We Will Create a Brokerage Platform for Overseas Expansion of Our Literature

New Korea Literature Translation Institute Director Kwak Hyo-hwan Emphasizes Key Initiatives
"Will Open the First Chapter to Enter Global Literature Beyond Simple Introduction"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

An integrated platform to promote the overseas expansion of Korean literature is being planned.

At an inauguration meeting held on the 6th at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, Kwak Hyo-hwan, the newly appointed president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, revealed this plan, stating, "By the time my three-year term ends, Korean literature will have established itself as world literature." The main function of the integrated platform will be the continuous brokerage of literary copyrights. It will also provide detailed information about domestic literature and authors to translators, foreign publishers, and agents. President Kwak pledged, "We will open the first chapter of moving beyond simply introducing Korean literature to becoming a part of world literature."

He also mentioned the establishment of a graduate school of translation as a key initiative. The plan is to elevate the Translation Academy operated by the institute to a formal educational institution at the graduate school level. After expanding full-time faculty and restructuring the academic system, they aim to operate master's and doctoral programs and obtain approval from the Ministry of Education to convert it into an official degree program. President Kwak said, "Currently, 70-80% of the regular course students at the Translation Academy are foreigners. After earning their degrees and returning to their home countries, they will serve as allies on the front lines of Korean literature for life."

The Literature Translation Institute of Korea also plans to support the overseas expansion of domestic content. To contribute to the spread of Hallyu, the scope of translation support will be expanded to Korean-language content related to webtoons, films, and performances. President Kwak stated, "An annual budget of 12 billion KRW is far from sufficient for various projects. We are actively persuading the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and others, as we need at least an additional 4 billion KRW next year."