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Poet Cheon Yang-hee Wins 38th Jeong Ji-yong Literary Award for 'The Power of Words'

From Hankyoreh · (5m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Poet Cheon Yang-hee has been awarded the 38th Jeong Ji-yong Literary Award for her work 'The Power of Words.'
  • The award committee praised the collection for its deep exploration of the comforting, healing, and resonant power of words.
  • Cheon, who debuted in 1965, expressed her honor at receiving the award in her 60th year as a poet.

The prestigious Jeong Ji-yong Literary Award has been bestowed upon the esteemed poet Cheon Yang-hee for her collection 'The Power of Words.' This recognition marks a significant milestone, celebrating the profound impact of her work and her enduring contribution to Korean literature.

The award committee lauded Cheon's collection for its insightful examination of the multifaceted power of language. 'The Power of Words' delves into how words can offer solace, facilitate healing, and foster connection, prompting readers to reflect on the essence of language and the role of poetry. The committee described the work as a 'moving piece that makes one think about the essence of language and the role of poetry.'

Cheon Yang-hee, who made her literary debut in 1965, expressed her deep gratitude and honor upon receiving the award. "It is an honor to receive the Jeong Ji-yong Literary Award in the year of my 60th anniversary as a poet," she stated. "Poetry is not a luxury, but a value." Her words underscore the significance she places on her craft and its intrinsic worth.

This year's Jeong Ji-yong Literary Award ceremony is part of the larger Ji Yong Festival, held annually to commemorate the beloved poet Jeong Ji-yong, a native of Okcheon. The festival, scheduled from May 14th to 17th, will feature a variety of literary events, performances, and cultural activities, further enriching the appreciation of Korean poetry and its celebrated figures.

It is an honor to receive the Jeong Ji-yong Literary Award in the year of my 60th anniversary as a poet. Poetry is not a luxury, but a value.

โ€” Cheon Yang-heePoet Cheon Yang-hee's acceptance speech after being awarded the 38th Jeong Ji-yong Literary Award.
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Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.