing on leaves Has left me restless. With a heart singing hym

Aug. 17, 2024

Hyun Ki-young‘s epic ’Oh, Jejudo‘ and 15 others receive Daesan translation grants

Novelist Hyun Ki-young‘s three-volume epic novel “Oh, Jejudo” and 15 other Korean literary works have been selected for the 2024 Grants for the Translation, Research and Publication of Korean Literary Works, the Daesan Foundation said Monday. The novel, which won the fiction prize of the 31st Daesan

Aug. 15, 2024

Seoul International Writers‘ Festival to explore dual nature of literature

The 2024 Seoul International Writers‘ Festival will take place at the JCC Art Center in Jongno from Sept. 6 to 11 under the theme “Particles and Waves,” the Literature Translation Institute of Korea announced Monday. “This year’s theme is inspired by modern physics‘ definition of light, that it is b

Aug. 12, 2024

[Eye Interview] Actor-novelist Cha In-pyo reflects on trials of bringing his debut novel to global spotlight

Set in the peaks of Baekdusan in 1931, Cha In-pyo’s 2009 debut novel “Once We Look at the Same Star” captures the budding friendship of a young tiger hunter, Yong, and Suni, the village chief’s granddaughter, until their tranquil life is soon shattered by historical events. Infused with a fairytale-

Aug. 10, 2024

Ewha Womans University professor Chon Soo-young appointed LTI Korea head

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism appointed Chon Soo-young, emeritus professor of English Literature at Ewha Womans University, as president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, Monday. Chon will serve a three-year term. Born in 1954, Chon holds a master’s and a doctorate in English Literature from the University of Michigan. She has served as a professor in the English departments of Kyung Hee University (1993-1997) and Ewha Womans University (1998-2019). She was al

Aug. 5, 2024

New anthology series highlights 700 years of Korean ideologies

A landmark anthology series, "Changbi Anthology of Korean Ideology," has been published, compiling the writings and philosophies of 59 influential Korean figures spanning roughly 700 years, from the Joseon era (1392-1910) to contemporary times. The Korean-language series features luminaries such as Chong To-jon, who helped overthrow the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) and establish the Joseon Dynasty; King Sejong, who invented the Korean alphabet Hangeul in 1443; King Jeongjo, noted for his

Aug. 4, 2024

Magical girls battle climate change in Park Seo-lyeon's 'A Magical Girl Retires'

At 3 a.m., a young woman stands alone on Mapo Bridge in Seoul, leaning against the railing. Cars speed past, no one noticing her. She is contemplating ending her life: The pandemic has stripped her of her job, her debts are mounting and her hope is waning. It’s been two hours of deep, dark introspec

Aug. 4, 2024

[Weekender] Summer reads: Suggestions for books to take with you on vacation or staycation

The weather has been nothing short of erratic in Seoul, swinging from torrential rain to searing heat. Amid such atmospheric unpredictability, there’s no better moment to retreat indoors with a stack of books. To help you do just that, The Korea Herald asked around for some summer reading recommendations. The responses of the following figures, arranged alphabetically, have been edited for length and clarity. Cha In-pyo Author/actor "Questions and Answers on Trees" by Hwang Kyu

July 27, 2024

[Weekender] What we are reading at Korea Herald

The weather has been nothing short of erratic in Seoul, swinging from torrential rain to searing heat. Amid such atmospheric unpredictability, there’s no better moment to retreat indoors with a stack of books. Here are some summer reading recommendations from The Korea Herald. Lee Joo-hee Managing editor, The Korea Herald "American Diplomacy" by George F. Kennan "American Diplomacy" by the late diplomat and historian George F. Kennan is a compilation of his lectures a

July 27, 2024