Japanese Literary Awards

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Chon Wolson

チョン・ウォルソン

Chon Wolson

Aliases: チョン・ウォルソン / 전월선 / Chon Wol-Son
Pen Names: Chon Wolson（Stage name / Japanese public name）

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1958-10-08 （Tokyo, Japan）
Nationality
Zainichi Korean
Languages
Japanese, Korean

Career

Occupations
Vocalist, Soprano, Non-fiction writer, Music producer
Active Years
1985-
Affiliations
Niki-kai (Nikai Opera Association), CALAF.NET (representative)
Memberships
Niki-kai (Nikai Opera Association)

Education

Toho Gakuen Junior College
Faculty of Arts / Vocal music
Country: Japan
Completed graduate research course; short-term study in the United States

Awards

Shogakukan Nonfiction Prize (Excellence Award)
2006
Work: Aria of the Strait
Organization: Shogakukan
Result: 受賞
Foreign Minister's Commendation
2015
Organization: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)
Result: 受賞
Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Fund Award
2013
Organization: Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Foundation
Result: 受賞
Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays
2024
Organization: Cabinet Office (Decorations)
Result: 受章

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Last Queen: The Last Crown Prince Consort of the Joseon Dynasty

2015 Original opera

An original opera focused on Lee Bang-ja, produced and starring Chon Wolson; performed in Japan and South Korea.

Joseon dynasty historyWomen's life storyJapan-Korea relationsReconciliation and memory
Adaptations
  • [Television] The Japanese Woman Who Became a Mother of Korea: The Last Crown Prince Consort of the Joseon Dynasty (NHK documentary) (2015)

Aria of the Strait

2006 Non-fiction (autobiographical)

An autobiographical non-fiction recounting her life as a Zainichi Korean and career as a musician. Won the Shogakukan Nonfiction Prize (Excellence Award).

IdentityMusicHistorical memory

Bibliography

  • Aria of the Strait (2006, Shogakukan)
  • Forbidden Songs: A Century of Korean Peninsula Music (2008, Chuko Shinsho Laclé)
  • K-POP: Distant Memories (2012, Shogakukan)
  • Song of Dawn: Imjin River (CD, 2000)
  • Over Rivers and Mountains: Koryo My Love - Chon Wolson Greatest Hits PART1 (CD, 2007)
  • Fushimia / Spring of Home - Chon Wolson Greatest Hits PART2 (CD, 2013)
  • The Songstress Across the Strait - Chon Wolson Best Collection (DVD, 2013)

Adaptations

  • NHK documentary "The Songstress Across the Strait: 20 Years of a Zainichi Korean Vocalist"
  • NHK documentary "The Japanese Woman Who Became a Mother of Korea"

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Prayer-like profound singingDramatic and highly expressive vocal style
Recurring Motifs
Longing for homelandReconciliation and reunificationPersonal memory and history

Legacy

Recognized as a vocalist and writer who embodied Japan-Korea cultural exchange from a Zainichi Korean perspective. Through operas, recitals and writings she served as an international cultural bridge, receiving multiple official honors and significant media and scholarly attention.

In Popular Culture

  • Documentary broadcasts and TV appearances on NHK and other networks
  • Performances of the original opera 'The Last Queen'

Quotes

  • A voice that shakes the soul
    Source: Critics / media (quoted e.g. by Jurotaro Kara)

Trivia

  • The rights to the song "Koryo My Love" (高麗山河わが愛) were entrusted to Chon Wolson by the composer in the United States.
  • Some of her brothers went to North Korea in the 1960s; family history includes a brother who died in custody there.
  • Graduated from Toho Gakuen Junior College and had a short-term study period in the United States.