The Plotters by Un-Su Kim and my problem with Korean translations

TL;DR

Korean media in the West, including drama series and translations of Korean literature, has seen a surge in popularity. The book "Unsuitable" is now available in English. However, there are concerns about the accuracy and style of Korean-to-English translations.

Transcript

how awesome is it to live in a time where there's just so much Korean media for me to consume here in the West and I'm not just talking BTS either I just finished the fantastic Korean period Sambi drama Kingdom that I mentioned earlier and I'm just starting another one called drug King featuring one of my favorite Korean actors song kang-ho and tha... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤑 Korean media, including dramas and translations of literature, is gaining popularity in the West, providing a rich cultural exchange opportunity.
• 🌍 "Unsuitable," a recently translated Korean novel, explores the world of assassination and corporate involvement in Korea, showcasing the changing landscape of the country.
• 🛀 The potential for adaptations of Korean stories into TV shows is promising, given the eclectic characters and captivating action sequences.
• 🎼 There is an ongoing discussion about the translation of Korean literature into English, with debates between originalists and activists who prioritize the musical appeal and style in their translations.
• 💗 The demand for Korean media in the West, particularly from platforms like Netflix, highlights the growing market for Asian content.
• 🥺 Western readers may have different preferences when it comes to writing style, leading to varying opinions on Korean-to-English translations.
• 👋 Korean literature, exemplified by books like "Unsuitable" and "The Vegetarian," has made waves internationally, despite concerns about translation accuracy.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is "Unsuitable" about?

"Unsuitable" follows the story of an assassin named Or Zeng, who has been raised by an assassination guild and finds himself in a changing landscape of assassination and corporate involvement in Korea.

Q: How are Korean translations received in the Western market?

There are mixed opinions on Korean-to-English translations. Some readers appreciate the colorful and metaphorical style, while others have concerns about accuracy and the extent of editorial liberties taken by translators.

Q: Is there a demand for Korean media in the West?

Yes, there is a growing demand for Korean media in the West, with Korean dramas, movies, and literature gaining popularity. Netflix, in particular, has invested in Asian content and is targeting the Asian market.

Q: How do Western readers perceive Korean narratives and translations?

Western readers may find Korean narratives to be more passive, which may not align with their preferences for more wordy writing and metaphorical flourishes. There is a divide between readers who prefer faithful translations and those who enjoy more stylistic liberties.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The reviewer discusses their recent consumption of Korean media, including Korean period drama "Kingdom" and the movie "Drug King." They highlight the availability of Korean American authors and translations of Korean literature in the West.

• They provide a brief synopsis of "Unsuitable," a recently translated Korean book. The story revolves around a career assassin navigating the changing landscape of assassination and corporate involvement in Korea.

• The reviewer shares their thoughts on the potential for "Unsuitable" to be adapted for TV, citing the captivating characters and action sequences. They also mention Netflix's investment in Asian content to emphasize the market for such adaptations.