By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
What would be the most delightful thing for a poet to encounter? Foreign ambassadors in Korea came up with their own answer to that question: reciting translations of poems aloud in their own language in the poet's presence.
Ten ambassadors, members of the Seoul Literary Society, assembled at the Korea Foundation Cultural Center ― not the usual spot for their gatherings ― with a book or papers in hand. They were to recite poems of Ko Un, one of the greatest Korean poets, in their own language: Spanish, Czech, Gaelic, Hebrew, Italian, Arabic, French, German, Turkish and Swedish.
It was to honor the poet who celebrated the 50th anniversary of his debut this year, adding meaning to the anniversary art exhibition of Ko that took place at a gallery in the center.
The event was an indication of friendship between the Korean literary community and members of the literary society who have an ardent interest in knowing Korea through literary works. The society was established in 2006 by literature-loving diplomats led by Swedish Ambassador Lars Vargo, reading Korean literature, meeting to discuss their findings about Korea, and listening to Korean literary figures. Ko is from time to time invited to speak.
The gallery was surrounded by Ko's paintings and featured a red carpet and a mike, setting the stage for the poetry reading.
As each ambassador delivered two or more poems of their own choice, it was the debut for two new translations: Turkish and Gaelic
Turkish Ambassador Deniz Ozmen, who did the translation himself with the assistance of a Korean staff member at the embassy, recognized the translations as strengthening the bonds between the Korean and Turkish languages, which share similar linguistic roots. He translated two poems.
Irish Ambassador Conor Murphy translated two poems into Gaelic, the traditional Irish language, with the help of his wife, who is a teacher.
The Italian translation was read by Italian professor Maria Asorno, filling in for the Italian ambassador who was out of the country.
Some participants revealed some hidden talents. Colombian Ambassador Alejandro Borda, who read the Spanish translation, acted out the poems as if he was on stage. So did Qatari Ambassador Ahmed S. Al-Midhadi who read the Arabic translation.
Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa, Jr., a new face in the diplomatic community, was courageous enough to participate, following in the footsteps of the former ambassador from the country who was also a member of the society. Olsa said he hopes to disseminate much Czech literature during his posting in Korea.
Ko, who stood among the audience gazing at each ambassador, was totally amazed by his poetry being read by people who spoke different languages.
In particular, harmony of languages spoken one after another gave him the utmost pleasure, he said. He thanked the ambassadors with a song ``Arirang'' and poetry readings.
``There's no other way to show my appreciation than this,'' the poet said.