4 Korean books shortlisted for 2026 Locus Awards

The cover of "Red Sword" by Bora Chung / Courtesy of Honford Star

Four works by three Korean authors have been shortlisted for the newly introduced translated novel category at the 2026 Locus Awards, with Bora Chung leading the field with two nominations.

Locus magazine announced the finalists Monday. This year marks the first time the awards have included a translated fiction category, with Korean authors accounting for four of the 10 shortlisted titles.

The nominated titles include Chung;s “Red Sword” and “The Midnight Timetable,” “The Midnight Shift” by Cheon Seon-ran and “Blood for the Undying Throne” by Kim Sung-il.

Award-winning translator Anton Hur translated both of Chung's works and Kim's novel.

“Red Sword” follows a female hero fighting in a war, inspired by the 17th-century Naseonjeongbeol battle between China and Russia, in which Korean soldiers were dispatched to fight for China as mercenaries. “The Midnight Timetable” is a series of stories set in an institution where mysterious objects are stored. “The Midnight Shift” explores the relationships between humans and vampires. “Blood for the Undying Throne” features three protagonists fighting against an oppressive empire that seized power through magic.

Winners are chosen by reader vote and will be announced on May 30. The awards ceremony will be held in Berkeley, California, according to the publication. Along with the translated novel category, the awards cover science fiction, fantasy, horror and other genres.