Kim Yongtaek

2.1. Birth and Early Life

Kim Yongtaek was born on September 28, 1948, in Imsil County, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. Some sources, particularly in Korean, indicate his birth date as August 26, 1948. His early childhood was spent in this rural environment, which would become the central theme and inspiration for much of his literary work.

2.2. Education

He completed his formal education at Sunchang Agricultural High School. While the sources do not detail further academic pursuits, his experiences during these formative years in a rural agricultural setting undoubtedly shaped his perspectives on life and society.

2.3. Teaching Career

Following his education, Kim Yongtaek embarked on a long career as an elementary school teacher. He taught at Imsil Tokchi Elementary School and Woonam Elementary School, both located in rural areas. During his time as a teacher, he actively engaged his young students in the world of poetry, fostering an appreciation for literature, particularly among those living in the countryside. His direct experience with rural communities and their daily lives as a teacher enriched his understanding and portrayal of them in his poetry. He retired from his teaching profession on February 28, 2009, when he was awarded the Order of Red Stripes (홍조근정훈장^Korean).

2.4. Literary Debut

Kim Yongtaek made his official literary debut in 1982. At the age of 35, he published "Seomjingang River I" (섬진강 1^Korean) along with seven other poems in *Undying Flame* (꺼지지 않는 횃불로^Korean). This collection was a collaborative work featuring new poems by twenty-one prominent poets, published by Creation and Criticism. His debut marked his formal entry into the Korean literary scene, immediately establishing his voice with themes centered around the Seomjingang River and rural life.

3.1. Major Themes and Subjects

The core of Kim Yongtaek's work is an exploration of that which is often forgotten in the rush of modern life: the countryside, a single leaf of grass, or the nostalgic scent of a mother's hair. His poetry affectionately and delicately treats the everyday affairs of people living in rural communities, offering urban dwellers an unadulterated account of farming life. He consistently focuses on recurring themes such as the beauty of nature, the lives of farmers, and the simple yet profound aspects of daily existence in the countryside. Beyond celebrating these elements, his poetry also critically observes the harsh realities of changing times and the decline of rural areas, offering a satirical and critical perspective on these transformations. His work is underlined by a sincere desire to imbue a sense of dignity into the rural community, often highlighting their resilience and enduring spirit.

3.2. Poetic Style and Expression

Kim's unique poetic style is marked by his distinctive use of language and a delicate sensibility. He extensively incorporates the Jeolla-do dialect, local proverbs, and colloquialisms, which deeply root his poetry in the rural experience and strengthen the sense of community within his verses. Furthermore, his poetry often employs traditional Korean rhythms, reminiscent of Gasa, Taryeong, and Pansori, imbuing his work with a powerful dynamism capable of evoking tension, rage, and even laughter.

While his early works often provided detailed and factual descriptions of farmers' daily lives, his poetic approach evolved significantly by the 1990s. His style shifted towards more intuitive, emotionally resonant, and dignified lyrical poetry. This transformation became particularly evident with his work "Why Don't People Know?" (사람들은 왜 모를까^Korean), which earned him the Sowol Poetry Prize and cemented this new poetic individuality. This piece, for example, reflects on the beautiful scenery of spring, prompting feelings of sadness and self-reflection on life.

His language, though simple and unadorned, carries a profound and sincere resonance, serving as an emotional bridge between the traditional values of rural life and the challenges of modern change. Kim's poetic imagination, which draws upon everyday experiences, skillfully conveys both their plainness and their urgency, leading him to a unique poetic realm. He is particularly praised for his ability to move readers with beautiful poetry while maintaining emotional balance and linguistic restraint, free from the constraints of modernism.

3.3. Critical Reception and Evaluation

Kim Yongtaek's poetry has been subject to varied critical assessments. While some critics have viewed his focus on rural communities as anachronistic and perhaps not offering direct solutions to the harsh realities of modern society, his proponents argue that his straightforward desire for community provides a clarity often lacking in the complex theories of modernity. Kim's stance consistently affirms the enduring spirit of the people, whom he believes derive their identity and dignity from a long history of agrarian life.

A significant aspect of his work is its robust critical spirit. For example, in his poem "However Crooked the Stage, Let's Play the Drum Right" (마당은 비뚤어졌어도 장구는 바로 치자^Korean), he expresses a powerful disapprobation of urban politicians and government policymakers. He critiques their tendency to distort and misrepresent reports regarding the actual conditions faced by farmers in the countryside, highlighting his role as a voice for the marginalized. His critical stance on societal issues affecting farmers and his efforts to give dignity to rural life are central to his literary contribution. Critics highly evaluate his work for its emotional balance and linguistic restraint, which allow his beautiful poetry to deeply move readers without being bound by modernist conventions.

4.1. Poetry Collections

• Undying Flame* (꺼지지 않는 횃불^Korean, 1982) - This collection marked his debut and included "Seomjingang River I" (섬진강 1^Korean).
• Seomjingang River* (섬진강^Korean, 1985)
• A Clear Day* (맑은 날^Korean, 1986)
• Sister, the Day is Fading* (누이야 날 저문다^Korean, 1988, re-published 1999)
• The Road to Flower Mountain* (꽃산 가는 길^Korean, 1988)
• Longing for a Flower Letter* (그리운 꽃편지^Korean, 1989)
• Your Daring Love* (그대, 거침없는 사랑^Korean, 1993)
• River-like Years* (강같은 세월^Korean, 1995)
• However Crooked the Stage, Let's Play the Drum Right* (마당은 비뚤어졌어도 장구는 바로 치자^Korean, 1996)
• That Woman's House* (그 여자네 집^Korean, 1998)
• Bean, You Are Dead* (콩, 너는 죽었다^Korean, 1998)
• Tree* (나무^Korean, 2002)
• Love Poetry Collection* (연애시집^Korean, 2002)
• Therefore You* (그래서 당신^Korean, 2006)
• Life Will Bring You the Answer* (삶이 너에게 해답을 가져다줄 것이다^Korean, 2008)
• Weeping Willow* (수양버들^Korean, 2009)
• Lips That Do Not Want a Kiss* (키스를 원하지 않는 입술^Korean, 2013)
• To You Who Cried and Came In* (울고 들어온 너에게^Korean, 2016)

Among his individual poems, "Why Don't People Know?" (사람들은 왜 모를까^Korean) is notable for reflecting on spring's beauty, sadness, and life's reflections. "Our Dad Went to the Countryside and Came Back" (우리 아빠 시골 갔다 오시면^Korean) and "Flower in the Room" (방 안의 꽃^Korean) were later set to music by composer Jeong Geun and became popular children's songs.

4.2. Essay Collections

Kim Yongtaek has also published several collections of prose and essays, offering his reflections on life, literature, and his personal experiences.

• Poetry Came to Me* (시가 내게로 왔다^Korean, 2001) - This work is a commentary on poetry and was selected for MBC TV's "Let's Read Books" program. It has seen five volumes published.
• Country Boy Kim Yongtaek in the Theater* (촌놈 김용택 극장에생^Korean, 2000)
• Kim Yongtaek's Mother* (김용택의 어머니^Korean, 2012)
• Kim Yongtaek's Classroom Diary* (김용택의 교단일기^Korean, 2013)
• At the Site of My Old House* (내가 살던 집터에서^Korean, 2013)
• Village Where Apricot Blossoms Bloom* (살구꽃이 피는 마을^Korean, 2013)
• Follow the Seomjingang River and See* (섬진강을 따라가며 보라^Korean)
• Things Missed Are Behind the Mountains* (그리운 것들은 산 뒤에 있다^Korean)
• Seomjingang River Story 1, 2* (섬진강 이야기 1,2^Korean)

4.3. Children's Literature

Kim Yongtaek has also contributed to children's literature, extending his themes of nature and rural life to younger audiences.

• Bean, You Are Dead* (콩, 너는 죽었다^Korean, 1998) - This work is classified as a children's poetry collection.
• Ok-iya Jin-me-ya* (옥이야 진메야^Korean) - A long-form children's story.

6.1. Acting and Film Appearances

Kim Yongtaek has made notable appearances in films, transitioning into acting later in his career.

• Field* (들^Korean, 2001) - He made his debut as an actor in this independent short film, taking a supporting role.
• Poetry* (시^Korean, 2010) - He also had a supporting role in this critically acclaimed feature film, directed by renowned director Lee Chang-dong.

6.2. Broadcasting and Media Appearances

Kim Yongtaek has frequently engaged with broader audiences through various broadcasting and media platforms.

• Human Theater (인간극장^Korean) - He was featured in the episode titled "Our Mom Had a Late Blessing" (우리 엄마 늦복 터졌네^Korean) on KBS 1TV.
  • Her Leisurely Lives* (그녀들의 여유만만^Korean) - He appeared in episode 204 of this KBS 2TV program, where he was introduced as "Seomjingang Poet, Kim Yongtaek." These appearances have helped solidify his public image and share his insights beyond the literary world.