Fourth Annual Aju Economic Veterans Spring Literary Contest Awards 18 Winners

Aju Economic Newspaper announced the winners of the Fourth Annual Aju Economic Veterans Spring Literary Contest on June 24. The contest is hosted by Aju Economic Newspaper and sponsored by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Korean Independence Association, the Dongnong Cultural Foundation, the Republic of Korea Army Association, and Auto Industry Co., Ltd.

As the first veterans-focused literary contest in South Korea, the Aju Economic Veterans Spring Literary Contest aims to revive the noble legacies of those who dedicated themselves to independence, freedom, and national defense through literature, connecting their spirit to the present. The contest's themes include various narratives reflecting the values of veterans, such as the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, anti-Japanese independence movements, volunteer army activities, student independence movements, and the spirit of patriotism and love for the nation.

This year, the award system underwent significant reform to enhance the contest's prestige. The previously singular Grand Prize awarded by the Minister of Veterans Affairs has been expanded to recognize the best works in six categories. A total of 1,000 entries were submitted, with 18 works ultimately selected. Each Minister's Award comes with a prize of 2 million won.

The Minister's Award for the short story category went to Seong Baek-gwang for "The Light of the Old Medal." This story depicts a record keeper at a veterans' hall who realizes that veterans are not merely victims but "people who have handed down tomorrow" when meeting the family of a national hero. It illustrates that honoring veterans involves remembering not only their sacrifices but also their pride and lives. Seong Baek-gwang expressed, "I hope we do not forget that our ordinary today is built on someone else's sacrifice."

The Minister's Award for the screenplay category was awarded to Lim Hyo-seon for "The Grandmother Who Hates Exercise," while the poetry category's award went to Lee Jeong-hyeon for "Unnamed."

"The Grandmother Who Hates Exercise" tells the story of college student Min-ho living with his 88-year-old grandmother, reflecting on the weight of life as a descendant of an independence activist and the sacrifices and loneliness faced by families of national heroes. Judges noted, "The work stands out for portraying the lives of veterans and their families through a modern family drama."

Regarding "Unnamed," judges commented, "It effectively conveys the theme of veterans through restrained language, with fresh and unique expressions in each stanza, showcasing exceptional skill in connecting the segments."

Lim Hyo-seon remarked, "I have always emphasized the importance of new challenges to my students in the university classroom, and I am even more moved to realize that I could practice that value through writing." Lee Jeong-hyeon stated, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the unnamed heroes who rest beneath the large Taegeukgi at our feet."

The Minister's Award for the children's literature category went to Kim Yu-young for "100-Year School." Set in a century-old school that produced many independence activists, it humorously depicts a rapper hopeful who time travels to 1919, exploring the past.

The Minister's Award for the essay category was awarded to Lee Kyung-hee for "The Day I Moved to the National Cemetery," a letter to her father resting in the cemetery that reflects on the lives and deaths of Vietnam War veterans.

The Minister's Award for the book report category went to student Kim Yul-gok for "In a World Where the Long-Handled Spoon Does Not Look Like a Gun." This piece, inspired by the book "My Grandfather Was a 15-Year-Old Boy Soldier," contemplates the sacrifices and wounds hidden behind the names of national heroes and expresses gratitude for current peace and safety.

The Grand Prize for the short story category (Korean Independence Association Award) was awarded to Jin Hwan-joo for "Happy Birthday, Anarchist in the Corner," while the Excellence Award went to Kim Ah-won for "The One Who Cries Instead." In the screenplay category, the Grand Prize (Korean Independence Association Award) went to Lee So-ri for "To Your Name," and the Excellence Award went to Seo Yoon-joo for "One Beautiful Word for Each Star."

In the poetry category, the Grand Prize (Dongnong Cultural Foundation Director's Award) was awarded to Jo Sook-ja for "The Ring of My Father from the Grave," while the Excellence Award went to Heo Kyung-ho for "Compass." In the children's literature category, the Grand Prize (Dongnong Cultural Foundation Director's Award) went to Kim Yeon-soo for "Running Train," and the Excellence Award went to Lee Kwang-ho for "Doctor Ahn Jung-geun and Chiba Toshichi."

In the essay category, the Grand Prize (Republic of Korea Army Association President's Award) went to Seong Hyun-gyeong for "Ode for Forgotten Names," while the Excellence Award went to Kim Young-bong for "A Familiar Fight." In the book report category, the Grand Prize (Aju Economic President's Award) went to student Kim Ga-bin for "The Name I Could Not Call for Attendance," and the Excellence Award went to student Kim Yoon-ho for "The Fire of Choi Pechika."

The awards ceremony will take place on June 30 at the Maeheon Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

View the winning works