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| Chinese author Yu Hua speaks during a press event held at a cafe in Jongno District, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap |
By Pyo Kyung-min
Chinese author Yu Hua, who has stood as a leading figure in contemporary Chinese literature, marked the 40th anniversary of his literary debut with his fans and publishing industry people in Korea.
Hua, known for his globally acclaimed works such as "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" and "To Live," visited Korea to participate in the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival, being held until Wednesday.
"I forgot it was my 40th anniversary since my debut, so I was pleasantly surprised when Korea's Prunsoop Publishing Company informed me. I want to express my gratitude for remembering this milestone and organizing this meaningful event," Hua said during a press event at a cafe in Jongno District, Seoul, Friday.
Born in 1960 in China's Zhejiang Province, Hua began his writing career in 1983 and achieved worldwide acclaim in 1993 with his full-length novel, "To Live." The novel was also adapted into a film of the same name by famous director Zhang Yimou in 1994.
His subsequent work, "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant," garnered widespread attention, especially from Korean readers. The tale of a man who sells his blood to provide for his family, sold 250,000 copies in Korea alone. "To Live" also left a mark with 100,000 copies sold.
To celebrate Hua's 40th anniversary in the literary world, Prunsoop Publishing Company released updated editions of his two novels, "To Live" and "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant." This marks the first revisions in 16 years, following the publication of the third edition in 2007.
"'To Live' achieved higher sales worldwide. I've often wondered why 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant' resonated so strongly with Korean readers," Hua said.
"I suspect this could be attributed to the refined literary sensibilities of Korean readers," he said, conveying his deep appreciation. "Given how warmly Korean readers have embraced my work, I genuinely wish to visit Korea more frequently," he added.
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| Chinese author Yu Hua speaks during a press event at a cafe in Jongno District, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap |
Despite his impressive sales figures, Hua is an author who focuses more on quality than quantity. He produced only six novels in his 40-year literary career.
"Strong sales of my books reassure me that I remain a writer worth reading. I'm not an author inclined to churn out numerous works, but I do believe I should repay the love my readers have sent me and earnestly create new works in the future," he said.
The author also hinted at his future endeavors, saying, "I am currently crafting a short comedy, which is a departure from the lengthy and somber novels I've previously penned."
After participating in the writer's festival which is taking place at Nodeul Island in Seoul, Hua is scheduled to return to China on Wednesday.
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