Jeong Ho-seung


Jeong Hoseung, also Jeong Ho-seung, is a popular South Korean poet.

Life

Born in South Gyeongsang Province in 1950, Jeong Hoseung grew up in Daegu, and graduated with a degree in Korean literature from Kyung Hee University. That same year, he began to contribute to the literary magazine 반시, and published his first novel, Memorial Service. He was the winner of the Tenth Dong Seo Literary Prize in 1997, also winning the Sowol Poetry Prize

Career

Jeong's themes include societal schisms, poverty and alienation, but his work is noted to present these themes with lyrical grace and innocence that removes any trace of hectoring. Jeong intentionally focuses on suffering in the hope that in despair some hope can be found and that this can become the basis for a more successful future. The poet also depicts the resentment and enmity that stirs in the hearts of farmers and workers whose very roots have been taken from them in a sterile South Korean society, and their attempts to resist and overcome these conditions. He spoke for the masses and took as his poetic duty, praising people for their willful and courageous attitude toward life and helping them believe in their future.
Jeong Hoseung's style of writing has often been described as being similar to traditional Korean folk songs or popular ballads.

Selected works

Works in Korean (partial)

Poetry collections

Sorrow to Joy Jesus in Seoul Sunrise Letter The Stars Are Warm The Unshakable Reed Die in Love Because I Am Lonely, I Am Human When Tears Come, Take the Train The Person I Love For This Short Time Embrace The Cost of Rice Wayfaring To the Daffodil A Letter Not Sent - bilingual Though Flowers Fall I Have Never Forgotten You - bilingual
  • ''I Refuse Hope''

Children's books

The Magpie That Flew to the Sea
  • ''The Sorrows of Emily Jong''

Works in Translation

  • Five poems in - translated by Mia You
  • "Snail" in - translated by Mia You
  • "South Han River" in - translated by Mia YouThough Flowers Fall I Have Never Forgotten You: The Collected Poems of Jeong Ho-seung - translated by Brother Anthony of Taizé and Susan Hwang Loving - translated by Brother Anthony of Taizé Lonesome Jar: Poetic Fables - translated by Brother Anthony of Taizé

Awards