K-literature? Sounds cool, right? After K-dramas, K-pop, and K- beauty, we have readers exploring Korean literature. Why? Why did we start watching Korean series in the first place? We did because it was fresh, realistic and engaging. It mirrored our interest in simplicity and innocence. It offered us a peek into a different culture, which like all cultures across the world holds to its social mores and pays homage to its history. Now readers want more of Korean culture.
On July 9, BTS ARMY completed its 10 years. The ARMY, fans of the global music phenomenon, bought copies of ‘Beyond the Story:10-year Record of BTS’. It has been translated into English by Anton Hur, who was shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize as a translator for Bora Chung’s Cursed Bunny, Slin Jung and Clare Richards.
In the 1990s, Hallyu Wave gave rise to the popularity of South Korean culture across the globe. It was further propelled by international nominations, such as
Cheon Myeong-Kwan’s Whale, a book published in 2004 was translated into English by Chi-young Kim and has been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2023. Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, translated into English by Deborah Smith won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016. Kyung-Sook Shin’s Please Look After Mother, translated by Chi-young Kim won the Man Asian Literary Prize in 2011. Elise Hu has depicted the beauty industry in South Korea in Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital.
So, here you have many examples from Korean literature to upgrade your library and a link to the article from where I got inspired to share my bit on K literature.
Check out the Youtube video too!