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| Keum Suk Gendry-Kim's "The Waiting," translated into English by Janet Hong / Courtesy of Drawn & Quarterly |
By Park Han-sol
Graphic novelist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim's "The Waiting," which tells the heart-wrenching story of families forcibly separated during the 1950-53 Korean War, has been nominated for this year's prestigious Harvey Awards.
The Harvey Awards have celebrated quality comic books, graphic novels and manga since its establishment in 1988 to commemorate the literary achievements of Harvey Kurtzman (1924-1993), the American cartoonist, editor and pioneer of the genre.
"The Waiting," first released in 2020 and later translated into English by Janet Hong, is in the running for the prize in the Best International Book category.
The other five competing titles are: "Ballad for Sophie," "Castaways," "Sweet Paprika," "This is How I Disappear" and "Yellow Cab."
Gendry-Kim's graphic novel was first inspired by her mother's confession when she revealed that she had been separated from her own sister amid the chaos of the war.
The revelation of this family secret prompted the author to launch an extensive historical research project and conduct interviews with other families, who had undergone similar tragic experiences of separation. She then penned the fictional story of Gwija and her separation from her husband and son during their tumultuous refuge-seeking journey to the South.
"Through 'The Waiting,' I wanted to address issues related to the importance of family when we're witnessing the breakdown of a traditional family system," the author said during her interview with The Korea Times last year.
With this year's nomination, Gendry-Kim may become the two-time winner of the prestigious literary prize. In 2020, her "Grass," an unflinching portrayal of the victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery, was named Korea's first-ever recipient of a Harvey Awards in its Best International Book category.
This year's winners will be announced during the four-day New York Comic Con in October.
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