A Triumph for Korean Fantasy: Lee Yeongdo's "The Bird That Drinks Tears" Named Finalist for France's Top Genre Literature Award

France’s Top Science Fiction and Fantasy Literary Award
Originality Highlighted by Unique Korean World-Building
Following Domestic Success, Capturing Attention in the European Market
Final Winner to Be Announced on May 18

Lee Yeongdo's epic fantasy novel "The Bird That Drinks Tears," a work that represents Korean fantasy literature, has been selected as a finalist in the foreign novel category of the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire, France's most prestigious genre literature award. On March 31, the publisher Golden Branch announced this news, adding that the French publisher assessed that even becoming a finalist is a testament to the work’s literary merit being recognized in France and across the wider European region.

The French Edition of Lee Young-do's The Bird That Drinks Tears. Golden Bough

The Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire is France’s most authoritative science fiction and fantasy literary award, chosen by a jury composed of journalists, writers, and critics, and it holds significant influence in the European genre literature scene. "The Bird That Drinks Tears," published in 2003 as a four-volume epic fantasy, has received critical acclaim for its unique world-building, which creatively weaves together Korean elements such as Dokkaebi (goblins), Ssireum (Korean wrestling), and Yutnori (a traditional board game). The novel has been recognized for combining Eastern imagination with philosophical narrative, selling over one million copies in Korea, and establishing itself as a leading work in Korean fantasy literature.

The novel has already been translated and published in over 30 countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, and Ukraine, building a global readership. The first volume of the French edition has also achieved significant success in the local market, selling over 20,000 copies within just four months of its release. Furthermore, Anton Hur, known as the translator of Bora Chung’s "Cursed Bunny," is in charge of the English translation, with the first volume set to be released in the United States and the United Kingdom this June. Through this, "The Bird That Drinks Tears" is expected to officially enter the English-speaking market, further demonstrating the expansion potential of K-fantasy.

This nomination is regarded as evidence that Korean genre literature has become competitive in the global literary market, which has traditionally centered on Europe. It is especially significant that a work reinterpreting traditional Korean cultural elements through modern fantasy narrative has resonated with international readers. The publishing industry believes that this achievement will serve as a catalyst to further accelerate the overseas expansion of Korean fantasy literature. Analysts note that, in line with the global spread of K-content, the literary field is also opening up new possibilities. The final winner will be announced on May 18 at La Comédie du Livre, a French literary event.

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