Jeong Ho-seung

Born in South Gyeongsang Province in 1950, Jeong Hoseung grew up in Daegu, and graduated with a degree in Korean literature from Kyung Hee University.[3] That same year, he began to contribute to the literary magazine 반시(反詩) (Against Poetry), and published his first novel, Memorial Service (위령제, 1982).[4] He was the winner of the Tenth Dong Seo Literary Prize in 1997,[5] also winning the Sowol Poetry Prize[4]

Jeong's themes include societal schisms, poverty and alienation, but his work presents these themes with lyrical grace and innocence that removes any trace of hectoring. Jeong intentionally focuses on suffering in the hope that in despair some hope can be found and that this can become the basis for a more successful future.[4] The poet also depicts the resentment and enmity that stirs in the hearts of farmers and workers whose very roots have been taken from them in a sterile South Korean society, and their attempts to resist and overcome these conditions. He spoke for the masses and took as his poetic duty, praising people for their willful and courageous attitude toward life and helping them believe in their future.[6]

Jeong Hoseung's style of writing has often been described as being similar to traditional Korean folk songs or popular ballads.[7]

• Hankook Ilbo New Spring Literary Contest (1972)
• Sowol Poetry Prize (1989)
• Chosun Ilbo New Spring Literary Contest (1973)
• Daehan Daily New Spring Literary Contest (1973)
• Chosun Ilbo New Spring Literary Contest (1982)
• Jeong Jiyong Literature Prize (2000) - for "Heaven's Net" (하늘의 그물)

• Poem 산낙지를 위하여 with a German translation
• About the poet