Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Kim Miy-he honored with Norwegian Order of Merit for translating Ibsen's plays

Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Ovind, left, poses with Kim Miy-he after presenting Kim with the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for translation of all Henrik Ibsen's plays into Korean at the ambassadorial residence in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of Norway in KoreaBy Kwon Mee-yooKim Miy-He, professor emeritus of Hanyang University's Theatre & Film Department, has been awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for her contribution to the translation of Henrik Ibsen's entire catalogue of plays into Korean. This honor, conferred by King Harald V of Norway, underscores the recognition of her effort to introduce Ibsen's work to Korean readers as Kim translated all 23 of Ibsen's plays into Korean over 15 years.Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Ovind presented Kim with the diploma and insignia of the order during a ceremony at her residence in Seoul, Thursday.Ambassador Ovind noted how Kim contributed to strengthening the cultural bonds between Korea and Norway, marking a historic moment as she is the first Korean recipient of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in

Aug 5, 2023By Kwon Mee-yoo

Kim Miy-he honored with Norwegian Order of Merit for translating Ibsen's plays

Booker-nominated Bora Chung's 'Your Utopia' to be published in English next year

The Korean cover of Bora Chung's 2021 short story collection, “To Meet Her” (direct translation). Its English-language translation, “Your Utopia,” rendered by Anton Hur, is set to be published next year. Courtesy of Arzak LivresBy Park Han-solThe English-language translation of novelist Bora Chung's 2021 short story collection, “Your Utopia,” is set to hit the shelves next year in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and India.Translated by Anton Hur, the piece is an absorbing mix of absurdist and wryly humorous tales that draw on elements of horror, science fiction and even zombie apocalypse to take veiled jabs at perceived injustices in today's world. The duo was previously shortlisted for the International Booker Prize for Chung's genre-defying collection, “Cursed Bunny,” last year.Among the eight stories featured in “Your Utopia” is “One More Kiss, Dear,” which centers on an AI-powered elevator's unrequited love for one of the residents in an apartment complex.Some of the tales are inspired by real-li

Jul 23, 2023By Park Han-sol

Booker-nominated Bora Chung's 'Your Utopia' to be published in English next year

INTERVIEW Dementia caregiver's new book becomes 'bible' for patients, families

Cho Ki-hyeon, center top, poses with members of Forget-Me-Not during a book publication event at Milim Theater in Incheon, May 31. Courtesy of Incheon Dementia CenterCaregivers should feel content, have dependable knowledgeBy Ko Dong-hwanWhen nonfiction writer Cho Ki-hyeon decided to work on the book titled “Because of Dementia, Thanks to Dementia” published last April, he hoped it would serve as something like a guide, or a “map,” for those interested in the mental inability that develops most frequently from Alzheimer's disease. For the 31-year-old to create that map, there were no better people to talk to than those whose closest ones were suffering from that incurable disease. So there ensued meetings between Cho and nine members of Forget-Me-Not, an Incheon-based self-inspiring club, who have been caring for parents or spouses suffering dementia. Since 2014, the monthly-meeting club eponymous of a small blue flower has been the members' haven where they can share stories, laugh, cry and encourage one another.Cho met them and led the meetings nine times fr

Jul 10, 2023By Ko Dong-hwan

[INTERVIEW] Dementia caregiver's new book becomes 'bible' for patients, families

Ahn Jung-hyo, Korean novelist who recounted horrors of Vietnam War, dies at 82

Novelist and literary translator Ahn Jung-hyo / Korea Times fileBy Park Han-solAhn Jung-hyo, a noted novelist and a literary translator whose magnum opus, “White Badge,” recounts the haunting legacy of the Vietnam War inspired by his own experiences as a war correspondent in the Southeast Asian country, died Saturday at the age of 82.He passed away at a hospital in Seoul after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed.Born in 1941 in Seoul's Mapo District, the late writer majored in English literature and pursued a career in journalism until 1966 when he joined the Vietnam War as a member of the White Horse Division of the Republic of Korea Army.Upon his return, Ahn served as a culture reporter (1969-70) and later as a desk editor (1975-78) for The Korea Times. During that time, he wrote a serialized column for the paper called “Viet Vignettes” that documented his experiences in the war.These writings eventually became the foundation of his literary debut in 1983, when his tour de force, “White Badge,” first appeared in the quarterly publication,

Jul 3, 2023By Park Han-sol

Ahn Jung-hyo, Korean novelist who recounted horrors of Vietnam War, dies at 82

INTERVIEW Jeju researcher transforms Ieodo folklore into modern fairy tale

Choi Mi-kyung, a researcher at the Society of Ieodo Research, holds her first book “Ieodot Halmang,” which translates into “The Old Lady Who Came from Ieodo” in Jeju dialect, in Jeju City, Jeju Island, June 16. The fairy tale is a modern recreation of folklore from Ieodo, a southernmost submerged rock that Jeju islanders once believed to be the home of the spirits of dead fishermen. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-sukJeju folktale gains new spotlight with creative imagination, strong Jeju female figuresBy Lee Hae-rinJEJU ISLAND ― Located off the southern coast of Jeju Island, a submerged rock known as Ieodo emerges only when the waves are high. This reef holds a significant place in the local folklore of Jeju Islanders as it is revered as a sacred place for the spirits of dead fishermen.Choi Mi-kyung, a member of the Society of Ieodo Research, has breathed new life into these tales with her book "Ieodot Halmang," which translates into Korean as “The Old Lady Who Came from Ieodo," published last October. The book combines elements of Jeju's history, culture

Jun 24, 2023By Lee Hae-rin

[INTERVIEW] Jeju researcher transforms Ieodo folklore into modern fairy tale

'Life of Pi' author reflects on craft of writing

Canadian writer Yann Martel speaks during a press conference at the Embassy of Canada in central Seoul, June 13. A special edition featuring both Martel's debut novel "The Facts behind the Helsinki Roccamatios" and his globally acclaimed work, "Life of Pi" was published in Korea to commemorate the author's visit on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his literary debut and the 60th year of diplomatic ties between Canada and Korea. YonhapCritically acclaimed Canadian author expresses concern over politicians who don't readBy Kwon Mee-yooCelebrated Canadian writer Yann Martel visited Korea to mark dual milestones ― the 60th year of diplomatic ties between Canada and Korea and the 30th anniversary of his own literary debut.This is Martel's first visit to Korea and he picked the visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as one of the most impactful experiences here as he continues to process his time spent in the country."My son and I visited the DMZ and that was a bit of a shock. It is war tourism, a strange mixture of capitalism and tragedy where we literally got to the southern border

Jun 18, 2023By Kwon Mee-yoo

'Life of Pi' author reflects on craft of writing

Picture book artist Baek Heena's great mini world goes on display

Baek Heena / Korea Times fileAcclaimed author Baek Heena's picture books open the door to magic and wonder by telling imaginative stories through minutely constructed visual worlds, and the famous characters are ready to meet their readers in real life.Baek, the 2020 laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA), the world's most renowned prize for children's literature, is set to hold her first large-scale solo exhibition at the Seoul Arts Center, in southern Seoul, from June 22 to Oct. 8. On display will be 140 art pieces depicting characters and places featured in 11 of her books, including "Cloud Bread" (2004), "I Am a Dog" (2019), "Magic Candies" (2017), "Moon Sherbet" (2011), "The Strange Visitor" (2018) and "Bath Fairy" (2012), as well as multimedia content.The 53-year-old said the exhibition will not just display the miniature figures, stage sets and illustrations, but will showcase them as objects of artistic value to inspire young readers. "As the exhibition is for children, I tried to set the viewing angle comfortable for them, and focused on turning the original c

Jun 17, 2023

Picture book artist Baek Heena's great mini world goes on display

Translators - unsung heroes behind globalization of Korean literature

Still underpaid despite growing popularity of translated fictionBy Kwak Yeon-sooAfter the #NameTheTranslators hashtag went viral 10 years ago, English-language publishers have begun making an effort to intentionally credit translators on the front covers of novels. Before the social media campaign, one had to flick through a few pages of books to find out who the translator was.Sora Kim-Russell, a Korean-American literary translator who has translated over a dozen books, including four by author Hwang Sok-yong, recently observed that her latest work, “Mater 2-10,” was the first translation of that author's work to feature her name on the cover.The established translator explained that there has been a notable shift in the level of respect given to translators compared to a decade ago. To make strides, translators have become activists in their field and have requested fair contracts, fair pay and proper recognition.“While respect and recognition have improved, the pay has not. That is one area that is still lacking. It's still impossible to survive as a literary tra

Jun 15, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo

Translators - unsung heroes behind globalization of Korean literature

Seoul Int'l Book Fair brings together writers, publishers from 36 nations

Visitors check out an exhibition booth by Sharjah, the guest of honor of the Seoul International Book Fair, at COEX in southern Seoul, June 14. YonhapThe Seoul International Book Fair, Korea's largest book fair, opened Wednesday with a rich and diverse selection of writers and publishers from around the world, featuring the latest literary trends. The book fair will run through Sunday at the Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) in southern Seoul under the theme of "Nonhuman," according to the Korean Publishers Association. The 65th edition, the first held without social distancing measures since COVID-19, will bring together 530 companies and publishing houses from 36 nations.Sharjah, one of the seven United Arab Emirates, is participating in this year's event as the guest of honor, showcasing books and hosting book talk sessions and cultural programs. On the sidelines of the event, acclaimed novelists from home and abroad will give lectures on various themes and have conversations with literature lovers. Yann Martel, the Canadian author best known for his 2002 Booker Prize-winnin

Jun 14, 2023

Seoul Int'l Book Fair brings together writers, publishers from 36 nations

Misrepresentation profoundly harmful: 'Pachinko' author Min Jin Lee

Award-winning Korean-American author speaks about deep affection for people of her birth countryBy Kim Bo-eunMin Jin Lee / Courtesy of Beowulf SheehanAsian representation in America's culture and entertainment sphere has improved in recent years, but acclaimed Korean-American author Min Jin Lee says what matters is accuracy and truth. “I think representation is a worthy goal, but accurate and thoughtful representation is too often missing,” the author of best-sellers “Pachinko” (2017) and “Free Food for Millionaires,” (2007) said in a written interview with The Korea Times last month.“I am not interested in ever privileging representation over the values of ethics, accuracy or truth. Misrepresentation is profoundly harmful.”Lee, who emigrated with her family to the U.S. from Seoul at the age of seven, grew up in Queens, New York. She majored in history at Yale, and obtained a degree at Georgetown Law, practicing for several years before she took up writing as a profession. She has published two parts of a trilogy about Korean immigrants

Jun 14, 2023By Kim Bo-eun

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