Kim Yong-taik

Kim Yongtaek (; born 28 September 1948) is a South Korean poet.

Life Kim Yongtaek was born on 28 September 1948, in Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. Kim graduated from Sunchang Agricultural High School, and has worked as a teacher at the Imsil Tokchi Elementary School. and at Woonam Elementary School. Kim made his official literary debut in 1982 when "Seomjingang River I" (Seomjingang I) and seven other poems were included in Undying Flame (Kkeojiji anneun hwaetbullo)a book of poetry with collected works by twenty-one prominent poets, published by Creation and Criticism.

Work Kim's work takes as its point of departure that which is forgotten in the bustle of modern life - the countryside, a leaf of grass, the smell of one's mother's hair. Kim's affectionate and delicate treatment of the everyday affairs of people living in the countryside offered urban dwellers an unadulterated account of rural farming communities. Underlying the poet's tender poetic sensibility is a stern voice of censure. In "Beat the Drums of Protest" (Madangeun bittureojyeosseodo jangguneun baro chija), for example, the poet offers a powerful disapprobation of city politicians and government policymakers who distort and pervert reports on the actual conditions confronting farmers in the countryside.

Works in Korean (Partial) Seomjingang River (Seomjingang, 1985) A Clear Day (1986) Sister, the Day is Fading (1988) The Road to Flower Mountain (1988) Longing for a Flower Letter (1989) Your Daring Love (1993) However Crooked the Stage, Let's Play the Drum Right (1996)

Awards Kim Suyeong Literary Award (1986) Sowol Poetry Prize (1997) The 소충사선문화상 Award (2002) The 윤동주 문학대상 Award (2012)