Poet Yi Sang: A Multidisciplinary Talent Ahead of His Time

In an era where artificial intelligence blurs the lines between academic disciplines and industries, the concept of a '융복합형 인재', a multidisciplinary talent, is increasingly emphasized in education. However, the ability to connect different fields and create new value is not a recent development.

Poet Yi Sang (1910-1937) exemplified this ideal nearly a century ago, seamlessly navigating the worlds of architecture, art, and literature. Initially dreaming of becoming an artist due to his exceptional drawing skills, Yi Sang followed his uncle's wishes and enrolled in the architecture department at Kyongseong Imperial College of Engineering.

After graduating at the top of his class and working as an architectural engineer for the Government-General of Chosen, he did not settle for a stable career. By day, he drew architectural plans; by night, he wrote poetry and novels. He merged the seemingly disparate realms of technology and art within a single creative output.

Yi Sang entered the literary scene in 1930 with his novel '12 Days' published in the 'Chosun' magazine. He was part of a literary movement alongside figures like Park Tae-won and Jeong Ji-yong, pushing the boundaries of Korean literature with his unique perspective.