'82년생 김지영', '채식주의자' 세계시장서 주목...한류의 맥을 잇는 문학과 번역의 힘
The novel " Kim Ji-young, Born in 1982" is garnering immense popularity in Japan.
Not a surprising development considering how Korean literature is highly in demand abroad these days.
Yoon Jung-min zooms in on the growing success of these works.
"Kim Ji-young, Born in 1982", by South Korean author Cho Nam-ju has sold more than 50-thousand copies in Japan since its release last December.
The novel portrays 30-something Kim Ji-young, who experiences gender discrimination in society through a series of anecdotes.
The heroine represents ordinary women in society. Her name "Kim Ji-young" uses the most common first name for girls born in late 70s and early 80s in Korea.
The issues of unfairness resonate with readers not just in Korea, but also in neighboring Japan.
"Japanese society also recognizes the alienation of women and gender discrimination, just as in Korean society. Such issues have been publicly brought up, and the novel has provided an opportunity to discuss gender issues in Japan, too."
According to statistics by the Culture Ministry last year, fewer and fewer people tend to read these days,... but some Korean literature has proved successful both at home and abroad.
"The Vegetarian" by Han Kang, a story about a woman refusing to eat meat, won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016 after being introduced in the U.K.
And "Please Look After Mom" by Shin Kyung-sook, which looks at the self-sacrifice of mothers,... has sold hundreds of thousands of copies in the U.S.
"Demand for Korean literature is increasing. It is important to nurture professional translators who have a high understanding of cultures of both countries, in addition to linguistic talents. ... I believe local publishers should work harder to make the most of opportunities based on the Korean Wave in literature. Also, our society needs to take more interest in literature to create good content."
"Experts say literature has the power to affect readers regardless of nationality or ethnicity,... and that access to works from different cultures can improve the overall quality and variety of literature for readers around the world.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News."
