Memorial Ceremony Held for the 18th Anniversary of Kwon Jeongsaeng's Passing... Literary Spirit Revisited

16th Kwon Jeongsaeng Literary Award
Author Lee Hyun's Full-Length Fairy Tale
"Blue Lion Wanini" Wins the Prize

On May 17, the 18th anniversary of the passing of children's literature author Kwon Jeongsaeng (1937-2007), a solemn memorial ceremony was held at "Kwon Jeongsaeng Fairy Tale Land" in Iljik-myeon, Andong City, North Gyeongsang Province.

Approximately 200 people, including children's literature authors from across the country, publishing industry professionals, and general readers, attended the event to honor Kwon's life and literary spirit with a moment of silence and floral tributes.

This memorial ceremony, organized by the Kwon Jeongsaeng Children's Culture Foundation, was designed to reflect on the literary legacy left by Kwon and to share its significance.

At the ceremony, Kim Youngdong, chairman of the Kwon Jeongsaeng Children's Culture Foundation, stated, "Fairy tales and children's poems are mysterious fruits that awaken the soul and nurture love between people," and added, "On behalf of the late author, I sincerely welcome everyone who has joined us here today."

Andong Mayor Kwon Kichang, in his memorial address, emphasized, "Kwon Jeongsaeng's works contain deep affection and compassion for children and the socially disadvantaged," and called on attendees to "carry on his legacy by building a warmer society together with our neighbors as we mark the 18th anniversary of his passing."

Five officials from the Korea Museum in Tokyo, Japan, also attended the event to introduce Kwon Jeongsaeng's works as part of Korea-Japan cultural exchange and dedicated the Japanese edition of Rangrangbyeol Ttaettaerong to the memorial hall.

They stated, "Since 2022, we have been running a Kwon Jeongsaeng fairy tale reading group, and we hope that this memorial ceremony will further deepen cultural understanding and solidarity between our two countries."

In addition, upon hearing news of recent wildfires in the Andong area, they delivered a donation of 1 million won?collected by volunteers in Japan?to Andong City as a gesture of solidarity.

At the 16th Kwon Jeongsaeng Literary Award ceremony, which followed, author Lee Hyun's full-length children's novel Blue Lion Wanini was selected as the winner. The recipient was awarded a prize of 10 million won.

The Kwon Jeongsaeng Literary Award was established to reaffirm the essence and value of children's literature and to carry on Kwon Jeongsaeng's literary spirit. Each year, the award recognizes and honors outstanding works of children's literature.

Kwon Jeongsaeng is regarded as a pivotal figure in Korean children's literature, known for works such as Mongsil Unni and Dog Poop, which are celebrated for their warm perspective on poverty, war, and marginalized neighbors.

Five officials from the Korea Museum in Tokyo, Japan, also attended the event to introduce Kwon Jeongsaeng's works as part of Korea-Japan cultural exchange and dedicated the Japanese edition of Rangrangbyeol Ttaettaegong to the memorial hall.