From Picture Books to Web Novels... Promoting 'K-Book' in France

Ministry of Culture Holds Permanent Exhibition and Book Talk in Paris

A venue promoting Korean books will be set up in France. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Publication Industry Promotion Agency announced on the 11th that various events will be held in Paris and other locations from this month through August. These include a permanent exhibition of Korean picture books, literature, and web novels (June 5 to August 30), a picture book authors’ workshop, and book talks (both from the 11th to 14th). The plan is to introduce Korean books to the European market and establish a foundation for the overseas expansion of 'K-Book.'

The permanent exhibition of Korean picture books, literature, and web novels will take place at the Korean Cultural Center in France. The theme is 'K-Book: The Origin of K-Culture.' It will showcase eight award-winning Korean picture books from last year, such as Sarajin Jeonyeok (The Vanished Evening) and Jultagi Hanpan (A Tightrope Walk), as well as fifty-one wordless picture books including Seon (Line) and Bingsan (Iceberg).

Thirty-eight Korean literary works will also be exhibited alongside their French translations. These include Han Kang’s Jakbyeolhaji Anhneunda (Never Let Me Go), which won this year’s ?mile Guimet Asian Literature Prize, as well as works like Lee Seung-woo’s Jisang-ui Norae (Song of the Earth), Pyun Hye-young’s Seojjok Sup-e Gatta (Went to the Western Forest), Jin Eun-young’s Humchyeoganeun Norae (The Stolen Song), and Ma Young-shin’s Eommadeul (Mothers). Thirteen works that have expanded into webtoons and dramas, such as Kim Biseoga Wae Geureolkka (What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim) and Semantic Error, will also be featured to highlight the diverse appeal of 'K-Book.'

The picture book authors’ workshop will be held at bookstores (Gros Caillou, Lib?rul et Coxinel), libraries (Biblioth?que Louise Michel, University Language and Civilization Library), museums (La Maison de l’Histoire, Mus?e de Poche), and schools (Armand Silvestre, Gerson) in Paris. Activities such as drawing and crafting experiences will be conducted for local children. Participating picture book authors include Kim Sang-geun, Oh Sena, Lee So-young, and Jung Jin-ho.

These authors will also appear in book talks held at the University Language and Civilization Library. Together with local picture book authors Adrien Parlange and Marie Coduri, they will discuss topics such as 'How the Materiality of Picture Books Enriches Narratives' and 'Narrative Landscapes Conveying Intimate Emotions and Relationships.'

Parlange is known for the work Nuga Sajaui Bange Deureowatji? (Who Entered the Lion’s Room?). In 2015, he received a Special Mention in the Fiction category at the Bologna Ragazzi Awards. Coduri has gained recognition in Korea with works like Sesang Kkeute Itneun Neoege (To You at the End of the World) and Uriga Yeohaenghaneun Beop (How We Travel).