Kim Sagwa: Mina Translated by Bruce and Ju-Chan Fulton Two Lines Press, 2018, 237pp Originally published as 미나, Changbi Publishers, 2008. Hell Joseon has become an increasingly familiar context for contemporary Korean literature. But the novels and stories I can think of all focus on the struggles of the poor or those who are just … [Read More]
Books and literature (page 12)
Review: Hyun Kil-un – Dead Silence and other stories of the Jeju Massacre
Translated by Hyunsook Kang, Jin-ah Lee and John Michael McGuire Eastbridge Books, 2006, 206 pages On a trip to Jeju Island a few years ago I remember having a slightly tipsy interaction with a Jeju-based journalist and intellectual, as we staggered from 2cha to 3cha via a liquor store. “I don’t like America”, he solemnly … [Read More]
Korean Writing Today: Kang Youngsook and Kim Haeyeon
Two Korean authors discuss the Korean literary world at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich, where they are writers in residence this month: Korean Writing Today Tuesday 26 November 2019, 7.30 – 8.30pm National Centre for Writing | Dragon Hall | 115-123 King Street | Norwich NR1 1QE Tickets £5 – includes glass of … [Read More]
November literature night: A literary talk with author Kang Young-Sook
The Korean Literature Night (KLN) is a monthly discussion group that explores various themes and topics relating to that month’s chosen book. A literary talk with author Kang Young-Sook Wednesday 27 November 2019, 7-9pm Korean Cultural Centre UK Available Seats: 33 Entrance Free – Booking Essential Apply to [email protected] or call 020 7004 2600 with … [Read More]
October literature night: Kim Hye-soon – Autobiography of Death
The Korean Literature Night (KLN) is a monthly discussion group that explores various themes and topics relating to that month’s chosen book. Kim Hye-soon: Autobiography of Death Wednesday 23 October 2019, 7-9pm @ Korean Cultural Centre UK Apply to [email protected] or call 020 7004 2600 with your name and contact details by Monday 30th September … [Read More]
Bae Suah in conversation at Foyles
Phillip Kim will be chairing a conversation with Bae Suah as part of Foyles Korean Culture Month 2019. Bae Suah in conversation Friday 25 October 2019, 19:00 – 21:00 Level 6 | Foyles | 107 Charing Cross Road | London WC2H 0DT Tickets: £5 Standard | Book tickets We’re incredibly excited to welcome Bae Suah, … [Read More]
Review: 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism
Ha-Joon Chang: 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism Penguin, 2011, 304pp As a Cambridge University professor, Ha Joon Chang is of course highly specialized in his field of economics. However, this book is written for the lay reader. The book is written in a very interesting format. It comes as a series of … [Read More]
September Literature Night: The Plotters by Kim Un-su
This book took an absolute age to come out in the UK. It’s now here. Will it live up to the hype? Kim Un-su: The Plotters Wednesday 18 September 2019, 7pm @KCCUK Entrance Free – Booking Essential Apply to [email protected] or call 020 7004 2600 with your name and contact details by Monday 26th August. … [Read More]
August Literature Night: a talk with author Kim Kyung-Uk
The Korean Literature Night (KLN) is a monthly discussion group that explores various themes and topics relating to that month’s chosen book. August’s texts are ‘God Has No grandchildren’ and ‘Spray’ by Kim Kyung-Uk, and the discussion will benefit from the presence of the author himself. The latter story is available online, while the latter … [Read More]
July Literature Night: Diary of a Murderer by Kim Young-ha
The Korean Literature Night is a monthly discussion group that explores various themes and topics relating to that month’s chosen book. This month’s book is a good one (LKL review here). Kim Young-ha: Diary of A Murderer Wednesday 31 July 2019, 7pm @KCCUK Entrance Free – Booking Essential Apply to [email protected] or call 020 7004 … [Read More]
Don Mee Choi and Kim Hyesoon win 2019 Griffin Poetry Prize
Congratulations to Don Mee Choi and Kim Hyesoon for winning the 2019 International Griffin Poetry Prize with Autobiography of Death. In an interesting way of recognising the relationship between the creators of the original text and the translated work, the collection is credited as being “by Don Mee Choi, translated from the Korean written by … [Read More]
A Celebration and Book Launch: Korean Treasures in the University of Oxford
The second book launch in Oxford in the space of less than a month. A Celebration and Book Launch: Korean Treasures in the Bodleian Libraries and the Museums of the University of Oxford Thursday, 6 June 2019 – 2:15pm Weston Library (formerly the New Bodleian) | Broad Street | Oxford OX1 3BG In the presence … [Read More]
June Literature Night: Sweet Potato by Kim Tongin
The KCC’s Korean Literature Night is a monthly discussion group that explores various themes and topics relating to that month’s chosen book: Kim Tongin: Sweet Potato Wednesday 26 June 2019, 7pm @KCCUK Entrance Free – Booking Essential Apply to [email protected] or call 020 7004 2600 with your name and contact details by Sunday 9th June. … [Read More]
Brief review: Samuel Hawley — The Imjin War
Samuel Hawley: The Imjin War – Japan’s Sixteenth-Century Invasion of Korea and Attempt to Conquer China 2nd Edition, Conquistador Press 2014 Originally published by Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch, Seoul, 2005 How is it that a 664 page book only merits a brief review? Well, because as an historical book a proper review should only … [Read More]
Book review: Kim Young-ha – Diary of a Murderer
Kim Young-ha: Diary of a Murderer and other stories Translated by Krys Lee Mariner Books, 2019, 200pp Originally published as 살인자의 기억법, Munhakdongne, 2013 Somewhat rashly, I approach Kim Young-ha’s novels with a keen sense of anticipation, particularly when translated by Krys Lee. Rashly, because with high expectations you usually set yourself up for a … [Read More]
Book launch: Korea’s Premier Collection of Classical Literature
A book launch to mark the publication of the first English-language study of Korea’s most important literary collection: Korea’s Premier Collection of Classical Literature: Selections from Sŏ Kŏjŏng’s Tongmunsŏn translated, annotated, and with an introduction by Dr. Xin Wei and Dr. James B. Lewis Where: Haldane Room, Wolfson College, Linton Road, Oxford (tel: +44 (0) 1865 274 … [Read More]