Four works of an Asian science fiction, including Red Sword by Bora Chung, have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2026 Locus Awards, highlighting the growing global presence of one of Asian SF literature.
According to publisher Rabbit Hole, the newly introduced translated novel category this year includes Red Sword and The Midnight Timetable, both by Chung, among its finalists. Also nominated in the same category are The Midnight Shift by Cheon Seon-ran and Blood for the Undying Throne by Kim Sung-il. Korean authors account for four of the 10 finalists in the category.
Red Sword draws inspiration from the historical “Qing invasion of Russia (1654–1658),” during which Joseon troops participated in a campaign against Russia in the 17th century. The novel reimagines the episode as an interstellar war, depicting colonial captives battling an alien species on a barren planet. It has been praised for its fast-paced narrative and its portrayal of survival and camaraderie among female warriors in harsh conditions.
Winners will be announced on May 30 at an awards ceremony in Berkeley, California.
Established in 1971 by Charles N. Brown, the Locus Awards are considered one of the most prestigious honors in science fiction and fantasy literature, alongside the Nebula Awards, Hugo Awards, and the Philip K. Dick Award. Winners are determined through reader surveys conducted by Locus magazine.
While Korean American author Yoon Ha Lee previously won in 2017 for Ninefox Gambit, no South Korean national has yet received a Locus Award.