Seoul = News1) Reporter Kim Jung-han = The 32nd Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards has selected author Lee Ok-hee’s autobiographical novel, A Girl from Busan, as the recipient of the Literary Award.

A Girl from Busan is based on the autobiographical reflections of the author. It tells the story of her childhood in Busan after being born in Japan, her experiences during the Korean War—one of the most painful chapters in Korean history—and her eventual immigration to the United States to build a new life. The work transcends personal experiences to evoke empathy and solidarity across generations.

This award recognizes the literary value of the novel as an epic narrative of a woman’s life set against the backdrop of Korea’s modern history. The story portrays a resilient journey through turbulent times, both as a woman and a mother, and is regarded as a symbolic representation of the Korean diaspora.

The author commented, “I hope this work goes beyond being a personal memoir and is recognized as a literary endeavor that reexamines and honors the countless hardships and sacrifices experienced by mothers during Korea’s tumultuous modern history.”

A Girl from Busan has been praised as a “U.S. version of Pachinko” for its delicate yet universal exploration of the immigrant experience, touching on themes of family, culture, and identity. Thanks to such acclaim, the book has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally, resonating deeply with a global audience.

According to Angel Power Co., A Girl from Busan is currently in development as a 12-episode drama series. The author, who currently resides in Hawaii, is scheduled to visit Korea next year at the invitation of the city of Busan.

Meanwhile, the Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards ceremony will take place on the 10th at the Grand Ballroom on the second floor of The-K Hotel in Seoul.
Reporter Kim Jung-han ([email protected])