Renowned South Korean Poet Yu Seong-gyu Passes Away at 94

Renowned South Korean Poet Yu Seong-gyu Passes Away at the Age of 94

South Korea’s literary community mourns the loss of Yu Seong-gyu, the founder of the Korean Traditional Poetry Association, who passed away at the age of 94. Born in 1930 in Incheon’s Buk-gu, the late poet graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Korean language education. He later obtained a degree from Kyung Hee University’s College of Oriental Medicine and served as a professor at Wonkwang University’s College of Oriental Medicine.

Throughout his lifetime, Yu Seong-gyu composed poetry that reflected our emotions and lives. In 1958, he made his mark as a poet by participating in the Second National Hundred-Day Exhibition of Poetry and Painting, commemorating the founding of the Republic of Korea. The following year, his poem “Cheongja” won him recognition in the Korean Ilbo’s Spring Literary Contest, marking his debut in the literary world.

Contributions to Korean Poetry and Literary Associations

In 1964, Yu Seong-gyu played a leading role in the establishment of the Korean Traditional Poetry Association and served as the president of both the World Traditional Poets Association and the Korean Children’s Poets Association. His works, such as the poem “San,” earned him accolades, including the Free Literature Magazine’s Rookie Award in 1962, the Garam Literary Award in 1984, and the Yukdang Literary Award in 1992.

Following the publication of his first poetry collection, “Dongbangyeonga,” in 1985, Yu Seong-gyu released several other collections, including “Beside the Sublime,” “The Poetry Collection of Sicheon,” “The Art of Poetry Composition,” and the simultaneous collection “The Pencils Are Burning.”

His poems, such as “The Road to Sorok Island,” were included in high school textbooks, while “Image” appeared in middle school textbooks, and “Our Family” in fourth-grade elementary school textbooks.

Family and Funeral Arrangements

Yu Seong-gyu is survived by his wife, Yeosoin, and their daughters Min-jeong, Shin-jeong, Ho-jeong, and So-yeon. His sons-in-law, Lee Sang-jun, Lee Jang-gyun, Noh Chang-hyun, and Choi Woon-chan, also mourn his passing. The funeral hall is located at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital Funeral Hall 1. The departure ceremony is scheduled for 8 a.m. on the 14th, followed by the burial at Pyeongtaek Seoho Memorial Park.

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Source: Newsis