Kim Jong-gil

Kim Jong-gil (; November 5, 1926–April 1, 2017) was an early-modern South Korean poet.

Life Kim Jong-gil was born on November 5, 1926, in Andong, Keishōhoku Province (North Gyeongsang Province), Korea, Empire of Japan. He graduated from Korea University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in English Literature. He also conducted research in English Literature at Sheffield University. Kim has worked as a professor at several universities, including Chonggu University, Gyeongbuk University and Korea University. He died on April 1, 2017.

Work

Kim Jong-gil's poetics are exemplified by a concentrated focus on maintaining clarity and lucidity, and by his skillful exploration of the power of the poetic image. The idea of imagery possessed for the poet a near transcendental value, which he believed could enable both poet and reader alike to attain a greater understanding of truth. His poetic methodology can be thus understood only in the context of his attitude towards life, which functioned through the medium of clear, concrete images.

Works in translation Spanish Ya queda poca luz del dia German Nachtkerze

Works in Korean (partial) Poetry Collections Seongtanje Hahoe-eseo Hwangsa hyeonsang Literary Criticism Siron Jinsil gwa eoneo Hanguksiui wisang.

Awards 1996: Inchon Award 2005: Ko San Literature Award 2005: Lee Yuksa Poetry Award 2007: Cheong Ma Literature Award