The KCC, in conjunction with the British Council, has announced its programme of films inspired by Korean literature. Two and a half of the films have their original stories available in English translation. The ones available in English are The Road to Sampo and Leafie. The half-film is The Scarlet Letter, which is based both on The Photo Shop Murder (available in translation) and Meditation on Mirror, which to my knowledge (and the author’s knowledge as of two years ago when I last spoke to him on the subject) has not.
All the authors whose work has been adapted in these five films will be present at the London Book Fair.
For a list of Korean films based on novels and stories which are available in English translation, check out this post, which I am updating as and when I come across new ones (films or translations).
As usual, pre-registration is required via [email protected]
The Korean Novels on Screen Programme
The following screenings will take place in the multi-purpose hall of the KCCUK in the run-up to the London Book Fair at which Korea is the focus country.
The Road to Sampo
삼포가는 길, Lee Man-hee, 1975 [Brief LKL review]
4 March 19:00-21:00A young construction worker Young-dal travels to his hometown after being away for ten years in prison. Based on the novel by Hwang Sok-yong.
Portrait of the Days of Youth
젊은날의 초상, Kwak Ji-kyoon, 1990
11 March 19:00-21:00A university student reflects on the complications between love, political ideologies and rapid social changes. Based on the novel by Yi Mun-yol.
The Scarlet Letter
주홍글씨, Byun Hyuk, 2004
18 March 119:00-21:00A police detective investigates a murder case whilst struggling to maintain his relationships with his wife and mistress. Based on the novel by Kim Young-ha.
Leafie, a Hen into the Wild
마당을 나온 암탉, Oh Seong-yun, 2011 [LKL Review]
25 March 19:00-21:00Seemingly destined to live the “same old” life, a laying hen named Leafie escapes her chicken farm and sets off on a journey into the wild. Based on The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Hwang Sun-mi.
Moss
이끼, Kang Woo-suk, 2010 [LKL Review]
1 April 19:00-21:00Adapted from a popular internet cartoon, Ryu Hae-guk investigates the mysterious death of his father in a remote mountain village. Based on the webtoon Moss by Yoon Tae-ho.