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| Yi Sang Literary Award | |
|---|---|
| Name | Yi Sang Literary Award |
| Awarded for | Literary excellence in short fiction |
| Country | South Korea |
| Presenter | Hyundae Munhak (현대문학) |
| First awarded | 1977 |
Yi Sang Literary Award
The Yi Sang Literary Award is a South Korean literary prize established to honor the legacy of Yi Sang (poet), celebrating excellence in short fiction and novellas. Founded by the literary magazine Hyundae Munhak and influential figures from Seoul's literary circles, the award has shaped careers of writers associated with movements around Seoul, Busan, and institutions such as Korea University, Yonsei University, and Sogang University. Recipients often have ties to publishers like Munhakdongne, Changbi Publishers, Minumsa, and journals including Literature and Society (문학과사회), Creation and Criticism (창작과비평), and Writer's World.
The award was inaugurated in 1977 by the editorial board of Hyundae Munhak to commemorate Yi Sang (poet), whose associations with Gwangju, Jeonju, and the modernist networks around Seongbuk-dong influenced Korean modernism. Early jurors included critics and novelists affiliated with Kim Seungok, Choe In-hun, Hwang Sun-won, Kim Dong-ni, and scholars from Seoul National University, Ewha Womans University, and Korea University. Over decades the prize intersected with debates tied to publications such as The Dong-A Ilbo, The Chosun Ilbo, and broadcasting institutions like KBS and MBC. The award's timeline reflects South Korea’s rapid social changes through the 1980s democratization movement, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, and the cultural policies of administrations from Park Chung-hee to Moon Jae-in.
Submissions are evaluated by a rotating panel including editors from Hyundae Munhak, established writers with links to Changbi Publishers and Munhakdongne, and literary critics who have taught at Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sogang University, or served on boards of institutions like the Korean Literature Translation Institute. Eligible works are typically short stories or novellas previously unpublished or appearing in journals such as Creation and Criticism (창작과비평), Literature and Society (문학과사회), Writer's World, Hyundae Munhak and small presses like Soyang Books and Open Books. The selection process has involved blind reading, plenary discussion among jurors influenced by figures like Kim Young-ha, Park Wan-suh, Shin Kyung-sook, Hwang Sok-yong, and periodic guest judges from international forums including participants connected to the Man Asian Literary Prize and festivals like the Seoul International Writers' Festival.
Winners have included prominent authors whose careers intersect with Korean modern and contemporary literature networks: Ko Un, Yi Mun-yol, Shin Kyung-sook, Hwang Sok-yong, Kim Young-ha, Park Wan-suh, Cho Se-hui, Kim Tong-ni, Choe Yun, Kim Hoon, Gong Ji-young, Jeon Sungtae, Pyun Hye-young, Bae Suah, Han Kang, Kim Ae-ran, Kim Bo-young, Lee Seung-u, O Chulmin, Kim Young-ha, Kang Kyeong-ae, Hwang Jung-eun, Jung Mikyung, Yi Gwangsu, Kim Hyesoon, Ko Un, Park Kyung-ni, Hong Seung-hee, Jang Eun-jin, Im Bok-sun, Chung Seo-kyung, Yang Gui-ja, Moon Chung-hee, Yu Hua, Haruki Murakami, Gabriel García Márquez (as comparative references in juror essays). Notable winning works that have circulated widely in Korean publishing include short stories and novellas later anthologized by Munhakdongne, Changbi Publishers, Minumsa, and translated by institutions such as the Korean Literature Translation Institute into languages promoted at events like the Frankfurt Book Fair, London Book Fair, and PEN International programs.
The prize has been administered by Hyundae Munhak with sponsorship from literary foundations and cultural bodies connected to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and corporate patrons from conglomerates like Samsung and Hyundai. The monetary award and publication opportunities have varied, with winners receiving cash, inclusion in anthologies issued by presses such as Munhakdongne and Changbi Publishers, and translation support via the Korean Literature Translation Institute or partnerships with international festivals like the Seoul International Book Fair. Administrative decisions are influenced by advisory committees including editors, university faculty from Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, and representatives from publishers like Minumsa.
The award has shaped literary careers, affecting contracts with publishers including Munhakdongne, Changbi Publishers, Minumsa, Open Books, and representation at festivals such as the Seoul International Writers' Festival and Busan International Film Festival when stories are adapted. Recognition by the prize has propelled writers into academic appointments at Seoul National University, Ewha Womans University, and residencies at the Seoul Art Space and Blue Mountain Writers' Residency; translations facilitated by the Korean Literature Translation Institute have brought works to fairs like Frankfurt Book Fair and journals such as Granta or The Paris Review.
Critics have debated transparency in juror selection and alleged cronyism linked to editorial networks around Hyundae Munhak, Changbi Publishers, Munhakdongne, and universities like Seoul National University and Yonsei University. Editorial disputes have appeared in outlets including The Hankyoreh, The JoongAng Ilbo, The Dong-A Ilbo and among critics such as Lee Oi-soo and Kim Young-ju. Debates intensified during periods associated with political shifts under leaders like Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, and during market changes after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Some commentators connected to literary circles at Sogang University and Ewha Womans University have called for clearer rules, more diverse juries including representatives from Korean Literature Translation Institute and independent presses, and reforms advocated in editorials in Hyundae Munhak and other journals.
Category:South Korean literary awards