Poet Ko Un, 93, who halted public activities after sexual harassment allegations were raised, has published seven books—poetry collections and essays—over the past three years.
According to the publishing industry on the 4th, Ko published the poetry collection "Cheong" in Nov. 2023 and the essay collection "Record of the Wind" in Nov. 2024. In addition, from May 2024 to Oct. 2025, Ko released the five-volume serial poetry collection "Poems of the World" in sequence.
The books were released by the independent publisher "Just Publishing House." The publisher was founded by Kim Hyeong-gyun, head of East Country, who has published the poet's works multiple times. However, the books are not distributed through ordinary bookstore channels and are sold only via the email address or mobile phone number listed on the publisher's website.
The publisher said it is compiling manuscripts into books to help the poet continue creative work, and, considering the burden of bookstore distribution, is distributing them in a limited, acquaintance-centered manner instead of general sales.
Earlier, in 2018, when poet Choi Young-mi brought the sexual harassment allegations into public view, Ko halted official activities. Ko filed lawsuits against Choi and others, but after losing on appeal in 2019, did not file a further appeal. However, Ko has neither acknowledged sexual harassment nor issued an official apology.
Afterward, in 2023, Ko sought to resume activity by publishing a poetry collection and a conversation volume through Silcheon Munhaksa, but a wave of criticism blocked a return to the literary scene.