Day 2 of the London Book Fair, in which: Han Kang said very nice things about her translator (Deborah Smith) and Shin Kyung-sook called hers her “twin soul”; We discovered that Kim Young-ha was about to start writing a historical novel set in the Joseon dynasty, only to find out that Kim Insuk had already … [Read More]
Books and literature (page 25)
In pictures: London Book Fair, day 1
Hwang Sok-yong, Kim Young-ha, Lee Seung-u, Kim Hyesoon, Shin Kyoung-sook, Yi Mun-yol, Krys Lee… and those were just the Korean literary figures that we got to see today. There were plenty more talks – mainly focusing on the Korean publishing industry – that we didn’t get to, thanks to unfortunate scheduling clashes, and writers from … [Read More]
“Asian Literature” in Hong Kong
Before we get carried away by the idea of the new Korean Literature Wave, here’s the “Asian Literature” (in English translation) section of a decent Hong Kong bookstore this week (Page One in Times Square). Almost 50% Murakami, some Japanese Asia Extreme, and some Chinese. While this would be a normal state of affairs in … [Read More]
10 things to read before the London Book Fair
The London Book Fair is nearly upon us, and as you well know: the more you put into something, the more you get out. So here is your preparatory reading (and listening) list: The April edition of Words without Borders: a Korea special, including works by Shin Kyung-sook, Kim Young-ha and Han Kang (all present … [Read More]
Book review: Lee Ki-ho — At Least we can Apologize
Lee Ki-ho: At Least We Can Apologize Translated by Christopher J Dykas Dalkey Archive, 2013, 185pp Originally published as 사과는 잘해요, 2009 What do you do to make money when you have a limited set of skills? In this dark comedy the two central characters, who find themselves unexpectedly set free from a mysterious mental … [Read More]
Book review: Jungu Yoon — Spirituality in Contemporary Art
For a westerner struggling to understand some of the spiritual or mystical elements in both traditional and contemporary Asian art there is a huge barrier in that Taoism and other Eastern philosophies are not something that we have lived with since our childhood. The concepts of the void and non-existence, and the idea that blank … [Read More]
Book review: Mark James Russell — K-POP Now!
If the only thing you know about K-pop is Gangnam Style, this book is for you. And even for someone who knows a bit about the subject, this is a handy book to browse. For me, as an occasional lurker and puzzled observer in K-pop fan forums, there were several moments of minor revelation. Ah, … [Read More]
Book review: The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure
Si King and Dave Myers: The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure BBC / Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2014, 319 pp There are plenty of Asian cookery books out there, but I can’t think of a western recipe book that focuses on Korean cuisine. The Korean cookery books that are in my own library are written by Koreans. … [Read More]
Krys Lee wins literature award
Congratulations to Krys Lee who has won a literature award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She is one of two winners of a Rome Fellowship in Literature, which involves a one-year residency (2014–2015) at the American Academy in Rome. Source [Read More]
LBF event (Edinburgh) 10 Apr: Edinburgh Reads
The London Book Fair comes to Edinburgh: Edinburgh Reads with Kim Insuk and Han Kang Thursday 10 April, 19.00-20.00 Edinburgh Libraries are delighted to welcome Korean writers Kim Insuk and Han Kang, and Scottish writer Karen Campbell to our Edinburgh Reads programme. Kim Insuk is unique amongst Korean writers as her works often centre on … [Read More]
LBF Cultural Programme events, 10 Apr during the day at Earls Court
Here are the Korea-related literature sessions on the final day of the London Book Fair. Free admittance, provided you have a pass to the Fair itself. You can register for one on the London Book Fair website. Looking forward to the translation slam! Adaptations: From Page to Screen 11.30-12.30 Hwang Sun-mi, Yoon Tae-ho and Martin … [Read More]
LBF Cultural Programme events, 9 Apr during the day at Earls Court
Here are the Korea-related literature sessions on the second day of the London Book Fair. Free admittance, provided you have a pass to the Fair itself. You can register for one on the London Book Fair website. Writing Home: Migrant Literature 10.00-11.00 Kim Insuk, Kim Young-ha and Xiaolu Guo; Chaired by Ellah Allfrey How does … [Read More]
LBF Events at Earls Court, 9 April – Professional programme
Once again, the Professional Programme events today clash with the cultural programme: Children’s and Educational Books In Korea – Edutainment and Beyond! (1pm-2pm) Getting Korean Literature to A World Audience – Translation & Publication Grants (2:30pm-3:30pm) Details below: Children’s and Educational Books In Korea – Edutainment and Beyond! 09 Apr 2014, 13:00 – 14:00, Wellington … [Read More]
LBF events 9 April in the Korean pavilion
Here are the events in the Korean pavilion on 9 April. Check for conflicts with other Book Fair events here. 10:00 – 11:00: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard PhD: Korean non-fiction author Ms. Jin Robertson Event Hall Korea Pavilion (EC2 U405) Chair: Daniel Crewe, Profile books Korean non-fiction author, Dr. Jin Kyu (Suh) Robertson, will … [Read More]
LBF event, 8 Apr 7pm: Toon Talk with Yoon Tae-ho
The third of six evening events during London Book Fair week, which unfortunately overlaps with a session with Yi Mun-yol at the British Library. Toon Talk: Webtoons, A New Trend in Korean Digital Comics 8 April, 19.00-20.00 A special talk with Korean webtoon writer, Yoon Tae-ho, famous for his unique works such as Moss, later … [Read More]
LBF events 8 April in the Korean pavilion
Here are the events for the 8 April in the Korean pavilion: 14:00 – 16:00: Korean Tea Time: Digital Publishing + Find Your ePublishing Partner! Business Lounge, Korea Pavilion (EC2 V455) A unique chance to meet Korea’s most creative digital publishers and to sample some delicious Korean teas. 16:30 – 17:00: Case Study: A Smart … [Read More]