In 1941, a boy was born in a small village in rural South Korea. He spent his childhood amidst war and poverty. At the age of nine, he experienced the Korean War, losing his home and the stability of everyday life. Yet, with the unwavering love of his widowed mother, he endured the hardships. He remembered her as a ray of light that sustained his life, never forgetting her sacrifices.

Despite financial struggles, the boy pursued his education and moved to Seoul in the 1960s, where he became a civil servant and started a family. In 1970, after getting married, he raised two sons while caring for his mother, dedicating himself to his family. "I wanted to give my family the same love my mother had given me," he once said, a promise that became the driving force of his life.

In 1998, his eldest son married and moved out. In 2000, with the birth of his first grandchild, he retired. Starting in 2004, he began sending his son emails filled with short poems and stories. His poetry reflected the wounds of war, his love for family, and the truths of life, becoming a bridge that connected the past and the present.

For 20 years, his emails continued to arrive, carrying poems that were not mere words but a record of his life and an expression of his love for his family. "These poems are my life and the most genuine legacy I can leave for you," he explained. His poetry was a heartfelt confession of a life filled with sacrifice and love.

The poetry collection "Beneath the First Snow, a Dream" being published this time is based on 50 poems written by my father.
The central themes of the collection are as follows:

Harmony Between Nature and Humanity
Nature acts as a mirror reflecting human emotions and experiences, offering solace and healing through its grandeur and tranquility. (The Song of the Blue Valley, Whispers of the Silver Grass)

The Flow of Time and Memories
Through the changing seasons, it emphasizes the transience and preciousness of life, connecting the past, present, and future. (The Whisper of Autumn Leaves, Whispers of the First Snow)

The Beauty of Everyday Life
It cherishes ordinary moments, expressing the true value of life in their simplicity. (A Beer with a Friend, The Last Dinner of the Year)

Youth and Growth
It portrays the struggles and growth of youth in a positive light, encouraging the courage to move forward. (Awaken, Youth, A Daydream of August)

Connection and Communication
Through the bonds with family, friends, and colleagues, it highlights the warmth and strength of relationships. (Chuseok, Warmth Beneath the Moonlight)

Hope and Renewal

It discovers hope even in hardships, celebrating new beginnings and recovery. (The Spring of Hope, The Sunrise Hill).

A Son's Perspective

Now, his son wishes to turn those poems into a book.
As his son, I hoped that my father's poetry would not remain confined to me alone.
To make it relatable for younger generations, I modernized the language and added illustrations to complete this collection.
"This book is more than just a collection of poems; it is a legacy of my father's life and a bridge between generations.
Through these poems, which carry the clarity and warmth of the first snow, I hope readers can reflect on their own dreams and love."

A Message to Readers