“It was not an outright lie, though to heighten the tension, I had no choice but to exaggerate and let slip lies here and there. However, as I retold the story again and again, those exaggerations and lies began to harden into truth before I realized it.” (Yahweui Bam [The Night of Yahweh]. Hongsungsa, 2014)

Cho Sung-ki is a novelist who explores the relationship between God and humanity through literature.

1. Life

Cho Sung-ki was born in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province in 1951. He studied law at Seoul National University and completed his graduate studies at The Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary. He made his literary debut in 1971 after winning the Dong-A Ilbo New Year’s Literary Contest with his short story “Manhwagyeong” (Kaleidoscope”). After a long period of conflict between preparation for the bar, literature, and religion, he resumed active writing in 1985 with the publication of Rahateu Haherep (Lahat Haḥereb), which explores the relationship between human salvation. After entering university, he began studying the Bible and worked as a Christian missionary, an experience that grounded his literary works in Christian community life. He also served as a professor of creative writing at Soongsil University. He is currently engaged in translating and reinterpreting Eastern classics alongside writing fiction and works on religion.

2. Writing

Cho believed literature was “a middle ground between God and humanity.” In his novel Yahweui Bam (The Night of Yahweh), drawn from his early experiences as a missionary, he portrays the development of a missionary organization consumed by elitism and gradually descending into fanaticism. Through this, he moves beyond the religious institution that suppresses individual consciousness and explores an earlier form of Christianity, prior to its collectivization. His autobiographical novel Seulpeun Deusi Jogeum Ppareuge (A Little Faster, as Though Sad) marked a turning point, after which he began producing fiction on a range of subjects, moving away from a religious perspective. Illyeonui Kkum, Samgungnyusa (Ilyeon’s Dream, Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) clearly indicates that his fictional world expanded toward the reinterpretation of Eastern classics.

Reference

Fiction

Babaui Nara 1 (The Land of Baba, vol. 1). MunhakSegyeSa, 1989

Jeonguksidae Je1bu-Je2bu (The Warring States Period, vols. 1-2). Goryeowon, 1990

Gurwonui Norae (Song of Qu Yuan). Hangilsa, 1990

Jeonguksidae Je3bu-Je5bu (The Warring States Period, vols. 3-5). Goryeowon, 1991

Uri Sidaeui Sarang (Love in Our Time). MunhakSegyeSa, 1991

Edenui Bulkal 1-7 (The Burning Sword of Eden, vols. 1-7). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 1992

Yongmangui Ogamdo 1-5 (Crow's Eye View of Desire, vols. 1-5). MunhakSegyeSa, 1993

Illyeonui Kkum, Samgungnyusa 1-2 (Ilyeon’s Dream, Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms, vols. 1-2). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 1995

Uri Sidaeui Soseolga/ Supsogui Bang Oe (Novelist of Our Time, A Room in a Forest, and Other Works). Dong-A Publishing (Doosan), 1995

Urineun Wanjeonhi Mannaji Anatda (We Have Not Fully Met). MunhakSegyeSa, 1995

Neoege Dako Sipda 1-2 (I Want to Reach You, vols. 1-2). MunhakSegyeSa, 1996

Nansejiryak 1-5 (Strategies for Turbulent Times, vols. 1-5). Achimnara (Doongji), 1997

Siljikja Yobui Muksirok (The Apocalypse of Job in Unemployment). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 1998

Jonghuiui Areumdaun Sijeol (Jane’s Beautiful Days). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 2000

Yahweui Bam Je1bu Sang/Ha (The Night of Yahweh, Part One, vols.1-2). Hongsungsa, 2002

Yahweui Bam Je2bu Sang/Ha (The Night of Yahweh, Part Two, vols.1-2). Hongsungsa, 2002

Sorieomneun Auseong 1-2 (A Silent Outcry, vols. 1-2). Moonhak Soochup, 2003

Ileobeorin Gongganeul Chajaseo (In Search of Lost Space). Hyundae Munhak Publishing Co., Ltd., 2004

Bangeumnyeon (Pan Jinlian). Dong-A Ilbo, 2004

Tongdosa Ganeun Gil (The Road to Tongdo Temple). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 2005

Wanggwa Gae (The King and the Dog). Chaeksesang, 2010

Jwaongui Gil (Jwaong’s Path). Bbul (Woongjin), 2010

Rahateu Haherep (Lahat Hahereb). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 2013

Urineun Aseuraseulhage Saraganda (We Precariously Live On). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 2016

Sadoui 8il (Crown Prince Sado’s Eight Days). Hangilsa, 2020

1980nyeon 5wol 24il (May 24, 1980). Hangilsa, 2023

Abeojiui Gwangsigok (Father’s Rhapsody). Hangilsa, 2024

Maeumui Gamok: 1990nyeon Je14hoe Isangmunhaksang Susangjakpumjip (The Heart’s Prison: 14^th Yi Sang Literary Award Anthology, 1990). Literature & Thought, 1990 (multiple authors)

Buseoksa: 2001nyeon Je25hoe Isangmunhaksang Susangjakpumjip (Buseok Temple: 25^th Yi Sang Literary Award Anthology, 2001). Literature & Thought, 2001 (multiple authors)

Yesumureseoui Euneonaksi (Fishing for Sweetfish at an Old Well). Jakka Publishing Co., Ltd., 2003 (multiple authors)

Urisidaeui Soseolga: 1991nyeon Je15hoe Isangmunhaksang Susangjakpumjip (Novelist of Our Time: 15^th Yi Sang Literary Award Anthology, 1991). Literature & Thought, 2004 (multiple authors)

2005 Hyeonjangbipyeonggaga Ppobeun Olhaeui Joeun Soseol (Novel of the Year Selected by Critics, 2005), Hyundae Munhak Publishing Co., Ltd., 2005 (multiple authors)

Urideurui Ilgeureojin Yeongung Tongdosa Ganeun Gil Banseongmuneul Sseuneun Sigan (Our Twisted Hero, The Road to Tongdo Temple, Time to Write an Apology Letter). Changbi Publishers, Inc., 2006 (multiple authors)

Soseol 100in 100seon 14 (100 Works by 100 Authors, vol. 14). Ilsong Media, 2007 (multiple authors)

Haksaengbujonghapjeonhyeongeul Wihan Pildok Soseolseon 2 (Essential Fiction for Holistic Admissions, vol. 2). Seogyo Publishing, 2017 (multiple authors)

Oneurui Joeun Soseol 2022. Gaeul (Today’s Best Fiction, Autumn 2022). Sinsaeng (Jeonmang), 2022 (multiple authors)

Poetry Collections

Nae Yeonghonui Baengnya (My Soul’s White Night). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 1998

Essays

Aheunahobui Jihye (Ninety-Nine Pieces of Wisdom). Baekseong, 1991

Mium Geukbok (Overcoming Hate). Joongang Books, 2012

Nae Insaengeul Bakkun Han Gwonui Chaek 2 (One Book That Changed My Life, vol. 2). Reader Books, 2009 (multiple authors)

Translated Works

Cao, Xueqin. Hongnumong 1-6 (Dream of the Red Chamber, vols. 1-6). Donggwang Publishing, 1990

Cao, Xueqin. Hongnumong 7 (Dream of the Red Chamber, vol. 7). Donggwang Publishing, 1991

Luo, Guanzhong. Samgukji 1-8 (Records of the Three Kingdoms, vols. 1-8). Yolimwon Publishing Co., 2001

Luo, Guanzhong. Samgukji 9-10 (Records of the Three Kingdoms, vols. 9-10). Yolimwon Publishing Co., 2002

Mailer, Norman Kingsley. Yesuui Ilgi (The Gospel According to the Son). MINUMSA Publishing Group, 2002

Other Works

Soseolga Joseonggi Yeonghwaui Ppajin Nal (The Day Novelist Cho Sung-ki Got Immersed in Film). Goryeowon, 1996

Ileobeorin Geoureul Chajaseo (In Search of the Lost Mirror). Yolimwon Publishing Co., 1998

Ileobeorin Gireul Chajaseo (In Search of a Lost Path). Yolimwon Publishing Co., 1998

Sinbuui Oleun Heotsori (The Bride’s Accurate Nonsense). Aseon Media, 1998

Maengjaga Saraitdamyeon (If Mencius Were Alive). Dong-A Ilbo, 2001

Saeropge Ingneun Hangugui Sinhwa (A New Reading of Korean Myths). Dong-A Ilbo, 2002

Hangyeongjik Pyeongjeon (A Biography of Han Kyung-Chik). Gimm-Young Publishers, Inc., 2003

Sibiljoreul Neomeoseo (Beyond Tithe). Achimbada, 2003

Seongjeoneul Neomeoseo (Beyond the Temple). News & Joy, 2003

Saeropge Ingneun Jeongukchaek 1-2 (A New Reading of Strategies of the Warring States, vols. 1-2). Dong-A Ilbo, 2003

Seongseo Sogui Seong (Sexuality in the Bible). Dong-A Ilbo, 2005

Yuilhan Pyeongjeon (The Only Temple). Little Seed, 2005

Yangban Gamunui Sseunsori (Hard Truths of an Aristocratic Family). Gimm-Young Publishers, Inc., 2006

Kareul Yung, Gieok Kkum Sasang (Carl Jung: Memories, Dreams, Reflections). Gimm-Young Publishers, Inc., 2007

Naneun Somanghamnida (I Hope). Random House Korea, 2009

Gwollyeogeul Neomeoseo Sang/Ha (Beyond Power, vols. 1-2). Cheongu, 2009

Nuga Nareul Geonjyeonaerya (Who Shall Save Me?). Random House Korea, 2010

Sibiljoneun Eopda (There Is No Tithe). Pyungdan (Pyungdan Publishing), 2012

Sotonggwa Seoldeugui Darin Maengja (Mencius, Master of Communication and Persuasion). Geumul, 2013

Heonbeobui Ahop Gidung (The Nine Pillars of the Constitution). Geumul, 2013

Sibiljoneun Nuguui Geosinga (Whose Tithe Is It?). Pyungdan (Pyungdan Publishing), 2015

Seongseo Sok Seong Simni (The Psychology of Sexuality in the Bible). Joy with Joy, 2021

Reference

Kwon, Young-min. Hangukyeondaemunhakdaesajeon (Encyclopedia of Modern Korean Literature). Seoul National University Press, 2004