Novelist Lee Seungwoo Wins 3rd Jangheung Literary Award for Linked Stories "Voices"

Award Ceremony Held at Jangheung County Community Center on the 12th

Novelist Lee Seungwoo has been awarded the 3rd Jangheung Literary Award for his collection of linked short stories, "Voices."

On November 12, Jangheung County in South Jeolla Province announced at the award ceremony held in the main conference hall of the Jangheung County Community Center that Lee's work was praised for exploring the boundaries between ethics and faith within the human psyche, and for its delicate portrayal of moral conflict.

About 100 people attended the ceremony, including Deputy County Governor Noh Younghwan, who represented County Governor Kim Sung, figures from the literary community, local writers, and county residents. The winner received a plaque and a prize of 50 million won. Lee Seungwoo remarked, "Jangheung is the origin of my literature and the home of my heart," adding, "As this award holds special meaning for me, I will continue to deeply explore the truths of humanity and the world through literature."

The ceremony also featured a congratulatory performance by Baek Ja, a singer from Jangheung. Baek Ja received an enthusiastic response from the audience with songs capturing the spirit of Jangheung's nature, people, and literature.

Deputy County Governor Noh Younghwan stated, "The 3rd Jangheung Literary Award is an occasion to pay tribute to the passion and dedication of those who love literature," and added, "Jangheung, as a Nobel Literary City, will spread the power of literature beyond Korea to the world."

Baek Suin, chairperson of the Jangheung Literary Award Steering Committee, commented, "The small rural village of Jangheung is now in the literary spotlight," and pledged, "We will continue to ensure that the Jangheung Literary Award broadens the base of Korean literature and enhances the status of Jangheung as a special literary tourism destination."

Meanwhile, the Jangheung Literary Award was established in 2023 to honor the literary spirit of writers from the region and to recognize those who have contributed to the development of Korean literature. This year marks the third recipient of the award.