[One Thousand Characters a Day] Han Yong-un's 'Sarang-eul Saranghayeoyo'

Editor's NoteAsia Economy provides daily 1,000-character transcription content for readers of the 'One Day, One Thousand Characters' newsletter. The transcription content is carefully selected according to themes on a daily and monthly basis, featuring Eastern and Western classics, Korean literature, famous columns, and notable speeches. If you upload your transcribed content to the 'One Day, One Thousand Characters' board (goodbrainboard.asiae.co.kr) by the end of May, you will be entered into a draw to win a 1-month free subscription to 'Millie's Library'. Today, we introduce ＜Loving 'Love'＞ by Manhae Han Yong-un, one of the modern poems long cherished by Koreans. Character count: 421.

Your face is a tranquil star in the spring sky,
Yet it is not without a crescent moon-like face emerging
Through the torn clouds.
If you loved only the beautiful face,
Why do you embroider stars, not the moon, on my pillowcase?

Your heart is a flawless jade,
Yet it is not without a heart like a gem,
Beautiful, bright, and steadfast.
If you loved only a beautiful heart,
Why do you make my ring of jade, not of gemstone?

Your poetry is like willow buds sprouting with golden threads in the spring rain,
Yet it is not without poems like lilies blooming
On the oily black sea.
If you loved only good writing,
Why do I praise willows instead of flowers?

When no one in the whole world loved me,
Only you loved me.
I love you.
I love your ＜Love＞.

- Han Yong-un, ＜Loving 'Love'＞