83살 조정래 마지막 장편…대수술 후 써 내려간 “내 영혼을 거친 문장들”

The 83-year-old author, Jang Jeong-rae, completed his final novel, "Inside My Soul," which details the experiences he underwent after undergoing a major surgery for a complex medical condition. The novel chronicles the author's life through the eyes of two characters, Jei and So-in, who meet again after being separated due to the protagonist's health issues.

As the story unfolds, it exposes the dark underbelly of power, greed, and corruption in modern society. The novel's publication marks the 15th novel for the revered author, and its success has led to its inclusion in the top read books in libraries for those in their 60s. The author has decided to move on from writing novels and explore other forms of creative expression, such as poetry and calligraphy.