SEJONG CITY, South Korea—The new novel by best-selling author Kim Jin-myung, tentatively titled The Nation of Sejong, will incorporate the perspectives of Sejong City residents. The novel, which explores the process of King Sejong the Great’s creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, is being developed through a unique collaborative process involving the local community.

Sejong Special Self-Governing City (Mayor Choi Min-ho) and the King Sejong Memorial Society (Chairman Choi Hong-sik) announced they will host the 'Sharing Wisdom for The Nation of Sejong Book Discussion' on November 18 at 2:00 PM in the grand auditorium of the Sejong City Library.

This public forum is the result of an agreement made last month among Sejong City, the King Sejong Memorial Society, and author Kim Jin-myung to jointly cooperate on the completion of the novel as part of a broader Hangeul cultural community initiative.

First Look and Public Input

During the event, author Kim Jin-myung is set to unveil parts of the first volume of The Nation of Sejong for the first time. Following the initial disclosure, a panel discussion will take place under the theme, "Stories of Sejong City to be Incorporated into The Nation of Sejong."

The panel will feature the author alongside Chairman Choi Hong-sik, Lee Jae-min, Director of the Sejong Regional Studies Center, and YouTuber 'Gongbaek's Book Captain.' Given that the novel is being written in collaboration with Sejong City—a city named after the Great King and dedicated to carrying on his legacy—the discussion aims to specifically explore diverse stories and concepts related to the city that can be interwoven into the narrative.

A dedicated Q&A session will allow citizens in attendance to actively participate by offering their own inventive ideas and suggestions for the novel's content.

The city stated its intention to actively gather public opinion, in addition to expert deliberation, to realize the vision of a Hangeul Cultural City rooted in King Sejong's spirit of love for his people (Aemin Jeongsin). Author Kim Jin-myung is committed to reflecting the "vivid voices and opinions" of the citizens in the actual development of the novel.

Completion Target and Cultural Impact

Kim Ryeo-su, Director-General of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, said, "We plan to complete The Nation of Sejong, which holds the wisdom of Sejong citizens, with author Kim Jin-myung by the first half of next year." He added, "We ask for your great interest in The Nation of Sejong, a special Hangeul literature content unique to Sejong, the Hangeul Cultural City."

The discussion is open to all citizens, and applications for attendance can be made through the websites of Sejong City (sejong.go.kr) or the Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation (sjcf.or.kr).