AI researcher wins Hankyoreh Literary Award for debut novel 'Monsters of Adaptation'

Lee Seung-hyung, an AI researcher and doctor of education philosophy, has won the 31st Hankyoreh Literary Award for his debut novel, "Monsters of Adaptation." The award marks a significant moment as it's the first time an AI researcher has won the prize, and the first time a novel with AI as a central theme has been selected.

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If a novelist reads novels and writes novels, I will read theses and write novels.

The novel is set in a logistics center near the ancient Gaya tombs in Gimhae, South Korea. It contrasts the "sleeping people" of thousands of years ago with the "sleepless workers" of today, who labor under an AI system designed to maximize productivity by suppressing their need for sleep. The story follows characters like Jae-il, a "night worker" who is an immigrant, and Soo-ah, a contract worker who repairs robots. The narrative delves into a "circular exploitation system" where workers willingly participate in "rational exploitation" for financial gain, with only Soo-ah seemingly retaining the ability to dream.

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I burned reason during the day writing theses and poured out emotions at night writing novels.

Lee, who previously worked as an assistant professor at Dong-eui University, stated that his academic background influenced his writing. He explained, "If a novelist reads novels and writes novels, I will read theses and write novels." He described his writing process as a blend of academic rigor and emotional expression, noting that he would "burn reason during the day writing theses and pour out emotions at night writing novels." Despite his academic achievements, Lee emphasized the challenges of transitioning from academic language to literary expression, having revised the manuscript around 15 times to "show, not explain" his research.

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The transition from researching to 'showing without explaining' was the most difficult.

The novel's climax, where the ancient tombs collapse and spill onto the conveyor belts of the logistics center, was described by the judges as a "cinematic climax." This dramatic scene visually connects the "sleeping dead" of the past with the "sleepless living" of the present, creating a surreal and powerful effect. Lee's work is praised for its clear structure, cold and transparent prose, rapid narrative pace, and grounded depiction of contemporary social issues, all contributing to a unique literary experience.

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The cinematic climax in the latter half of the novel, where the tombs collapse and spill onto the conveyor belts, was a scene where I cried while laughing.