[2] Korean author O Yeong-su was born in Eonyang (Ulsan County, Keishōnan-dō) on February 11, 1909,[3] and in his early life attended a sodang, a traditional Confucian school.

[4] Upon his return to Korea, he quickly traveled to Manchuria, a common pathway for Koreans seeking to escape Japanese colonial rule.

[7] After surgery removed 2/3 of his stomach O Yeong-su became housebound and eventually moved back to South Kyongsang and died in his home in Ulsan in 1979.

From 1954 to 1966, as editor of the Modern Literature journal,[10] O Yeong-su contributed almost 30 stories, including Spring’s Awakening, Migratory Birds, and Girl from an Island.

[13] O’s critical reputation has declined in recent years as, like Hwang Sun-won, O Yeong-su has been called outdated, escapist and lacking in a national or historical consciousness.