Fairy tale writer Lee Geum-yi adds to Korea's growing literary presence as Andersen Award finalist

Fairy tale writer Lee Geum-yi / Yonhap

Korean children’s and young adult fiction writer Lee Geum-yi has fallen just short of winning the Hans Christian Andersen Award in the writing category, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of children’s literature.”

Lee, who was named as a finalist for the 2026 prize after also making the shortlist in 2024, left this year’s competition as a two-time finalist, cementing a milestone for Korean children’s and young adult writing on the international stage.

The award was announced Monday during the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy. The biennial prize, given by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), honors one author and one illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature worldwide.

Lee was one of six finalists in the writing category, along with Ahmad Akbarpour of Iran, Timothee de Fombelle of France, Pam Munoz Ryan of the United States and Michael Rosen of the United Kingdom, though the top prize ultimately went to Maria Jose Ferrada of Chile.

Since winning the Saebut Literary Award in 1984 for her debut short story “With Younggu and Heukgu,” Lee has written more than 50 works for children and teenagers over the past four decades. Her earlier works, such as the four-volume “Bamti Village” series (1994) and “You Too Are a Twilight Lily” (1999) established her as a leading figure in Korean children’s storytelling.

Since her 2004 young adult novel “Yujin and Yujin,” she has turned her focus to teen fiction, helping shape the genre in Korean literature.

Her recent trilogy — “Can’t I Go Instead?” (2016), “Picture Bride” (2020) and “The Gap of Sorrow” (2025) — explores themes of Korean diaspora and postcolonial life through the lens of women and youth, expanding the boundaries of Korean young adult fiction.

Speaking in March ahead of the award announcement, Lee said being named a two-time finalist was “a great honor that could never be achieved through my own strength alone.” She expressed gratitude to the Korean section of IBBY (KBBY), publishers and cultural institutions for their support. “I will continue writing with greater dedication and strive to introduce Korean children’s literature to the world,” she said.

First established in 1956 to honor Danish fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75), the award remains the most prestigious international prize in children’s literature. Picture book artist Suzy Lee became the first Korean to win the award in the illustration category in 2022.