Poet Park Joon Explores a Century of Korean Modern Poetry

Poet Park Joon, often called the 'idol of the poetry scene,' has delved into the rich tapestry of Korean modern poetry with his latest work, 'Regardless of Joy or Sorrow.' The book meticulously curates 66 significant poems spanning a century, from Kim Myeong-sun (1896-1951) to Kim Nam-ju (1995~), accompanied by Park's own prose.

“

Looking back at 100 years of Korean modern poetry, I realized that the first-generation poets, who had no predecessors during a dark age, did almost everything related to poetry, and we are building on top of that.

Unlike conventional poetry analysis, Park's essays are not mere appendages to the poems. They stand independently, offering a loose connection while retaining his unique voice and perspective. For instance, his commentary on Kim Myeong-sun's poem 'Last Will', a raw expression of pain and anger, adopts a contemplative distance, describing the scene as if observing from the "edge of life." Similarly, his reflections on Kim Eok's 'The Time of Love' explore the ephemeral nature of love with a characteristic sensitivity, questioning the finality of its end.

Park, known for his consistent exploration of love in his own poetry, finds a poignant resonance in Hwang Ji-woo's 'To My Wife as We Age,' where love is defined as 'growing old together, doing our best.' Park recounts a personal anecdote: a past lover once read this poem to him. Years later, revisiting it out of longing, he felt a pang of regret, realizing the "distant future where we cannot grow old together" had made him melancholic.

“

Love ends like this. (...) Even while watching love, which was once immense as light, gradually fade, I look around, wondering if this is truly the end. Since my seat is not uncomfortable, I intend to stay a while longer.

The book also touches upon personal memories, such as Park's recollection of his older sister, who was always a source of new knowledge and possessed a bright, cheerful disposition. He recalls her giving him a red candy on his palm, a memory that, like the white bush clover in Lee Won-su's poem 'Bush Clover,' seems to hold a bittersweet significance.

“

Growing old together, doing our best.

Park admits to not reading poetry daily, stating he can only do so when a "good thought suddenly arises." This requires a "sincere heart standing on tiptoe" in a state of mental clarity. His literary sensibility, now a central part of the poetry scene, is evident in his discussions on writing and reading, his admiration for Kim Soo-young's disciplined approach to life, and his encouragement to embrace new poetry, as seen in his introduction to Kim Nam-ju's work. Park hopes his selection and commentary will encourage readers to explore the vast forest of poetry beyond his own distinct style.

“

The distant future where we cannot grow old together made me melancholic.