Ko Un is a prominent South Korean poet, born on August 1, 1933. He is known for his extensive body of work, which includes over 150 volumes of poetry, essays, and translations. His poetry often reflects themes of history, nature, and the human experience, drawing from his own life experiences, including his time as a political prisoner. Throughout his career, Ko Un has received numerous awards, including the Korean Literature Prize and the Golden Wreath at the Struga Poetry Evenings. He has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times, gaining international recognition for his contributions to contemporary poetry.