The Choi In-ho Youth Culture Award Steering Committee announced on September 7 that acclaimed novelist Chung Serang has been selected as the recipient of the 4th Choi In-ho Youth Culture Award.

Established in 2023 to mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of the legendary writer Choi In-ho (1945–2013)—who stood at the very center of Korean youth culture in the 1970s—the award is organized by the culture and arts research institute Cultura. Its primary mission is to honor Choi’s profound literary and cultural achievements while continuously broadening the horizons of contemporary youth culture. The award comes with a cash prize of 10 million won. 

The judging panel praised Chung, stating, "She is an exceptional writer who breaks down conventional boundaries between literary genres and infuses Korean literature with fresh, imaginative energy." The judges also highly commended her versatile cross-media work, which includes participating in the scriptwriting for the drama adaptation of her own hit novel, The School Nurse Files.

In her acceptance speech, reflecting on her past experience of creating electronic display animations for street billboards, Chung expressed, "I imagine that teacher Choi In-ho would understand better than anyone this earnest heart of mine—wanting to pack stories into unfamiliar vessels and reach out with outstretched arms. Following his inspiring footsteps, I will strive to write stories that pierce through the eras and radiate true artistic excellence."

Literary critics and the award's committee noted that Chung's works possess a resilient vitality tailored for contemporary youth who face realities akin to disasters, coupled with an audacious, cheerful sensibility toward unknown writing. This ethos mirrors the everlasting, pioneering spirit of Choi In-ho, who was celebrated throughout his life as the "eternal youth writer" of Korea.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at 6:00 p.m. on September 30 at the Film Forum Art Theater in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Prior to the main award ceremony, a special cine-talk commemorating the publication of an academic collection centered on Choi In-ho’s original work Deep Blue Night will be held, adding deep academic and cultural significance to the event.

Since its inception, the Choi In-ho Youth Culture Award has consistently spotlighted leading literary figures who embody experimental spirit and creative longevity. Previous esteemed recipients include novelist Kim Ae-ran, who was honored at the inaugural ceremony in 2023 and reflected on the immense challenge and value of remaining an active, evolving writer across a lifetime. By adding Chung Serang to this prestigious lineage, the 2026 award further solidifies its status as a vital bridge connecting Korea's rich literary history with the dynamic innovations of modern storytelling.

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