Kim Ewhan (1978-) studied economics at Kyung Hee University. He is known for his fiction that traverses fantasy and reality, often incorporating fairytale-like elements. His 2009 novel Jeolmangui gu (절망의 구 The Orb of Despair) has been adapted in graphic novel form in Japan. Besides his novels, he has contributed to the SF anthologies Gigiin doro (기기인 도로 Doro, Mechanical Man), Paendemik yeoseot gaeui segye (팬데믹 여섯 개의 세계 The World of Six Pandemics), Eongmangjinchang ujuseoneul tago (엉망진창 우주선을 타고 All Aboard the Topsy-Turvy Spaceship), as well as the YA anthologies Chwimineun akpeul, teukgineun mangmal (취미는 악플, 특기는 막말 Trolling and Trash Talking), Eojjeoda ujuyeohaeng (어쩌다 우주여행 Gone up in Space), Ilsang talchul guyeok (일상 탈출 구역 Escape From the Mundane), Eoneu meotjin nal (어느 멋진 날 One Fine Day), and Gungnipjoneombojangsenteo (국립존엄보장센터 National Center for the Preservation of Human Dignity). He also reviews independent films for Cine 21 and the quarterly Dongnib yeonghwa.
2. Writing
Characterized by fantastical events that take place against a fairytale setting, Kim's style is already well established in his first novel, Ebiteojenui yuryeong (에비터젠의 유령 The Ghosts of Evithezen)(2004). The premise of the novel rests on the protagonists becoming self-aware and escaping from the story, destroying the real world in their quest for meaningfulness. The crossing over of fantasy and reality is mirrored in the novel's twin overlapping narratives. Kim's second novel, Yangmal jumneun sonyeon (양말 줍는 소년 The Boy Who Picked Up Socks) (2007), is considered more accessible with its fairytale setting and judicious use of kitsch in a departure from the apocalyptic darkness and complex structure of his previous work. Yangmal jumneun sonyeon was originally serialized online before its popularity led to its being released in print.
Kim's Jeolmangui gu is the winner of the first Multi Literary Award in 2009, voted by a multi-industry panel encompassing publishing, film, and TV. Kim is said to have developed the novel from the idea of being pursued by a killer orb. Making free use of elements spanning horror, disaster, and thriller, the fear and tension running through Kim's narratives are palpable no matter how fantastical the situation. A fan favorite from the longlist, Jeolmangui gu is said to have been the panel's unanimous pick for the winner.
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