The 37th Manhae Literary Award Goes to Kim Myung-gi's Poetry Collection 'Standing Like a Person with No Place to Return'

Poet Kim Myung-gi. Photo by Changbi

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Kim Myung-gi's poetry collection "Standing Like a Person With No Place to Return" has been honored with the Grand Prize at the 37th Manhae Literary Awards.

Poet Kim Myung-gi was born in 1969 in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, and debuted in 2005 through the quarterly magazine "Sipyung." His works include poetry collections such as "Che Guevara Met on Bukpyeong Market Day," "Terminal Restaurant," and "Standing Like a Person With No Place to Return," as well as a food column collection "Meeting the Taste World of Uljin." He has received awards including the Gosan Literary Award and the Writer's Spirit Literary Award.

The awarded work expresses the sorrow of this era where powerless lives are killed or abandoned, using concise language. The judging panel stated, “The heartfelt desire to care for all abandoned lives beyond the boundary between humans and animals, and the pure compassion for beings destined for disposal deeply resonate. Without exaggerated emotions, it contemplates the depths of existence and shows a masterful sensitivity that individually perceives the sorrow of abandoned beings.”

The Special Prize was awarded to "The World That Met the Last Words: Disabled Liberation Martyrs Who Remain Here Even After Death," created by Changjo and six others.

The Manhae Literary Award was established in 1973 by Changbi Publishing to honor the achievements of Manhae Han Yong-un. It targets works from writers with over ten years of experience, focusing on works from the past two years. The prize money is 30 million KRW for the Grand Prize and 10 million KRW for the Special Prize. The award ceremony is scheduled for the end of November.

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