Episode 8 | The Genius of Decadence | The Wings by Yi Sang

The Joy of Serious Literature

Some writers ask the easy questions, others ask hard questions, but only one has ever asked the question: “Have you ever seen a stuffed genius?” This question—with all its despondency, moroseness, and arrogance evoke the world of Yi Sang, the weirdo titan of the Korean avant-garde. Trained as an architect, dead at 27, occasionally a pimp, obsessed with uselessness, devoted to laziness, imprisoned for thought crimes, Yi Sang was one of the most delightfully strange writers to ever walk the earth. Join us as we explore him in all his glorious weirdness. Additional notes: For those interested in Kim Yideum, here is a link to poetry reading she gave with her translator Jiyoon Lee. The audio quality is not great, but the reading is still pretty joyous. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T78sITp2ebw For questions, comments, and concerns please email Bryant at [e-mail]