Sejong Book Club
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (Central Time, USA)
Format: Online via Zoom (open to participants worldwide)
- Explore major works of Korean literature in English translation
- Learn from distinguished literature professors
- Join a welcoming online discussion with readers from around the world
About Sejong Book Club
The Sejong Book Club invites readers from around the world to explore Korean literature in English translation. Led by distinguished professors of literature, our online discussions offer a welcoming space to connect through reading, reflection, and cultural exchange.
Each session highlights a major Korean work translated into English, examining its themes, historical background, and artistic vision. Discussions are held several times a year, and all sessions are conducted in English.
Join us in discovering the depth and beauty of Korean literature—one book, one conversation at a time.
Book
"Sky, Wind, Stars and Poems" by Yun Dong-Ju
- One of the most beloved voices in modern Korean poetry
- Written in the shadow of Japanese colonial rule
- Themes include identity, conscience, sorrow, hope, and moral courage
- A powerful introduction to Yun Dong-ju’s poetic and historical legacy
"Sky, Wind, Stars and Poems" by Yun Dong-ju
Step into the world of Yun Dong-ju, a prominent Korean poet celebrated for his lyrical verses and unwavering dedication to the Korean independence movement during the Japanese colonial era. Born in 1917 in China and educated in Seoul and Japan, Yun Dong-ju's life was marked by a fervent pursuit of freedom and self-expression through poetry.
Despite the oppressive political climate of his time, Yun Dong-ju fearlessly spoke out against Japanese colonial rule, using his poetry as a powerful tool of resistance. In 1943, he was arrested for his anti-Japanese activities and imprisoned in Fukuoka, Japan. Tragically, at the age of 27, his life was cut short under mysterious circumstances while in captivity.
His posthumously published collection, The Sky, the Wind, the Stars, and the Poem, stands as a poignant testament to his spirit and devotion to freedom. Through his verses, Yun Dong-ju offered a deeply human and morally searching response to the suffering and injustice of his time.
Today, Yun Dong-ju’s legacy continues to resonate with readers in Korea and around the world. His poetry remains a timeless expression of courage, inward honesty, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Also known as Yoon Dong-ju, Yoon Dong-joo, and Yun Dong-joo.
Source: amazon.com
Other Version
Sky, Wind, and Stars Paperback
– August 1, 2003
Translated by Kyung-nyun Kim Ricahrds and Steffen F. Richards
Link to Amazon https://a.co/d/03bvB1K4
Moderator
Registration
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link, guided reading notes, and discussion materials by email.
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Previous Book Club Meetings
3/19/2026 "Secret" from Shoko's Smile by Choi Eunyoung
1/29/2026 "Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop" by Hwang Bo-Reum
11/13/2025 "Human Acts" by Han Kang
Sponsors
The Sejong Cultural Society gratefully acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, DB Kim Jun Ki Foundation, Bisco Foundation, and the Literature Translation Institute of Korea.
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