Graphic novelist Kim Geum-sook becomes first Korean comic artist to receive France's Order of Arts and Letters

South Korean graphic novelist Kim Geum-sook has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Korean comic artist to be honored with the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from France. The prestigious award was presented on April 28, recognizing her profound impact on the graphic novel medium and her compelling narratives.

The Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957, is France's highest cultural honor, bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture. Kim's selection highlights her unique ability to construct powerful and original worlds within the "ninth art," as graphic novels are often called.

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Kim Geum-sook is building the most powerful and original world in graphic novels, called the 'ninth art.' Through her works, she goes beyond simple historical testimony, conveying emotions delicately and accurately with a calm and powerful style, creating a deep dialogue between France and Korea, and between the individual and the world.

Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador to South Korea, praised Kim's work for transcending mere historical testimony. He noted her ability to convey emotions with a "calm and powerful" style, fostering deep dialogues between France and Korea, and between the individual and the world. Bertoux specifically mentioned Kim's graphic novel 'Geu-ri-um' (longing), which sensitively addresses the Jeju Uprising of 1948, a painful chapter in Korean history.

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I learned how free art could be in France 32 years ago and encountered graphic novels. The completion of a book is the reader's share. Writing and drawing, and reading, are all processes of healing and recovery. I hope this leads to reflection on 'what it means to be human.' I believe that is my small resistance against violence.

Kim, who initially pursued installation art, found her calling in graphic novels during her studies in France 32 years ago. She views the creation and consumption of her work as a process of healing and recovery, hoping it leads readers to reflect on the human condition and serves as a personal form of resistance against violence. Her upcoming work, slated for release in October, will focus on the Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion.

Kim's international recognition is further solidified by previous accolades, including the Eisner Award for Best International Publication (2020) and a special jury prize at the France Info Prize for Comics (2019). Her debut work, 'Father's Song,' was first published in France in 2012, establishing her presence in the global graphic novel scene.

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Her work 'Geu-ri-um' (longing) deals with the Jeju Uprising, a great pain in Korean history, showing the painful collective memory of the community. It plays a pioneering role, and the Jeju Uprising is later dealt with in a novelistic and poetic way in Han Kang's work.