Kim Myung-su

2.1. Early Life and Education

Kim Myung-su was born in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, in 1945. After graduating from National Railroad High School, he worked as a train inspector, a role that allowed him to observe the lives of ordinary people. This experience, particularly his exposure to the struggles of the poor, ignited his interest in literature. He pursued self-study in literature and later graduated from Andong Teacher's College, Daegu National University of Education, and Korea National Open University. Kim Myung-su also traveled to Germany to study German literature at the graduate school of Frankfurt University, where he pursued a master's degree in German Language and Literature. However, he returned to Korea before completing his studies due to financial difficulties and health issues. During his military service, he published his first sijo, "Sonagi" (소나기_{The Shower}^Korean), in a newspaper, marking his initial foray into published writing.

2.2. Literary Debut and Early Activism

Kim Myung-su officially debuted as a poet in 1977 when three of his poems, including "Wolsik" (월식_Eclipse^Korean), were selected for the annual New Spring Literary Contest by the Seoul Shinmun newspaper. Following his debut, he became an active member of the literary coterie known as 'Bansi' (반시_Anti-poetry^Korean), which was established in 1976. This group championed the idea that poetry should be directly connected to real life and aimed to critique contemporary social issues through their literary work. Operating under the slogan "poetry is life," the 'Bansi' coterie distinguished itself by using simple language and avoiding conceptual jargon, focusing instead on directly addressing the pressing problems of their time. The despotic government of Korea at that time acted against the coterie due to its critical stance. Kim Myung-su's early poetry systematically reflected the grim realities of Korean society, aligning with the philosophical tenets of 'Bansi'.

2.3. Social Activism

Kim Myung-su consistently expressed his concerns regarding social problems and became actively involved in various democratic movements. He served as a member of the executive committee for the Council of Writers for Freedom and Practice, an organization formed in 1974 by writers who opposed the dictatorship in Korea. He joined this organization in the 1980s, playing a significant role in its democratic initiatives. Furthermore, Kim Myung-su participated in the National Movement Headquarters for Democratic Constitution, a group of democracy activists formed by opposition parties, civic organizations, and students. This organization was dedicated to opposing the authoritarian regime and advocating for a constitutional amendment that would allow for direct presidential elections. Kim Myung-su actively supported these social causes, including organizing signature campaigns among writers, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to democratic development and human rights.

2.4. Diverse Literary Endeavors

Beyond his primary focus on poetry, Kim Myung-su has engaged in a wide range of literary activities across different genres. He has written numerous essays and literary criticisms, providing insightful commentary on various topics. He has also made substantial contributions to children's literature, vigorously publishing several collections of children's poetry and stories. His dedication to children's literature extends to translating foreign children's books into Korean, broadening the scope of available literature for young readers. Throughout his career, Kim Myung-su has published over 50 volumes of books. In 2014, his comprehensive literary output was compiled and published as Kim Myung-su Jeonjip (김명수 전집_{The Complete Works of Kim Myung-su}^Korean), comprising 10 volumes.

3.1. Poetic Characteristics

The defining characteristics of Kim Myung-su's poetry are his refined poetic diction and his preference for the simple lyrical format. He intentionally employs unembellished language, shunning excessive expressions to achieve clarity and directness. His lyrical verses are known for their compressed messages, delivered through precise language and concise lines, which contribute to what critics describe as the "pure, bright, and clear" quality of his poetry. This minimalist yet impactful style allows readers to intuitively grasp the deeper meaning of the objects and features presented in his poems, aligning directly with the poet's intentions. Critics have noted his "power of intuition," stating that he can discern the core value of an object and articulate it effectively, even when addressing complex political issues. This ability to blur the boundary between the familiar and the unfamiliar offers readers new interpretations and insights into his work.

3.2. Themes in Early Works

Kim Myung-su's early poetry collections, including Wolsik (월식_Eclipse^Korean, 1980), Hageupban Gyogwaseo (하급반 교과서_{A Textbook for Students with Bad Grades}^Korean, 1983), and Piroechimgwa Simjang (피뢰침과 심장_{The Lightning Rod and Heart}^Korean, 1986), are marked by a keen critical stance against the grim realities of Korean society during authoritarian rule. These works often feature a single, representative object that serves as an allegory for the prevailing dark days and oppressive circumstances. For instance, in "A Textbook for Students with Bad Grades," Kim Myung-su satirizes the standardized society under political oppression and the uncritical obedience of the general public by depicting the "parroting" habits of students who passively accept information. Another notable early work, "Danchu" (단추_{The Button}^Korean, 1980), illustrates how even a seemingly trivial object like a button found on the street can evoke a sense of fear associated with the military dictatorship. The poem conjures the ringing sound of a past night, intertwining it with the imagined "steps of black shoes," suggesting that individuals living under military rule are constantly subjected to fearful events, unable to overlook even the most insignificant details.

3.3. Themes in Later Works

In his later works, Kim Myung-su's thematic focus shifts from overt social critique to a broader exploration of nature and human existence, imbued with profound affection for all living things. These poems frequently express sympathy for the marginalized and reflect a deep awareness of the inherent value of life. For example, in "Gogok" (곡옥_{Curved Jades}^Korean, 2013), each "curved jade" initially appears to be a mere ornament attached to gold crowns. However, the poem reveals that the brilliance of the crown fundamentally emanates from the collective radiance of these individual curved jades. This concept is likened to stars in the night sky: while a single star might appear dim, a cluster of stars can illuminate the entire sky. Through such portrayals, Kim Myung-su sheds light on the hidden aspects of objects and unexpressed details, inviting readers to perceive the world with renewed insight. Similarly, in "Namunnip Hwaseok" (나뭇잎 화석_{The Fossil Leaf}^Korean, 2000), the protagonist observes a leaf and imagines life from millions of years ago, seeing the leaf as an object that mirrors their own transient existence, much like leaves endure from spring to fall. The poem highlights that despite its tiny, weak, and mortal nature, the leaf is an entity equated with the entire universe, as it crucially supports the survival of the stem, root, and tree. In this context, the protagonist's own life expands to encompass the universe itself, emphasizing interconnectedness and the profound significance of even the smallest forms of life.

4.1. Complete Collections

• Kim Myung-su Jeonjip (김명수 전집_{The Complete Works of Kim Myung-su}^Korean), Kookhakjaryowon, 2014

4.2. Poetry Collections

• Wolsik (월식_Eclipse^Korean), Minumsa, 1980
• Hageupban Gyogwaseo (하급반 교과서_{A Textbook for Students with Bad Grades}^Korean), Changbi, 1983
• Piroechimgwa Simjang (피뢰침과 심장_{The Lightning Rod and Heart}^Korean), Changjaksa, 1986
• Chimyeopsu Jidae (침엽수 지대_{Coniferous Forests}^Korean), Changbi, 1991
• Badaui Nun (바다의 눈_{The Eyes of Ocean}^Korean), Changbi, 1995
• Agineun Seongi Eopgo (아기는 성이 없고_{Baby Has No Name}^Korean), Changbi, 2000
• Gaoriui Simhae (가오리의 심해_{Stingray's Deep Sea}^Korean), Silcheon, 2004
• Sujariui Norae (수자리의 노래_{The Song of Frontier Guards}^Korean), Deulkkot, 2005
• Gogok (곡옥_{Curved Jades}^Korean), Moonji, 2013
• Eonjena Dagaseoneun Jilmungachi (언제나 다가서는 질문같이_{Like the Questions I've Always Faced}^Korean), Changbi, 2018

4.3. Children's Poetry Collections

• Majimak Jeoncheol (마지막 전철_{Last Subway}^Korean), Babosae, 2008
• Sangeoege Malhaesseoyo (상어에게 말했어요_{I Talked to Shark}^Korean), Igaseo, 2010

4.4. Children's Book Collections

• Haebaragi Pineun Gyejeol (해바라기 피는 계절_{A Season for Sunflowers}^Korean), Changbi, 1991
• Dallimgwa Daramjwi (달님과 다람쥐_{Mr. Moon and the Squirrel}^Korean), Uriedu, 1995
• Eomma Dalgeun Eommaga Eopseoyo (엄마 닭은 엄마가 없어요_{Mama Hen Doesn't Have Mama}^Korean), Uriedu, 1997
• Bawi Miteseo On Nauri (바위 밑에서 온 나우리_{Nauri: A Mystery Creature}^Korean), Kyelimbooks, 2001
• Saedeurui Sigan (새들의 시간_{Time for Birds}^Korean), Nungwa Maeum, 2001
• Maeumi Keojineun Iyagi (마음이 커지는 이야기_{Food for Heart}^Korean), Pureungeurimchaek, 2006
• Bihaenggi Yennal Ireumeun Mettugiyeotda (비행기 옛날 이름은 메뚜기였다_{An Airplane Was Once a Grasshopper}^Korean), Babosae, 2008
• Horangi Kkorinaksi (호랑이 꼬리낚시_{A Tiger's Tail-fishing}^Korean), Appletreetales, 2011
• Chanbaram Buneun Eondeok (찬바람 부는 언덕_{Windy Hills}^Korean), Hyunbooks, 2015

4.5. Traditional Children's Book Collections

• Buyeoreul Seun Haeburu Wang (부여를 세운 해부루 왕_{Hae Buru of Dongbuyeo}^Korean), Woongjinbooks, 1989
• Banjjogi (반쪽이_{A Boy in Half}^Korean), Woongjinbooks, 1989
• Bulgae (불개_{A Fire Dog}^Korean), Woongjinbooks, 1989
• Dongmuldeurui Nai Jarang (동물들의 나이 자랑_{Who Is the Oldest?}^Korean), Woongjinbooks, 1989
• Tokkiwa Geobuk (토끼와 거북_{The Rabbit and the Turtle}^Korean), Woongjinbooks, 1989

4.6. Essay Collections

• Sorasorapureunsora (솔아솔아푸른솔아_{A Song for Pine Tree}^Korean), Cheongmaek, 1988
• Ilgaksuui Kkum (일각수의 꿈_{Unicorn's Dream}^Korean), Yejigak, 1990
• Haeneun Mueosi Tteoollyeo Juna (해는 무엇이 떠올려 주나_{Who Will Raise the Sun?}^Korean), Daejeongjin, 1993

4.7. Literary Criticism Collections

• Sidaesanghwanggwa Siui Nolli (시대상황과 시의 논리_{Logic, Poetry, and Korean History}^Korean), Semi, 2013

4.8. Compilation Works

• Geumsugangsan Orangkaekkot (금수강산 오랑캐꽃_{Viola in Beautiful Land of Korea}^Korean), Cheongsa, 1988
• Hanaga Doendaneun Geoseun Deouk Keojineun Geosimnida (하나가 된다는 것은 더욱 커지는 것입니다_{Becoming One Means Getting Bigger}^Korean), Sejong, 1995
• Nae Maeumui Bada (내 마음의 바다_{The Sea in My Heart}^Korean) Vol. 1,2, Enter, 1996

4.9. Translations of Foreign Books

Kim Myung-su has translated numerous foreign literary works into Korean, including:

• 빵당번 (빵당번_{Bbangdangbeon}^Korean), by Hans Bender, Soseolmunhak, 1982.
• 자유로 향하는 기차 (자유로 향하는 기차_{Jayuro Hyanghaneun Gicha}^Korean), by Nelly Sachs, Gukminseogwan, 1982.
• 나사.1-하반에서 (나사.1-하반에서_{Nasa.1-Habanesa}^Korean), by Hans Erich Nossack, Soseolmunhak, 1986.
• 문신이 새겨진 개 (문신이 새겨진 개_{Munsini Saegyeojin Gae}^Korean), by Paul Maar, Woongjinbooks, 1986. (Original: Der tätowierte Hund)
• 인도 민화집-왕과 도둑 (인도 민화집-왕과 도둑_{Indo Minhwajip-Wanggwa Doduk}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Samteo, 1987. (Original: Indian Folk Art Painting Collections: The King and The Thief)
• 하이네 시집-정치시 (하이네 시집-정치시_{Haine Sijip-Jeongchisi}^Korean), by Heinrich Heine, Ilwolseogak, 1987. (Original: Heine Poetry Collections-Political Poetry)
• 독일인의 사랑 (독일인의 사랑_{Dogilinui Sarang}^Korean), by Friedrich Max Müller, Eomungak, 1988. (Original: Deutsche Liebe)
• 안네의 일기 (안네의 일기_{Anneui Ilgi}^Korean), by Anne Frank, Eomungak, 1988. (Original: Het Achterhuis)
• 수레 바퀴 밑에서 (수레 바퀴 밑에서_{Sure Bakwi Miteseo}^Korean), by Hermann Hesse, Eomungak, 1988. (Original: Unterm Rad)
• 이웃들 (이웃들_Iutdeul^Korean), by Maxim Gorky, Gongdongche Publishing, 1993. (Original: Unbekannte Erzählungen)
• 크리스마스 이야기 (크리스마스 이야기_{Keuriseumaseu Iyagi}^Korean), by O. Henry et al., Gongdongche Publishing, 1993. (Original: The Gift of the Magi)
• 중국 민화집 (중국 민화집_{Jungguk Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Gongdongche Publishing, 1994. (Original: Chinese Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 인도 민화집 (인도 민화집_{Indo Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Gongdongche Publishing, 1994. (Original: Indian Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 남미 민화집 (남미 민화집_{Nammi Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Jageun Pyeonghwa, 1995. (Original: South American Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 아프리카 민화집 (아프리카 민화집_{Apeurika Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Jageun Pyeonghwa, 1995. (Original: African Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 영국 민화집 (영국 민화집_{Yeongguk Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Jageun Pyeonghwa, 1995. (Original: British Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 아이슬란드 민화집 (아이슬란드 민화집_{Aiseullandeu Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Jageun Pyeonghwa, 1995. (Original: Icelandic Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 하느님의 굴뚝새 (하느님의 굴뚝새_{Haneunimui Gulttuksae}^Korean), by Astrid Lindgren, Bitnam, 1995. (Original: Rasmus und der Landstreicher)
• 꾀 많은 주머니쥐 (꾀 많은 주머니쥐_{Kkoe Maneun Jumeonijwi}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Jageun Pyeonghwa, 1995. (Original: The Witty Possum)
• 쥐 (쥐_Jwi^Korean), by Andrzej Zaniewski, Goryeowon, 1995. (Original: Szczur)
• 프랑스 민화집 (프랑스 민화집_{Peurangseu Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Donggwang Publishing, 1996. (Original: French Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 오스트리아 민화집 (오스트리아 민화집_{Oseuteuria Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Donggwang Publishing, 1996. (Original: Austrian Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 터키 민화집 (터키 민화집_{Teoki Minhwajip}^Korean), from S. Fischer Edition, Donggwang Publishing, 1996. (Original: Turkish Folk Art Painting Collections)
• 에밀리 (에밀리_Emili^Korean), by Michael Bedard and Barbara Cooney, Biryongso, 1996. (Original: Emily)
• 당신의 순결에 대하여 (당신의 순결에 대하여_{Dangsinui Sungyeore Daehayeo}^Korean), by Luise Rinser, Hyeonjae Publishing, 2002. (Original: Reinheit und Ekstase. Auf der Suche nach der vollkommenen Liebe)

7.1. Positive Assessment

Kim Myung-su is widely praised for his literary originality, particularly his distinctive poetic style characterized by refined, unembellished language and concise lyrical forms. Critics commend his ability to offer intuitive insights into the essence of objects and the complexities of human experience, rendering his poetry "pure, bright, and clear." Beyond his stylistic mastery, his unwavering stance as a social critic is highly regarded. His early works, in particular, are lauded for their courageous and allegorical critiques of authoritarian regimes and societal issues, demonstrating his commitment to challenging injustice. Furthermore, his extensive contributions to children's literature, encompassing original works and translations of foreign children's books, are seen as significant. He is celebrated for enriching the literary landscape for young readers and fostering empathy and imagination through his narratives. His lifelong dedication to both artistic expression and social activism positions him as an influential figure who profoundly impacted South Korean literature and public discourse.