Geum-Yi Lee

Since her early childhood in South Korea, Lee Geum-Yi Lee was fascinated with her grandmother’s stories and devoured anything she could get her hands on, ranging from popular radio soap operas to the masterpieces of world literature. The power and humanity of Lee Geum-Yi’s writing is now loved by children and adults alike. Her works explore Korean society and the lives of women, the marginalised and disabled. She was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2020 and 2024.

Her debut came with the short story Younggu and Heukgu (1984). In the decades that followed, Lee Geum-Yi has captivated readers and critics alike with more than 50 titles that have defined Children’s and YA literature in South Korea. You Too Are a Twilight Lily (1999) is considered to have elevated the status of Children’s Literature in South Korea. Yujin And Yujin (2004) began the rise of Young Adult Literature in South Korea, initiating a national debate around childhood trauma and the challenges faced by teenagers.

Her historical novels for adults all centre female experience and the Korean diaspora. They include the Can’t I Go Instead (2016), The Picture Bride (2020) and The Gap of Sorrow (2025).

Her translation rights are handled exclusively by Andrew Nurnberg Associates.