“But I should’ve known that I am not someone who is capable of such interaction … I will now take care of my immature ego and dark desires in isolation.”

Kim, who has been broadcasting an audio podcast about literature and actively interacting with his readers online, ran into a debate with literary critic Cho early this year.

It began as Kim posted an entry on his blog regarding the result of this year’s “Sinchun Munye,” Korea’s annual literary contest that discovers aspiring writers. It is one of the very few ways to break into the competitive and exclusive literary scene in Korea.

Kim wrote in his entry that what makes someone a writer is “their dignity,” not “the recognition of others,” intending to encourage those who did not win the contest. Cho, who had been critical of the contest and the systemic barriers that prevent young writers from succeeding either financially or artistically, wrote that Kim’s advice is rather impractical and unrealistic.

While Kim suggested an artist is responsible for his own survival ― no matter how harsh the reality is ― Cho claimed that every artist, if necessary, should join some sort of movement to change the current system, to ensure their financial security and fulfill their artistic goals.

The debate continued till the tragic case of aspiring screenwriter Choi Go-eun came to light.

Choi, who graduated from KNUA’s film program in 2007, was found dead last month in her studio in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, after suffering from hyperthyroidism and financial destitution.

Prior to her death, Choi had put a handwritten note on the door, asking her landlords for leftover rice and kimchi.

In response to Choi’s death, Cho suggested boycotting watching Korean movies for better treatment of screenwriters in the industry, while Kim posted a blog entry stressing his former student did not die of starvation, but mainly of her disease.

Kim also wrote that one should find his own purpose, instead of waiting until the world changes.

To this, author Kim Sa-gwa, another former student of Kim who had attended his class with Choi, replied, “Why do we have to choose between life and art?” and “Just because one fights against the rules of society, it does not mean his artistic drive has died.”

In his last blog entry, Kim expressed his remorse for his late student. “Most importantly, I’d like to ask forgiveness from Go-eun,” he wrote. “I wasn’t a helpful teacher while you were alive. And I’m no help even after you are gone. I am really sorry.”

By Claire Lee (clairelee@heraldcorp.com)