Beloved Korean actor Cha In-pyo has demonstrated that it's never too late to pursue new dreams by winning the prestigious Newcomer Award at the 14th Hwang Sun-won Literary Awards at age 57. This remarkable achievement marks his successful transition from the entertainment industry to the literary world, where he has established himself as a respected novelist over the past decade.
Following the announcement on Monday, Cha expressed his gratitude and humility on Instagram, writing, "It is already more than I deserve that people read my novels, and now receiving an award fills me with a sense of apology and responsibility toward the many who walk the path of literature." The actor-turned-writer emphasized that he views this recognition not as praise for past work, but as encouragement to continue improving his craft.
The Hwang Sun-won Literary Award holds significant importance in Korean literature, having been established to honor the legacy of Hwang Sun-won (1915-2000), one of Korea's most cherished modern writers and author of the classic short story "Sonagi" (Rain Shower). Cha's recognition by this esteemed literary institution validates his dedication to his second career as a novelist.
Cha's award-winning novel, "Mermaid Hunt" (2022), explores themes of human ambition and desire through the compelling narrative of a quest to obtain mermaid oil that supposedly grants a thousand years of life. The work stands out for its incorporation of Korean geography, folklore, and oral traditions, creating what critics describe as a uniquely Korean-style fantasy that examines the raw essence of human nature.
The writer's literary journey began in 2009 with his debut novel "Goodbye Hill," which was later revised and reissued under the title "Once We Look at the Same Star." This powerful work addresses the historical trauma experienced by victims of the Japanese military's sexual slavery, euphemistically known as comfort women during World War II. The novel tackles one of Korea's most sensitive historical issues with depth and compassion.
Cha's literary work gained international recognition last year when he was invited to speak at the inaugural Korean Literature Festival hosted by Oxford University's Asian and Middle Eastern Studies department. His debut novel has since been selected as required reading for Korean Studies courses, highlighting its academic and cultural significance in understanding Korean history and literature.
Reflecting on his unique career trajectory, Cha noted the interesting parallel in his life achievements: "I published my first novel at 42, and now, at 58 (by Korean age), I receive a Newcomer Award. Life feels like a long novel whose ending you can only know after reading until the very last page." This philosophical observation underscores his belief that life continues to offer new chapters and opportunities regardless of age.
Cha's wife, actress Shin Ae-ra, celebrated his victory with a heartfelt social media post that included a photo of the couple. She wrote, "He disappeared every day with his backpack to write, only to come home hungry by 5 p.m. Now he's won this award. He won a Best New Actor award just before turning 30, and now a Newcomer Writer Award just before 60. Dreams must never be given up on because you never know when they will come true." Her words paint a picture of Cha's dedicated daily writing routine and the persistence required to excel in his second career.
The 14th Hwang Sun-won Literary Awards recognized excellence across multiple categories this year. Alongside Cha's Newcomer Award, novelist Joo Sue-ja received the Writers Award for "Searching for the Original Manuscript of the Novel," while poet Kim Koo-seul won the Poets Award for "Island of Shadows." These awards represent the highest honors in contemporary Korean literature.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 12 at the Hwang Sun-won Literary Village in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, where Cha and other winners will be formally recognized for their contributions to Korean literature. This celebration will mark not only Cha's personal achievement but also serve as an inspiration to others who dare to pursue new dreams later in life.
