In 1979, a band dressed in peculiar outfits released a song called “Video Killed the Radio Star,” the video of which would be chosen by MTV to launch its channel two years later. Yet, despite the song’s portentous title, radio still lives on today. It might be on the decline, possibly even on life support, but it has survived for a long time—and perhaps always will. When video technology first emerged and began taking over the arts, it was perceived as a threat by many artists. Suddenly, it seemed as if there was no longer any need to go to museums, cinemas, or live performances. Something similar occurred with literature. One critic proclaimed the end of modern literature, and one writer even went so far as to declare the death of fiction. Yet fiction did not perish; nor was it replaced by other media. Rather, it proved its own unique worth. While fiction faced a crisis, it found new ways to transform within the shifting media landscape. It came to be adapted or created specifically for new types of media.


In this Spring 2025 issue of KLN, “Beyond the Page: Korean Literature Across Media,” authors Kim Un-su and Chung Han-ah reflect on having their stories adapted into films and television dramas, sharing what this has meant to them. Likewise, Lee Seula, also known by her pen name YSRA, discusses her experience of reworking and adapting her work for the small screen. In addition, journalist Lee Yoochae and author Seo Ije discuss the shifting landscape of literary media from the perspectives of consumers, creators, and producers.

The Featured Writer section shines the spotlight on Kim Ae-ran, who has recently returned with a new novel, and includes a thought-provoking interview by Kim Mijung.  Mi Ryeong Cha completes the spotlight with an insightful review, adding a layer of depth and nuance to Kim’s work. Finally, the Bookmark section offers a taste of the latest in Korean literature with short stories by Kim Kitae and Lee Sun Ju as well as poetry by Oh Eun and Yoon Eunseong. With the coming of this new season, may the spirit of spring in this KLN issue uplift and inspire our readers.

— Jung Yong-jun