Ok: A Journey Through Poetry, Translation, and Academia
The career of Ok is a testament to versatility, spanning the realms of scientific education, diverse professional experiences, and high-level literary achievement. From teaching in public schools to earning prestigious accolades in the poetry world, Ok has cultivated a multidisciplinary background that informs her creative and academic work.
Key Facts
- Debut Collection: Ward Toward, published by Yale University Press in 2024.
- Major Award: Winner of a Forward Prize for Poetry.
- Academic Appointment: Faculty member in the English department at the University of California, Davis (as of Fall 2024).
- Translation Work: Translating the works of Kim Hyesoon, including the upcoming The Hell of That Star.
- Prestigious Fellowship: Kenyon Review Fellow from 2023 to 2024.
Literary Achievements and Publications
Ok has established a significant presence in the contemporary poetry scene. Her work has been featured in esteemed publications such as Poets.org, Sewanee Review, New England Review, Harvard Review, and Iowa Review. Her excellence in the craft was further recognized when she won a Forward Prize for Poetry.
In 2023, Ok reached a major milestone when her debut poetry collection, Ward Toward, was selected for the Yale Series of Younger Poets. Published by Yale University Press in 2024, the collection received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and recommendations from Electric Literature and LitHub. To promote the release, Ok participated in a joint book tour with fellow writer Diana Khoi Nguyen.
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Contributions to Translation
Beyond her original poetry, Ok is an accomplished translator. She has translated the works of Kim Hyesoon for publications including The Paris Review, Hayden's Ferry Review, and Asymptote. Her translation of Kim's The Hell of That Star is scheduled for publication by Wesleyan University Press in 2026.
Academic and Professional Evolution
Ok's path to academia was non-linear and diverse. Before focusing on creative writing, she taught science at a public school, coached debate teams, and led summer programs. Her professional history includes a wide array of roles, ranging from a rape crisis call center advocate and standardized test item reviewer to dissertation editing and bartending.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ok adapted to the changing educational landscape by both attending and teaching creative writing workshops online. This period of transition preceded her entry into higher education.
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Higher Education Appointments
Ok's academic trajectory includes a tenure as a Kenyon Review Fellow (2023–2024), during which she taught at Kenyon College. She also served as a visiting lecturer in English at Wellesley College. In the fall of 2024, she joined the English department at the University of California, Davis, where she teaches poetry to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Career Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Publication | Ward Toward (Yale University Press, 2024) |
| Upcoming Translation | The Hell of That Star by Kim Hyesoon (Wesleyan University Press, 2026) |
| Current Position | English Department, University of California, Davis |
| Previous Fellowships | Kenyon Review Fellow (2023-2024) |
| Early Career | Public school science teacher, debate coach |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ok's most notable poetry collection?
Ok's debut collection is titled Ward Toward, which was selected for the 2023 Yale Series of Younger Poets and published by Yale University Press in 2024.
Who does Ok translate?
Ok translates the work of Kim Hyesoon. Her translations have appeared in The Paris Review and Asymptote, with a full book, The Hell of That Star, arriving in 2026.
Where does Ok currently teach?
As of the fall of 2024, Ok is a member of the English department at the University of California, Davis, teaching poetry to undergraduate and graduate students.
What did Ok do before teaching creative writing?
Ok previously taught science at a public school, coached debate, and held various roles including rape crisis call center advocate, bartender, and standardized test item reviewer.
Which awards has Ok won?
Ok has won a Forward Prize for Poetry and was selected for the prestigious Yale Series of Younger Poets.