(written by Eris White)
In an age of rapid globalization and increasing cultural intersections, few literary voices echo with as much spiritual depth and multicultural resonance as that of Wansoo Kim—a South Korean poet, educator, and ambassador of compassion through verse. With a career spanning decades and continents, Kim has not only penned poetic works that inspire, but also built bridges between cultures, faiths, and generations.
A Scholar-Poet Rooted in Faith
Dr. Wansoo Kim earned his Ph.D. in English literature from Hanguk University of Foreign Studies and spent over 20 years teaching at various Korean institutions, including his alma mater and Incheon Junior College. His academic grounding in both Western and Eastern literature lends his work a rich, layered texture—combining classical traditions with a distinctly Korean emotional sensibility.
More than just an academic, Kim is a deeply contemplative soul. His writings emerge from a life shaped by prayer, reflection, and unwavering gratitude. This spiritual foundation comes through most vividly in his poetry collections, many of which are devoted to exploring the bond between humanity and the divine.
The Poetry of Gratitude and Cosmic Love
One of Kim’s landmark collections, The Flowers of Gratitude (2019), marked a significant milestone in his poetic journey. Through this anthology, Kim expressed his profound thanks to the Creator, using verse as a vessel to explore faith, humility, and awe. “The poems it contains,” Kim writes, “are the anthesis of my poetry—to express my infinite gratitude to the creator through the poetic heart of faith.”
In 2023, he revisited this sacred theme in a bold and emotionally charged follow-up: Captive of a Deranged Love. Describing God’s unconditional love as “crazy, unhinged love,” Kim uses irony and self-awareness to highlight the contrast between divine perfection and human imperfection. “How can I describe that beautiful and sublime love with my pen?” he asks, acknowledging the limits of language and the need for spiritual surrender in the face of grace.
What makes these books particularly powerful is Kim’s commitment to sharing them with the world. The Flowers of Gratitude was translated into English, Spanish, French, and Arabic, and published in the United States. With similar plans for Captive of a Deranged Love, Kim’s goal is clear: to spread messages of hope and divine comfort across linguistic and cultural barriers.
Championing Multicultural Literature
Kim’s work reflects a deep belief in the universality of the human experience. His books have been translated and distributed worldwide, and his poetry has been featured in literary journals and anthologies across more than 23 countries, including the United States, India, Mexico, Greece, France, Colombia, and the Philippines.
Through these translations and global collaborations, Kim has become an influential figure in multicultural literature. His writing is not just literature—it is a tool of soft diplomacy, a means of fostering empathy across faiths, ethnicities, and national identities.
In addition to poetic works, Kim has published simplified English Bible stories for youth, including Old Testament (2017), New Testament (2018), and Teenagers, I Support Your Dream. These accessible spiritual guides have become bestsellers in Korea and demonstrate his commitment to nurturing the hearts and minds of young readers from diverse backgrounds.
A Life of Recognition and Service
Kim’s contributions have been widely recognized. He has received a long list of awards and honors from around the globe, such as the World Peace Literature Prize, the Golden Pen for Poetry City, and the Eva Prize from The Moment Inspirational News. In 2022, he was honored with leadership and peace-building recognitions including the Nelson Mandela Certificate, Mahatma Gandhi International Leadership Award, and the Victor Hugo International Award.
His books, including the autobiography Secrets and Fruits of Mission, have topped Amazon bestseller lists. He has also made waves in the Chinese literary scene with the translated version of Heart of God, which ranked #1 in its category.
A Poet for the Weary and the Seeking
At the core of Wansoo Kim’s mission lies a simple yet profound desire: to comfort the weary, uplift the lonely, and restore the soul’s sensitivity through poetry. “I fervently pray,” he writes, “that this book of poetry will not only bring much comfort to tired and lonely people, but also help them regain their dry sensitivity and spirituality.”
In a world often clouded by division and disillusionment, Wansoo Kim offers a quiet but powerful voice—a reminder that literature can heal, unite, and elevate the human spirit.
His pen, rooted in Korean soil but extended toward the heavens and the hearts of readers worldwide, continues to write not only poems, but prayers for peace, unity, and love without borders.
