Lightness of literature criticized
Panelists speak at a keynote speech of the Seoul International Forum for Literature at the Kyobo Convention Hall in downtown Seoul, Tuesday. From left are Seoul National University professor Yoon Sang-in, Belarusian writer Svetlana Alexievich, poet Ko Un, critic Kim U-chang and critic Choi Won-shik. / Yonhap
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The fourth edition of the Seoul International Forum for Literature (SIFL) wrapped up a three-day discussion on the theme "Literature and Its Readership in the Changing World" from Tuesday to Thursday.
Held at the Kyobo Convention Hall in downtown Seoul, the forum featured 13 writers from abroad and 50 from Korea taking part in keynote speeches and discussions.
Svetlana Alexievich, Belarusian journalist and non-fiction writer who pioneered "novels of voices," gave a keynote speech on Tuesday.
The 2015 Nobel Literature laureate well-known for "Voices from Chernobyl," which traces oral history regarding the Chernobyl disaster, said the history of individuals is neglected and her duty is to help get them remembered. She interviewed some 4,000 people for four decades and published their voice in books.
Alexievich said the Chernobyl disaster became virtual reality as people don't fully understand what happened and what is important about the incident. "It is a new type of war, coming from the future. However, humankind is not ready for the new warfare," she said.
She advised the writers to be philosophical in writing about disasters, including the ferry Sewol sinking. "A social and literary approach to the issue prevents it being too worldly and obvious," Alexievich said.
Literature in the globalizing world and the age of multimedia was the theme of the sessions 3 and 4. French critic Antoine Compagnon gave a keynote speech on how the digitalized world influenced the language and the way of reading, writing and literature.
Korean novelist Bang Hyeon-seok introduced a literary quarterly "ASIA," of which he took part in as editorial staff, and how Asian artists relate with each other.
"In the era of globalization, literature should keep the memories of those who should be remembered," Bang said.
Murakami bashed for being light
On the final day, participants discussed the commercialization of literature and the blame fell on the Japanese mega best-selling author Haruki Murakami.
At the keynote speech, critic Yu Jong-ho said Murakami's writings have a negative influence over the readers. He also criticized the readers having an effect on the literature. In a society where the crowd of readers evaluate,
Novelist Hyun Ki-young said the literary world should resist the Murakami style, claiming the Murakami boom was created by invested capital and commercialism.
"Murakami portrays characters enjoying weariness and depression in escapism, instead of being social and realistic," Hyun said. "Murakami might think his literature is global, transcending the bounds of nationality, but in fact he is promoted elaborately by the American publishing industry."
He also criticized the Korean publishers for competing to get the publishing rights for Murakami books, raising the amount of royalties.
"The value of literature lies in making an objection to the society, not in just consumption and enjoyment. Serious literature should be reinstated," Hyun said.