From Screen to Page, Veteran Performer Wins Hwang Sun-won Literature Prize for Novel “Mermaid Hunt,” Cementing Authorial Stature
New York, N.Y. — The worlds of Korean cinema and literature converged dramatically this week as acclaimed actor Cha In-pyo was named a recipient of the esteemed Hwang Sun-won Literature Prize.
Awarded in the emerging writers category, the prize recognizes Cha’s 2022 historical fantasy novel, Mermaid Hunt, solidifying a remarkable second act for the performer as a significant voice in contemporary Korean letters. The award honors the legacy of the iconic Hwang Sun-won, revered for masterpieces like the short story Rain Shower (Sonagi).
A Late Bloomer’s Literary Journey
Cha’s path to literary recognition is unconventional. Reflecting on the honor via Instagram on Monday, the 58-year-old expressed profound humility and a sense of life’s unfolding narrative.
“I published my first novel at age 42, and now, at 58, I’ve been honored with a rising writer’s award. It makes me think that life is like a full-length novel; you don’t know how it ends until you’ve read it through,” he mused. He framed the accolade not as an endpoint but as motivation: “I don’t take this award as praise for what I’ve done, but as encouragement to write even better from here on. I’ll keep going.”
This award marks a significant milestone in a writing career that began relatively late but has steadily gained critical traction.
“Mermaid Hunt”: A Tale of Timeless Desire
Mermaid Hunt, the novel that captured the judges’ attention, delves into the darkest corners of human yearning through a fantastical premise. Inspired by a Joseon Dynasty legend, the story centers on the pursuit of mermaid oil, fabled to grant a thousand years of life to those who consume it.
Cha crafts a sweeping historical fantasy that traverses a millennium, journeying from the 8th-century Silla Kingdom to the tumultuous early 20th century of the Joseon Dynasty. The narrative uses this mythical quest to explore the raw, often destructive, nature of humanity’s thirst for immortality and power, showcasing Cha’s ambition and narrative scope beyond his acting fame.
From Debut to Oxford Recognition
While Mermaid Hunt brought him the Hwang Sun-won Literature Prize, Cha’s literary debut came much earlier with the 2009 novel Once We Look at the Same Star.
That powerful first work tackled profoundly difficult history, revolving around a woman whose youth was violently shattered when she was forced into sexual slavery as a comfort woman for the Imperial Japanese military during World War II.
The novel’s enduring significance was underscored last year when it was selected as required reading for Korean Studies courses at the prestigious University of Oxford.
This academic recognition led to Cha being invited as a speaker at Oxford’s inaugural Korean Literature Festival, highlighting the international resonance of his work and his commitment to exploring complex historical trauma.
Celebrating Hwang Sun-won’s Enduring Legacy
The Hwang Sun-won Literature Prize, established in 2001 by the Hwang Sun-won Memorial Association, is a cornerstone of contemporary Korean literary awards. It pays tribute to one of Korea’s most celebrated authors, Hwang Sun-won (1915-2000), whose evocative and deeply humanistic stories, particularly Rain Shower, continue to be touchstones in Korean culture and education. The prize actively seeks to nurture and recognize exceptional talent across various genres and career stages.
Cha shares this year’s honor with novelist Joo Sue-ja, recognized for In Search of the Haeryebon Manuscript, and poet Kim Koo-seul, awarded for Island of Shadows. The formal award ceremony is scheduled for September 12 at the Hwang Sun-won Sonagi Village in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, a fitting location dedicated to the late master’s life and work.
Actor, Author Cha In-pyo Claims Prestigious Korean Literary Honor (August 6, 2025)
Audio Summary
Actor Cha In-pyo, known for his screen roles, has won the prestigious Hwang Sun-won Literature Prize for his novel “Mermaid Hunt.” The award, in the emerging writers category, recognizes his significant transition to literature. Cha reflected on the honor as encouragement for his future writing. His winning novel explores human desire through a fantastical historical quest for immortality. Cha shares the prize with novelist Joo Sue-ja and poet Kim Koo-seul.
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TAGS: Cha In-pyo, Hwang Sun-won Literature Prize, Korean literature, Korean actor, historical fantasy, author,
emerging writer, Korean novel, literary award, Sonagi, Once We Look at the Same Star, University of Oxford,
Mermaid Hunt, comfort women, Joseon Dynasty, Korean Studies, Korean cinema, novelist, Korean author
