The King Sejong Memorial Society announced on the 6th that it will host a national reading essay contest to mark its 70th anniversary, coinciding with the publication of bestselling author Kim Jin-myung's new historical novel "Sejong's Nation."
The event will be held on the 9th of next month at the International Conference Hall on the 20th floor of the Press Center in Seoul. The contest begins with a publication commemoration event for "Sejong's Nation," followed by essay submissions and judging from readers nationwide, with awards presented on Hangul Day. Total prize money amounts to 200 million won, with the first-place winner receiving 30 million won. Approximately 700 participants will be recognized. The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Hangul Day.
The King Sejong Memorial Society is a cultural organization founded on Hangul Day, October 9, 1956, and celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Chairman Choi Hong-sik is the grandson of Oisol Choi Hyun-bae. Chairman Choi stated, "Amid growing social concerns over declining readership and deteriorating literacy, the need for a public participatory reading project emerged, prompting us to organize this contest."
"Sejong's Nation" is the latest work by author Kim Jin-myung, known for "Rose of Sharon Has Bloomed" and "Goguryeo." The faction-style novel combines a secret project surrounding the creation of Hunminjeongeum with historical imagination, vividly portraying King Sejong's anguish and determination. Kim emphasized that Hangul is the backbone of national identity and a shield that preserved our existence against foreign powers.
