Yi Kwang-su facts for kids
- In this Korean name, the family name is Yi.
Yi Kwang-su (Korean: 이광수 李光洙, born March 4, 1892 – died October 25, 1950) was a famous Korean writer, poet, and activist who worked for Korea's independence. He was also known by his nicknames, Chunwon (춘원 春園) and Goju (고주 孤舟).
Contents
A Look at Yi Kwang-su's Life
His Early Years
Yi Kwang-su faced a tough start to life. When he was just 11 years old, both of his parents passed away from a sickness called cholera. This made him an orphan. He then moved to Seoul, the capital city. Thanks to some kind people who helped him with money, Yi Kwang-su was able to go to Japan to study in 1906.
In Japan, he attended Taisey Middle School and later Meiji University. It was during this time that he began to write novels and poetry.
Writing and Working for Independence
In 1910, Yi Kwang-su returned to Korea. He started working as a teacher at Oshan Elementary School (오산학교; 五山學校). He taught there until 1915.
In 1916, he went back to Japan to study again, this time at Waseda University. However, he left before finishing his third year. By 1918, he had to leave Korea and go to Shanghai because he was involved in movements working for Korea's independence. He was part of a group called the New Korea Youngman Praty (신한청년당; 新韓靑年黨). In 1919, he even worked for the Provisional Gavement of Korea (대한민국 임시정부; 大韓民國臨時政府), which was a temporary government for Korea.
Yi Kwang-su came back to Korea in 1919. He then focused mostly on writing novels and poems. In the 1930s, he worked as a reporter and journalist for well-known newspapers like Dong ah Il-bo, Maeil Sinmun, and The Chosun.
His Later Years
Yi Kwang-su was a close friend and supporter of Ahn Chang-ho, another important Korean independence leader. He joined Ahn Chang-ho's group, Heungsadan, in 1922.
In 1938, Yi Kwang-su was put in Seodaemun Prison for about a year before he was set free. He stopped working in 1944. Yi Kwang-su passed away in 1950, at the age of 58. He died from illnesses like tuberculosis and a lung disease.
Famous Books and Writings
Yi Kwang-su wrote many important works, including novels and poems. Here are some of them:
- Eorin Huisaeng (어린 희생)
- Mujong (무정)
- Jaesaeng (재생)
- Sonyunui Biae (소년의 비애)
- Gaechukja (개척자)
- Mumyong (무명)
- Heuq (흙)
- Crownprince Maui (마의태자)
- Danjongaesa (단종애사)
- Youjong (유정)
- Sarang (사랑)
- Sejo of Joseon (세조대왕)
- Wife of Revolusionist (혁명가의 아내)
- Aeyokuipiahn (애욕의 피안)
- Halmum (할멈)
- Gashil (가실 嘉實)
- Nauigobaek (나의 고백)
Historical Books
He also wrote books about historical figures:
- Wonhyodaesa (원효대사)
- Death of Yichadon (이차돈의 죽음)
- biography Yi Sunsin (전기 이순신)
- biography Ahn Changho (전기 안창호)
See also
Images for kids
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A picture of Yi Kwang-su.
See also
In Spanish: Yi Kwang-su para niños
