Reader vote launched to select future stars of Korean literature

Yes24, a major online bookseller in South Korea, has initiated a reader voting campaign to identify the "Young Writers Who Will Lead the Future of Korean Literature" for 2026. This initiative, launched in 2015, seeks to discover and spotlight the next generation of K-literature talent.

Over the years, the campaign has gained significant traction, with approximately 3 million Yes24 members voting to recognize 166 emerging authors. Past recipients include notable writers such as Kim Ae-ran, Jung You-jeong, Choi Eun-young, and Kim Cho-yeop. The selection process for the 2026 candidates involved recommendations from publishing experts, editors, and journalists, focusing on authors who debuted less than 10 years ago.

This year's nominees include 16 writers such as Go Seon-gyeong, Gong Hyeon-jin, Kim Ki-tae, Kim Chae-won, Park Seon-woo, Seo Jang-won, Seong Hye-ryeong, Shin Yi-in, Yeo So-yeon, Wi Su-jeong, Yu Seon-hye, Lee Sang-mi, Lee Hee-ju, Im Seon-woo, Cheong Ye, and Ham Yun-yi.

Readers can cast their votes on the Yes24 website until July 12, with one vote permitted per week. Participants will receive a 30-day Crema Club membership and weekly reading support funds. Additionally, purchasing any domestic book totaling 20,000 won or more from the nominated authors' works will earn customers special merchandise designed by illustrator Im Jin-ah. In-person voting is also available at six Yes24 physical stores nationwide.

Yes24's Book Business Division head, Cho Seon-young, emphasized the campaign's cultural significance, stating, "The Young Writer campaign is a cultural event where readers directly name the 'young writers who will lead our literature' and continue their voluntary support." She expressed hope that the campaign would offer a unique experience for readers to choose and cheer for the authors who will shape the future literary landscape amid growing interest in K-literature.

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The Young Writer campaign is a cultural event where readers directly name the 'young writers who will lead our literature' and continue their voluntary support. We hope that readers will have a special experience choosing and cheering for the authors who will lead the future literary scene.