hankyoreh

Graphic novelist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim

“Grass,” a graphic novel by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim that tells of the life of a comfort woman drafted for sexual slavery by the Japanese military, was honored in the “best international book” category of the Harvey Awards, which have been called the “Oscars of comics.” Gendry-Kim is the first Korean artist to win the award. The announcement of winners took place at the online New York Comic Con event at 5 pm on Oct. 9.

In a telephone interview with the Hankyoreh on Oct. 12, Gendry-Kim said, “I’m really grateful that this book became an issue in the US, even though it is tied up with issues involving Japan. I’m also gratified that this award seems to have contributed to elevating the prestige of graphic novels, a genre that people in Korea have previously regarded as focused only on entertainment.”

The covers of the English and French editions of Gendry-Kim’s graphic novel “Grass,” which deals with comfort women issues

In her official response to the award, Gendry-Kim said, “‘Grass’ speaks for women suffering oppression, and it’s a story about how human beings can live with trauma.”

“Lee Ok-sun [the real-life figure who is the focus of ‘Grass’] and other women who were forced to live as sexual slaves to the Japanese military faced many risks as they told the world about their terrible experiences. I hope their will to live helps us to believe in humankind,” she added.

First published in 2017, “Grass” has drawn major attention overseas. It won a special judges’ prize last year at the inaugural comic book awards presented by the progressive French daily L’Humanité, and was named as one of best graphic novels of 2019 by the Guardian and the New York Times.

Late last month, Gendry-Kim published a new book titled “Waiting,” which tells of the suffering of divided Koreans families divided by the South-North split. The artist explained, “I really put my heart and soul [into that book], turning down proposals from some prominent overseas publishing companies.” “Waiting” is slated for publication in English and French translation next year.

By Choi Yoon-ah, staff reporter

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