Yu Kwang-chung, a renowned poet, author and educator who had a profound influence on the development of Taiwan literature, died Dec. 14 at the age of 89 in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.
A prolific writer, Yu composed more than 50 books of poetry and prose throughout a career spanning more than six decades. He also completed numerous celebrated translations of English-language books, including a 1956 Mandarin version of “Lust for Life,” a biographical novel of Vincent van Gogh by Irving Stone.
Expressing her condolences, President Tsai Ing-wen said that the acclaimed poet nourished and inspired generations of young authors in Taiwan through his diverse literary works and translations.
Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun similarly conveyed her sadness on Yu’s passing, stating that his publications form an essential page in the history of contemporary Taiwan literature.
Most of Yu’s poems and works of prose contemplate life in modern society, convey his thoughts and perspectives on everyday experiences, and reflect on the country’s culture and history. His poems were a key source of inspiration for the campus folk song movement that emerged in the 1970s in Taiwan, with his writings featuring in works by renowned singer-songwriter Lo Ta-yu, Yang Hsien—known as the father of the local folk music scene—and late musician Lee Tai-hsiang.
A tireless educator, Yu taught subjects including English and Chinese literature and language at universities in Taiwan, Hong Kong and the U.S. from the 1950s until his retirement, wherein he served as a professor emeritus at Kaohsiung-based National Sun Yat-sen University. He received several prestigious honors for his lifelong commitment to literature and education, including the National Award for Arts in 1989 and National Cultural Award in 2014. (CPY-E)
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