VOL.94/2026.05

Image of K-Book

 

Authors Leading the Way for Korean Picture Books

 

 

2026.05

 

 

 

The poll for our May issue asked readers which Korean picture book author first comes to mind. The results highlighted several representative artists, each capturing readers with their unique charm. Suzy Lee took the top spot in this poll, receiving 37.5% of the votes. However, in this issue, we will introduce the works of all the featured authors regardless of the rankings. Every author leading the Korean picture book scene deserves respect, and their individual artistic value cannot be measured by numbers alone. With that in mind, we would like to introduce four beloved teams of creators.

 

The first author is Suzy Lee, who earned 37.5% of the vote. She is an author who delicately unfolds the boundaries between reality and imagination by experimenting with the visual and physical properties of books. Having published her works in numerous countries, she gained significant international acclaim in 2022 when she became the first Korean to win the Hans Christian Andersen Award in the Illustrator category.

 

 

The second author is Baek Heena, who received 25% of the vote. She is well-known for her original creative process, which combines handmade dolls, miniature sets, lighting, and photography. Her stories have been widely loved for breathing magical moments into everyday life. Her representative works include Cloud Bread, The Bathhouse Fairy, and Magic Candies. In 2020, she was honored with the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA)

 

 

The third authors are Jin Ju and Lee Ga-hee, who received 20.8% of the vote. Through their book If You Want to Eat a Red Apple, the duo demonstrated the potential of lyrical picture books that place photography at the forefront. Their work left a deep impression by warmly capturing the essence of patience and the time required for growth. This book earned recognition for its artistic quality and originality, winning the Grand Prize in the Opera Prima category at the 2025 Bologna Ragazzi Awards.

 

 

Finally, we introduce author Lee Gee-Eun, who received 16.7% of the vote. With her playful imagination and powerful storytelling, she is a picture book author beloved by children and adults alike. She is well-known for her highly original works, including The Legend of Red Bean Shaved Ice, The Legend of Friends, Suba the Sun King, and Iparapa Yamooyamoo. Her book Iparapa Yamu Yamu earned her the Bologna Ragazzi Award in 2021.

 

 

Korean picture books have evolved beyond simple reading materials for children. Today, they engage global readers as a distinct form of cultural content that seamlessly blends artistry, narrative depth, and visual originality. The results of this poll demonstrate that Korean authors are building their own unique creative worlds, gaining consistent empathy and interest both at home and abroad.

 

Korean picture books have continually expanded their possibilities by showcasing a broad spectrum of excellence. This includes the harmony between text and illustration, the innovative use of materials and formats, and even the meticulous scene compositions that enhance emotional density. These authors, who possess a balance of imagination, sensitivity, and craftsmanship, are the key figures shaping the sophisticated and profound image of K-Books today.

 

Moreover, while Korean picture books vividly reflect the unique personality and aesthetics of each author, they also resonate deeply with global readers by delicately capturing universal emotions and experiences. A key strength of Korean picture books lies in their ability to capture life’s small moments through a fresh lens, creating narratives that both children and adults can relate to.

 

This trend shows that Korean picture books are establishing themselves as cultural content that possesses both contemporary sensibilities and artistic excellence. Moving forward, these books will continue to reach more readers across generations and languages, clearly conveying the creativity and artistry of K-Books to the world.

 

 

 

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Editor. Hannah Lee (The Contents Factory Co., Ltd. CEO)

Designing 'More' Innovative Communication and Experiences Through Content