Nominations for civilian members accepted through Oct. 23; 14 members to be appointed in November

Han Kang's novel "We Do Not Part" is displayed at Kyobo Book Centre in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Yonhap]
Han Kang's novel "We Do Not Part" is displayed at Kyobo Book Centre in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Yonhap]

The public will have a direct say in shaping South Korea's literature promotion policy for the first time.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Personnel Management said they will accept public nominations for civilian members of the Literature Promotion Policy Committee through a "public nomination system" from Friday through Oct. 23.

The Literature Promotion Policy Committee was established under the Literature Promotion Act enacted in 2017 and advises on key matters related to literature promotion, including the formulation and implementation of the basic plan for literature development.

Previously, nominations for committee members came primarily from literature-related associations, organizations and affiliated institutions. To broaden the openness and diversity of the committee's composition, public nominations are being accepted for the first time alongside the existing process. Anyone may nominate themselves or others — including writers, critics and professionals with expertise and hands-on experience in literary creation, publishing and retail.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to appoint 14 civilian members in November after a review by a nominations committee composed of prominent figures in the literary community, drawing from both publicly nominated candidates and those put forward by relevant institutions.

Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young had raised the idea of introducing the public nomination system in June, when he outlined plans for the committee's third-term composition at the third meeting of the literature subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Policy Advisory Committee.

"As global attention to Korean literature continues to grow, new and diverse approaches are needed to strengthen the environment for literary creation and widen the path for Korean literature to reach international audiences," a ministry official said. "We expect those nominated by the public to contribute greatly to policy development."


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