"Silcheon Munhaksa Causes Harm to All, CEO Yoon Han-ryong and Poet Ko Un Must Apologize"

Work Published Without Consultation with Editorial Advisory Board

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Regarding the publication of poet Ko Un's poems in the 146th issue of Silcheon Munhak (Winter 2022 issue) without consulting the editorial advisory committee, poet Lee Seungha (professor of Creative Writing at Chung-Ang University), a member of the advisory committee, has urged Silcheon Munhak Publishing CEO Yoon Hanryong and poet Ko Un to issue an apology.

In a contribution published through the literary magazine Newspaper, the poet pointed out that Yoon Hanryong, CEO of Silcheon Munhak Publishing, released a magazine containing Ko Un's poems and books without consulting the eleven editorial advisory committee members. In particular, he stated that even the responsible editor (Koo Hyoseo) was unaware of Ko Un’s poem "Kim Seongdong-eul Gokham" published in the 146th issue of Silcheon Munhak (Winter 2022 issue).

Last month, poet Ko Un published the dialogue collection Conversations with Ko Un and the poetry collection Song of Nothingness through the same publisher, and included a memorial poem for writer Kim Seongdong in the 146th issue of Silcheon Munhak (Winter 2022 issue). This public activity, without any apology five years after sexual harassment allegations, sparked significant opposition.

The poet stated that the release of Ko Un’s books led to a boycott movement against Silcheon Munhak Publishing, causing harm to many writers, and demanded that an apology be published in the Spring 2023 issue. He said, "The publication of Ko Un’s poetry and dialogue collections has become an act that harms everyone who has published books with Silcheon Munhak Publishing," and added, "A sincere apology must be made to all authors who have published with Silcheon Munhak Publishing."

He also urged poet Ko Un to offer a sincere apology. The poet pointed out, "The two books published by Ko Un clearly convey the meaning ‘I have always been pure, I am innocent,’ which has angered readers," and stated, "What Ko Un needs is self-reflection and an apology."

Furthermore, the poet requested that his name be removed from the editorial advisory committee starting from this year’s Spring issue.