“Yes, the finest shape / like the way you are now— / becoming a ball that bounces back even after falling / a ball that never truly collapses“ (Tteoreojyeodo twineun gongcheoreom (떨어져도 튀는 공처럼 Like a Bouncing Ball), Moonji, 1994)
Chong Hyon-jong is a translator and poet who reinvented the tradition of Korean lyric poetry.
1. Life
Chong Hyon-jong was born in Seoul in 1939 and studied philosophy at Yonsei University. He made his literary debut when his poems including “Yeoreumgwa gyeourui norae” (여름과 겨울의 노래 Song of Summer and Winter) received recommendation in Hyundae Munhak. He is said to have spent his adolescence immersed in literature, ballet, music, and philosophy. In 1966, he joined his fellow writers Kim Jooyoun, Kim Hyun, Kim Hwa-Young, Park Ido, and Hwang Tong-gyu in founding the literary coterie magazine Sagye (Four Seasons). From 1970 to 1973, he worked as a culture desk journalist at Seoul Shinmun, and later joined the monthly publications division of Korea Joongang Daily from 1975 to 1977. In 1977, he left journalism and became a professor of creative writing at Seoul Institute of the Arts. From 1982, he joined the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Yonsei University, where he taught until his retirement in 2005.
2. Writing
In his early works, Chong Hyon-jong sought to move beyond both the nihilism that characterized postwar literature and the conventions of indigenous lyric poetry. His poems from this period explore the possibility of transcendence—to overcome the suffering of reality through a tense relationship with the poet’s dreams. This tendency is evident in his first poetry collection Samurui kkum (사물의 꿈 The Dream of Things). Here, Chong focuses on conceptually portraying the existential significance of objects. A notable shift in his poetry occurs, however, with Saranghal sigani manchi anta (사랑할 시간이 많지 않다 So Little Time to Love). In this volume, he turns toward a poetics of reconciliation, celebrating intimate communion with living beings, the wonder of nature, and the ecstasy of life. This perspective becomes even more pronounced in Han kkotsongi (한 꽃송이 A Blossom), a collection that includes “Ja” (자(尺) Measure). In “Ja,” Chong asserts that modern civilization oppresses humans, and that nature remains the only measure of redeeming human life. His poetry is noted for reinventing the traditions of lyric poetry and pioneering new possibilities in modern Korean poetry.
Reference
Poetry collections and anthologies
《사물의 꿈》, 민음사, 1972 / The Dream of Things, Homa & Sekey Books, 2008
《나는 별 아저씨》, 문학과지성사, 1978 / Naneun byeol ajeossi (I’m Mr. Star), Moonji, 1978
《사랑할 시간이 많지 않다》, 세계사, 1989 / Saranghal sigani manchi anta (So Little Time to Love), Segyesa, 1989
《사람으로 붐비는 앎은 슬픔이니》, 문학과비평사, 1990 / Sarameuro bumbineun almeun seulpeumini (Knowledge Crowded with People Is Sorrow), Munhakgwa Bipyeongsa, 1990
《사람들 사이에 섬이 있다》, 미래사, 1991 / Saramdeul saie seomi itda (There Is an Island Between People), Miraesa, 1991
《한 꽃송이》, 문학과지성사, 1992 / Han kkotsongi (A Blossom), Moonji, 1992
《떨어져도 튀는 공처럼》, 문학과지성사, 1994 / Tteoreojyeodo twineun gongcheoreom (Like a Bouncing Ball), Moonji, 1994
《세상의 나무들》, 문학과지성사, 1995 / Trees of the World, Kegan Paul International, 2005
《이슬》, 문학과지성사, 1996 / Iseul (Dew), Moonji, 1996
《갈증이며 샘물인》, 문학과지성사, 1999 / Galjeungimyeo saemmurin (Both Thirst and Wellspring), Moonji, 1999
《정현종 시전집 1-2》, 문학과지성사, 1999 / Chong Hyon-jong sijeomjip 1-2 (Chong Hyon-jong’s Complete Poetry, vols. 1–2), Moonji, 1999
《고통의 축제》, 민음사, 2001 / Gotongui chukje (Festival of Pain), Minumsa, 2001
《정현종 시선》, 큰나(시와시학사), 2005 / Chong Hyon-jong siseon (Selected Poems by Chong Hyon-jong), Keunna (Siwa Sihaksa), 2005
《광휘의 속삭임》, 문학과지성사, 2008 / Gwanghwiui soksagim (Whisper of Radiance), Moonji, 2008
《섬》, 열림원, 2009 / Seom (Island), Yolimwon, 2009
《환합니다》, 지식을만드는지식, 2012 / Hwanhamnida (It Is Radiant), Zmanz, 2012
《노래의 자연》, 시인생각, 2013 / Noraeui jayeon (The Nature of Song), Siin Saenggak, 2013
《그림자에 불타다》, 문학과지성사, 2015 / Geurimjae bultada (Burning in the Shadow), Moonji, 2015
《비스듬히》, 문학판, 2020 / Biseudeumhi (Aslant), Munhakpan, 2020
《어디선가 눈물은 발원하여》, 문학과지성사, 2022 / Eodiseunga nunmureun barwonhayeo (Somewhere Tears Have Their Source), Moonji, 2022
(co-authored) 《7대문학상 수상시인대표작 1995》, 작가정신, 1995 / 7-dae munhaksang susang si-in daepyojak 1995 (1995 Representative Works of Winners of 7 Major Literary Awards), Jakka Jeongsin, 1995
(co-authored) 《내 어깨 위의 호랑이 외 : 1995년 제40회 현대문학상 수상시집》, 현대문학, 1995 / Nae eokkae wiui horangi oe: 1995-nyeon je 40-hoe Hyeondae munhaksang susang sijip (A Tiger on My Shoulder and Others: 1995 40th Contemporary Literature Award Poetry Anthology), Hyundae Munhak, 1995
(co-authored) 《천년동안 당신을 기다렸습니다 그리고 다시 천년동안 당신을 사랑합니다》, 예술시대, 1999 / Cheonnyeon dongan dangsineul gidaryeotseumnida geurigo dasi cheonnyeon dongan dangsineul saranghamnida (I Waited a Thousand Years for You and I Will Love You for Another Thousand Years), Yesul Sidae, 1999
(co-authored) 《불룩한 자루 : 2001년 제46회 현대문학상 수상시집》, 현대문학, 2001 / Bullukan jaru: 2001-nyeon je 46-hoe Hyundae munhaksang susang sijip (A Bulging Sack: 2001 46th Hyundae Munhak Literature Award Poetry Anthology), Hyundae Munhak, 2001
(co-authored) 《견딜 수 없네 : 2001년 제1회 미당문학상 수상시집》, 랜덤하우스코리아, 2001 / Gyeondil su eomne: 2001-nyeon je 1-hoe Midang munhaksang susang sijip (I Cannot Bear It: 2001 1st Midang Literary Award Poetry Anthology), Random House Korea, 2001
(co-authored) 《그대가 그리우면 나는 울었다》, 휴먼앤북스, 2003 / Geudaega geuriumyeon naneun ureotda (When I Missed You, I Wept), Human & Books, 2003
(co-authored) 《누구에게나 고향은 그리움이다》, 월간조선사, 2004 / Nuguegena gohyangeun geuriumida (For Everyone, Home Is Longing), Wolgan Chosunsa, 2004
(co-authored) 《2004 현장비평가가 뽑은 올해의 좋은 시》, 현대문학, 2004 / 2004 hyeonjang bipyeonggaga ppobeun olhaeui joeun si (Good Poetry of the Year Selected by Working Critics, 2004), Hyundae Munhak, 2004
(co-authored) 《노숙 : 2005년 제50회 현대문학상 수상시집》, 현대문학, 2005 / Nosuk: 2005-nyeon je 50-hoe Hyundae munhaksang susang sijip (Sleeping Rough: 2005 50th Hyundae Munhak Literature Award Poetry Anthology), Hyundae Munhak, 2005
(co-authored) 《그녀 입술은 따스하고 당신의 것은 차거든 : 2007년 제52회 현대문학상 수상시집》, 현대문학, 2007 / Geunyeo ipsureun ttaseuhago dangsinui geoseun chageodeun: 2007-nyeon je 52-hoe Hyundae munhaksang susang sijip (Because Her Lips Are Warm and Yours Are Cold: 2007 52nd Hyundae Munhak Literature Award Poetry Anthology), Hyundae Munhak, 2007
(co-authored) 《파타고니아의 양 : 2009년 제54회 현대문학상 수상시집》, 현대문학, 2009 / Patagoniaui yang: 2009-nyeon je 54-hoe Hyundae munhaksang susang sijip (A Sheep of Patagonia: 2009 54th Hyundae Munhak Literature Award Poetry Anthology), Hyundae Munhak, 2009
(co-authored) 《네가 그리우면 나는 울었다》, 실천문학사, 2015 / Nega geuriumyeon naneun ureotda (When I Missed You, I Wept), Silcheon Munhaksa, 2015
(co-authored) 《2015년 제26회 김달진문학상 수상작품집》, 서정시학, 2015 / 2015-nyeon je 26-hoe Kim Daljin munhaksang susang jakpumjip (2015 26th Kim Daljin Literary Award Anthology), Lyric Poetry & Poetics, 2015
(co-authored) 《내 인생에 힘이 되어 준 시》, 북카라반, 2016 / Nae insaenge himi doeeo jun si (Poetry That Gave Strength to My Life), Book Caravan, 2016
(co-authored) 《사랑이 시가 될 때》, 북카라반, 2016 / Sarangi siga doel ttae (When Love Becomes Poetry), Book Caravan, 2016
(co-authored) 《다시》, 북로그컴퍼니, 2018 / Dasi (Again), Booklog Company, 2018
(co-authored) 《매일, 시 한 잔》, 북로그컴퍼니, 2019 / Maeil, si han jan (Every Day, a Cup of Poetry), Booklog Company, 2019
(co-authored) 《다시, 사랑하는 시 하나를 갖고 싶다》, 북로그컴퍼니, 2019 / Dasi, saranghaneun si hanareul gatgo sipda (Again, I Want to Have a Poem I Love), Booklog Company, 2019
(co-authored) 《매일, 시 한 잔: 두 번째》, 북로그컴퍼니, 2021 / Maeil, si han jan: du beonjjae (Every Day, a Cup of Poetry: Second Cup), Booklog Company, 2021
(co-authored) 《시를 잊은 나에게》, 북로그컴퍼니, 2022 / Sireul ijeun naege (To Me Who Has Forgotten Poetry), Booklog Company, 2022
Essays
《생명의 황홀 : 삶과 시에 관한 에세이》, 세계사, 1989 / Saengmyeongui hwangol: salgwa sie gwanhan esei (The Ecstasy of Life: Essays on Life and Poetry), Segyesa, 1989
《날아라 버스야》, 큰나(시와시학사), 2005 / Narara beoseuya (Fly, Bus!), Keunna (Siwa Sihaksa), 2005
《두터운 삶을 향하여》, 문학과지성사, 2015 / Duteoun sarmeul hyanghayeo (Toward a Thick Life), Moonji, 2015
《빛-언어 깃-언어》, 문학과지성사, 2024 / Bit-eoneo git-eoneo (Light-Language, Feather-Language), Moonji, 2024
(co-authored) 《사람이 풍경일 때처럼》, 21세기북스, 2010 / Sarami punggyeongil ttaecheoreom (Like When a Person Is a Landscape), 21st Century Books, 2010
(co-authored) 《탱자》, 봄날의 책, 2021 / Taengja (Trifoliate Orange), Bomnarui Chaek, 2021
Miscellaneous
《시의 이해》, 민음사, 1983 / Siui ihae (Understanding Poetry), Minumsa, 1983
Translations
Robert Frost, Fire and Ice / 《불과 얼음》, 정현종 역, 민음사, 1973
Carson McCullers, The Ballad of the Sad Café, Houghton Mifflin, 1951 / 《슬픈 카페의 노래》, 정현종 역, 문예출판사, 1996
F.Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Scribner, 1925 / 《위대한 개츠비》, 정현종 역, 문예출판사, 1998
M.I.L.K Licensing, Friendship: A Celebration of Humanity, William Morrow, 2001 (Introduction by Maeve Binchy) / 《Friendship》, 정현종 역, 이레, 2002
M.I.L.K Licensing, Love: A Celebration of Humanity, William Morrow, 2001 (Introduction by Kim Phuc) / 《Love 러브》, 정현종 역, 이레, 2002
M.I.L.K Licensing, Family: A Celebration of Humanity, William Morrow, 2001 (Introduction by James McBride)/ 《Family》, 정현종 역, 이레, 2003
Federico García Lorca, The Selected Poems of Federico Garcia Lorca / 《강의 백일몽》, 정현종 역, 민음사, 2003
Pablo Neruda, Cien sonetos de amor, Losada, 1959 / 《100편의 사랑 소네트》, 정현종 역, 문학동네, 2004
Pablo Neruda, Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada, Nascimento, 1924 / 《스무 편의 사랑의 시와 한 편의 절망의 노래》, 정현종 역, 민음사, 2007
Pablo Neruda, Selected Poems / 《네루다 시선》, 정현종 역, 민음사, 2007
Pablo Neruda, Complete Poetry Set / 《파블로 네루다 시집 세트》, 정현종 역, 민음사, 2007
Howard Schwartz, Before You Were Born, Roaring Brook Press, 2005 / 《네가 태어나기 전에》, 정현종 역, 큰나(시와시학사), 2007
Pablo Neruda, Plenos poderes, Losada, 1962 / 《충만한 힘》, 정현종 역, 문학동네, 2007
Pablo Neruda, El libro de las preguntas, Losada, 1974 / 《질문의 책》, 정현종 역, 문학동네, 2013
Rainer Maria Rilke, Selected Poems / 《정현종 시인의 사유 깃든 릴케 시 여행》, 정현종 역, 문학판, 2015
Pablo Neruda, Selected Poems / 《정현종 시인의 사유 깃든 네루다 시 여행》, 정현종 역, 문학판, 2015 Federico García Lorca, Selected Poems / 《정현종 시인의 사유 깃든 로르카 시 여행》, 정현종 역, 문학판, 2015
Reference
Kwon Young-min, Encyclopedia of Modern Korean Literature, Seoul National University Press, 2004.
LTI Korea 
DLKL 
SIWF 
