Writing is not simply about crafting beautiful sentences; it is about honesty, authenticity, and an inner dialogue
The spirit of Korean literature is deeply rooted in history, emotion, and collective experience – Dr. Byeong Cheol Kang
[Mr. Byeong Cheol Kang, based in Jeju Island, is a renowned Korean poet and writer, translator and journalist, laureate of numerous international literary awards, Vice President of the Korea Institute for Peace and Cooperation, and Doctor of Political Science.]
Interviewed by Jakhongir Nomozov | Uzbekistan
—Let’s begin our conversation with Korean literature… In your opinion, what are the unique characteristics of Korean literature?
—The spirit of Korean literature is deeply rooted in history, emotion, and collective experience. Central to it is the concept of “han”—a uniquely Korean sentiment of sorrow and endurance, reflecting the nation’s struggles and hopes. This emotional depth gives Korean literature its powerful resonance.
While shaped by universal literary traditions, Korean literature is especially marked by reflections on historical trauma—such as the Japanese occupation, the Korean War, and national division—often portraying individuals caught in the tide of greater historical forces. A key strength lies in its blend of tradition and innovation. From classical forms to modern experiments like one-line poems, Korean literature embraces change while honoring its roots. It also mirrors the country’s competitive social landscape, pushing boundaries in form and content. Contemporary Korean writers are increasingly addressing issues of gender, class, and identity, giving rise to diverse and personal voices. With the help of the internet, Korean literature now reaches a global audience more rapidly, expanding its influence and cultural exchange.
—Which literary genres do you feel most connected to? What draws you particularly to these genres?
—The literary genres I feel most deeply connected to are poetry and short stories. Poetry captivates me with its condensed emotional power and lyrical beauty. A single line of verse can contain an entire universe of emotion, memory, and meaning. Short stories also strongly draw me in. I particularly enjoy the twists and turns that reveal how an individual’s life can be interpreted in unexpected ways. This sense of discovery and insight continues to move me and draws me ever deeper into the world of literature.
—Do you think it is important for a writer to discover and express their true “self”? How does the search for identity manifest in your own work?
—Yes, I believe it is very important for a writer to discover and express their true self. Writing is not simply about crafting beautiful sentences; it is about honesty, authenticity, and an inner dialogue. When a writer sincerely faces their memories, emotions, values, and sometimes contradictions, their work gains depth, clarity, and a powerful resonance. Readers naturally sense when a voice is genuine. In my own work, the search for identity is a recurring theme. Whether I write poetry or fiction, I am continually drawn to questions such as: What kind of identity does a human possess? How is my individual identity related to the identity of humanity as a whole? How am I connected to language and to others? Sometimes, I explore these questions through personal reflection; other times, through characters who experience struggles with belonging, change, and the confusion of memory. Especially within the context of Korean literature, where collective history and personal experience are deeply intertwined, discovering the self is a journey that moves between tradition and modernity, the private and the political. For me, writing is a process of self-recognition and redefinition, and I believe that this journey itself gives literature its lasting significance.
—As a writer, what kind of philosophical worldview do you adhere to? How does this worldview influence your literary creations?
—As a poet and writer, I am drawn to a philosophical worldview that embraces human complexity, the Buddhist concept of impermanence, and interconnectedness. I see life not as a series of fixed absolutes but as a constantly changing flow where contradictions coexist—joy and sorrow, certainty and doubt, individuality and community. This perspective encourages me to explore characters and themes with nuance and empathy rather than seeking simple answers. This worldview deeply influences my literary work. I often focus on the fluidity of identity and the ways people navigate history, memory, and relationships. I am particularly interested in how individuals find meaning amid uncertainty and change, and how personal stories intersect with larger social and historical forces. I also pay attention to the fact that people with absolute certainty have perpetrated mass atrocities. When looking at their personalities, there is a tendency to pursue absolute good while believing that many evil people must be punished. My writing aims to reflect this complexity through layered narratives, poetic language, and open-ended questions rather than clear resolutions.
Ultimately, I believe literature’s role is to mirror the richness of human experience—embracing both its beauty and ambiguity—and to invite readers into a profound dialogue about existence.
—How do you maintain a balance between freedom and responsibility as a writer?
—I believe that maintaining a balance between freedom and responsibility as a writer is important. On one hand, writing requires creative freedom—the ability to explore ideas, emotions, and forms without constraint. However, this freedom of expression comes with responsibility: responsibility to the truth, to the subjects represented, and to the readers. Especially when dealing with sensitive topics or real experiences, I am always careful to consider the ethical impact my words may have.
—What kind of mental or emotional preparation do you undertake before beginning the creative process? What emotional experiences does the act of writing bring you?
—Before beginning the creative process, I take time to calm my mind and prepare my emotions. I usually do this through quiet meditation or introspection, helping me settle mentally and open myself to inspiration. I try to clear away distracting thoughts and focus on the feelings, memories, or questions I want to explore through writing. Sometimes, I reflect on personal experiences or immerse myself in the atmosphere related to the theme of my work. Visiting meaningful places or noting down emotions felt while witnessing beautiful landscapes during travels also greatly helps my creative process.
—How important is it for a poet to express their inner pain?
—It is very important for a poet to express their inner pain. Poetry is a special tool that can transform intense emotions into art. When inner pain accumulates, it makes a person unhappy. Through honest expression in poetry, a poet can elevate their pain into beauty and create a strong sense of empathy and connection with readers. This allows the poet to heal and give meaning to their personal suffering, while also offering readers an opportunity to ease or heal their own pain. Through poetry, inner pain can reveal universal truths about human vulnerability, resilience, and hope.
—What are the most challenging issues you face as a creative individual?
—As a creative individual, one of the most challenging issues I face is maintaining a balance between inspiration and consistent effort. Creativity often comes unpredictably, so when inspiration is lacking, I focus on reading and practicing writing regularly. Another difficulty is balancing economic livelihood with creative focus. When I have to work to make a living, it becomes hard to write with ease and freedom. Overcoming the anxieties of life and maintaining confidence in my own voice is a difficult challenge. External pressures such as time constraints, financial concerns, and audience expectations also place a heavy burden on the creative process.
—What is your perspective on the interaction between literature and politics? How do they influence one another?
—Literature and politics interact very closely and influence each other in complex ways. Literature often serves as a mirror of society, capturing political realities, social struggles, and ideological conflicts. Through novels, poetry, and essays, writers can critique power structures, give voice to the marginalized, and imagine alternative futures. In this way, literature becomes a form of political engagement and resistance. Authoritarian regimes often suppress poets and writers who are critical of the government. Politics, in turn, shapes the conditions in which literature is created and received. Political systems, censorship, and social policies determine what can be freely expressed and what is suppressed. Historical events and political climates also affect the themes, styles, and urgency of literary works. For example, during times of oppression or upheaval, powerful literary movements often emerge that challenge authority and call for change. In the case of Korea, while freedom of expression was once restricted in the past, it is now widely protected and openly practiced.
Ultimately, literature and politics are in constant dialogue, and together they contribute to our understanding of identity, justice, freedom, and community. This dynamic interaction enriches both fields and deepens our way of perceiving the world.
—What are your thoughts on the future of Korean literature? In what ways can contemporary writers contribute to that future?
—I believe the future of Korean literature is full of great potential and possibility. As Korean society becomes increasingly globalized and diverse, Korean literature is also evolving—expanding in its range of themes, styles, and voices. The emotional depth and cultural richness that form the tradition of Korean literature still resonate powerfully, and they are now being expressed in more diverse and innovative ways. Korean literature is open and eager to engage with and learn from the world. Most importantly, writers must preserve their individuality and authenticity while actively participating in open dialogue. When the truth of personal experience is shared through literature with global citizens, it becomes a powerful force that fosters empathy, understanding, and cultural exchange. As today’s writers cross both national and artistic boundaries and broaden their perspectives, the future of Korean literature will become more vibrant, inclusive, and globally meaningful.
— How have significant historical and political events in Korea inspired you? How are these events reflected in your works?
—Significant historical and political events in Korea have given me profound emotional and intellectual inspiration. Events such as the Japanese occupation, the Korean War, the division of the Korean Peninsula, and the democratization movements have not only left deep marks on the collective consciousness of the Korean people but have also strongly shaped my identity and sense of purpose as a writer. I try to find points of empathy by imagining how global citizens may have felt in comparison to what Koreans experienced during these periods. These moments of shared historical emotion often appear in my works—sometimes directly through the stories of characters who lived through those times, and sometimes symbolically, through universal human emotions such as migration, longing, and hope. I am especially drawn to the lives of those quietly swept up by history. Forgotten voices, untold stories, and the moral questions that arise amid oppression and change captivate me. In my poetry and fiction, I aim to show that history is not just a backdrop, but a living force that continues to influence our emotions, relationships, and choices today. Through literature, I strive to keep memory alive, to offer a space for healing and dialogue, and to reflect deeply on how we are beings who live within, yet also transcend, history. For example, I once found myself mesmerized by the beauty of a birch forest in Poland. In that moment of enchantment, I suddenly missed the sunlight of my homeland. This led to the realization that migrants around the world must also feel a deep yearning for their places of origin. The image of people living in beautiful and safe countries still aching for their war-torn or impoverished homelands moved me deeply.
The lives of countless refugees are not only the lives of today’s global citizens, but also mirror the lives of our own ancestors.
—What aspects of Korean cultural heritage do you strive to explore? How has this exploration influenced your creativity?
—The aspects of Korean cultural heritage I seek to explore include traditional values, historical memory, folk tales, language, and especially the deep, uniquely Korean emotion known as “han” I am also deeply interested in the transmission of stories across generations, the tension between Confucian values and modern individualism, rituals and family structures, and the influence of oral traditions on identity formation. However, my greatest focus is on the impact of the Buddhist heritage. The process of exploring Buddhist cultural elements has profoundly influenced my creative work. The Buddhist worldview, which expansively transcends time and space, greatly aids in explaining and understanding the fundamental, existential questions of human nature. This exploration of Buddhist culture has led me to realize that local identity and global empathy are not in conflict. On the contrary, the deeper the exploration, the more common human experiences emerge that connect across religions and borders. This awareness strengthens my writer’s voice and enables me to create stories and poetry that are culturally specific yet emotionally universal.
Read: A Thought from Morocco – Poetry from Korea
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Jakhongir Nomozov is a young poet and journalist from Uzbekistan. He is also a Member of the Azerbaijan Journalists’ Union.
