Lee Min-jin, Author of 'Pachinko,' Wins Manhae Literary Award

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The Manhae Literary Award has been awarded to Korean-American novelist Min Jin Lee (photo, 54).

Min Jin Lee gained significant attention with her novel "Pachinko," which deals with the history of a Korean-Japanese family spanning four generations. When it was first published in the United States in 2017, it was shortlisted for the National Book Award and received high praise from former U.S. President Barack Obama, who called it "a powerful story of resilience and compassion." Earlier this year, it attracted renewed interest when adapted into a drama of the same name on Apple TV.

Co-recipient of the award is poet Yu Jahyo (75), who has portrayed deep interest and affirmation of life and existence. Yu debuted in 1972 with the poem "Wedding" and currently serves as the president of the Korean Poets Association.

The Manhae Peace Award was given to Aiko Utsumi (內海愛子, 81), professor emeritus at Keisen Jogakuen University in Japan, who has researched Korean war criminals during the Pacific War and post-war compensation issues. The Manhae Practice Award was jointly awarded to Monk Tangkyeong of the Dana Corporation (58), who has worked to help the homeless, and Professor Lee Sangmuk (60) of Seoul National University, who has led education for disabled youth despite being paralyzed.

The Manhae Award, commemorating the life and philosophy of Manhae Han Yongun (韓龍雲, 1879?1944), was established in 1997 and is now in its 26th year. Each year, recipients are selected in six categories: practice, peace, poetry, arts, academics, and propagation. The prize money is 100 million won per category.

This year’s Manhae Award ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on the 12th of next month at the Haneulnaerin Center in Inje-gun, Gangwon Province, with awardees including writer Min Jin Lee in attendance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.