The Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI) has officially inaugurated a nine-member committee, signaling a significant push for its new translation initiatives. This esteemed committee comprises prominent figures such as acclaimed poet and former Culture Minister Do Jong-hwan, alongside celebrated novelists Hwang Sok-yong and Eun Hee-kyung, underscoring the high caliber of expertise guiding the project, according to officials from the state-run agency.
Further strengthening the committee’s global appeal and translation prowess is Darcy Paquet, the renowned U.S. film critic credited with translating the English subtitles for the critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning black comedy thriller “Parasite.” His inclusion brings invaluable experience in bridging cultural narratives for international audiences.
As part of its forward-looking strategy, the LTI is set to establish comprehensive master’s degree courses, initially spanning seven key languages such as English, French, and Chinese. The institute also plans to introduce an advanced post-doctorate course, further solidifying its role as a leading hub for literary translation education.
In a move to cultivate a diverse cohort of future literary translators, the LTI aims to select 60 students in the first half of next year. This intake will comprise 30 Korean nationals and 30 international students, all slated to commence their immersive academic journey in September, fostering a truly global learning environment, officials said.
Since its establishment in 1996, the LTI has consistently served as a pivotal institution, dedicated to nurturing and empowering literary translators, thereby significantly contributing to the global dissemination of Korean literature.
The impact of the LTI’s robust translation and publication programs is evident in the booming international demand for Korean books. Last year, overseas sales soared to an impressive 1.2 million copies, marking a remarkable 2.3-fold increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the LTI itself translated a record-breaking 194 Korean books last year, a significant leap from just 15 in 2001, highlighting its accelerating efforts and the growing global appetite for Korean literary works.
