Comic artist Kim Keum-suk / Courtesy of the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency
Korean comic artist Kim Keum-suk has received the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from France, becoming the first Korean comic artist to receive the honor, the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency said Friday.
Kim, 55, is best known for works including “Grass,” which tells the story of a victim of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery, and “Jiseul,” which tackles the Jeju April 3 Uprising.
The Order of Arts and Letters is one of France’s major cultural honors, awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature. It has three ranks: Commandeur, Officier and Chevalier, in descending order of distinction.
The award ceremony was held on May 28 at the French Embassy in Seoul, with Kim, French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux and Korea Manhwa Contents Agency President Baek Jong-hoon in attendance.
