Publication Industry Promotion Agency Announces 345 Literature Sharing Titles... "Fundamental Exploration of Humanity Stands Out"

Distribution of 200,000 Literary Books Nationwide
Programs to Connect Authors and Readers Also Planned

The Publication Industry Promotion Agency of Korea announced on September 12 that it has finalized the selection of 345 titles for the "2025 Literature Sharing" program.

This year’s review covered 4,468 literary books whose first editions were published between June 2024 and April 2025. A panel of 100 experts in each field conducted the first and second rounds of evaluation, ultimately selecting 61 novels, 83 essays, 51 poetry collections, 139 children’s and young adult books, 7 literary critiques, and 4 plays.

The selection committee commented, "Even in a rapidly changing environment driven by advances in technology such as artificial intelligence and digital media, works that do not lose sight of fundamental explorations of humanity stood out." They added, "The selected works demonstrate the power of literature to inspire reflection and empathy among those living in the present." The committee further stated, "We hope the Literature Sharing project will become a vital institution that helps overcome the current crisis in Korean literature and supports the creative environment."

Starting in November, the Publication Industry Promotion Agency plans to distribute approximately 200,000 copies of the selected books free of charge to public libraries, small libraries, university libraries, social welfare facilities, cultural institutions, and Korean cultural centers abroad. A survey to assess book demand among distribution sites is scheduled for October.

Additionally, the agency will operate the "Literature Sharing Author Support Program," which directly connects authors and readers. Beginning with a book concert at Marronnier Park in Daehangno during "Literature Week 2025" on the 14th, events will continue at major locations nationwide, including Mokpo Literature Museum on the 20th, Mirinae Library in Wonju on the 21st, and Poeun Heunghae Library in Pohang on the 28th. Authors Eun Heekyung and Han Junghyun will meet readers under the theme "Personal Narratives and Life," while poet Jeong Hoseung will discuss "The Literary Value of Love and Pain." Regional readings, discussions, and lectures will continue after October.

Furthermore, the agency will showcase and promote the selected books at "Reading Korea," held at Seoul Children’s Grand Park from September 26 to 28; the "62nd National Library Conference" from October 22 to 24; and the "2025 Busan International Children’s Book Fair" from December 11 to 14. Major bookstores and cultural complexes such as Kyobo Bookstore, Arc N Book, and Sangsangmadang will also feature pop-up stores and book exhibitions to introduce the selected titles.

An agency official stated, "We will continue to build a literary ecosystem that connects authors, publishers, and readers, and to promote the diversity and value of Korean literature both domestically and internationally."

The announcement of the selected titles, the list of books, and the evaluation comments for the "2025 Literature Sharing Project" can be found on the agency’s website and the Sejong Books online system.