Literature translator Mark Oh spreads Korean fantasy stories to the world

After K-pop, K-movies, and K-dramas, K-LITERATURE is the latest form of K-culture gaining global attention.

In the five-year period from 2018 to 2022, 1.85 million copies of Korean literature were sold overseas.

As the genres preferred by global readers diversify, Korean literature introduced abroad has been expanding to include graphic novels, essays, and more.

For today’s ‘Hallyu People’ we connect live to Sydney, Australia where Mark Oh, a young translator, introduces Korean FANTASY literature to international readers. Hello Mark!

1) Mark, please introduce yourself to our viewers and what you currently do in Australia.

2) You are translating into English the fantasy novel series “Pangaea” which has been written by a Korean author. Please tell us how this started.

3) It must be very special to translate your mother’s works. How do you feel about it and also how does your mother, author Ha Jeeyoon feel about it?

4) Is there anything in particular you pay attention to when translating the Pangaea series in terms of the uniqueness of fantasy fiction and also considering that your mother wrote them?

5) Do you have any special experience to share that helped you translate “The Pangaea” series?

6) How much exposure is Korean literature receiving in Australia?

7) The Pangaea novel series is also expected to be adapted into other types of content I heard?

8) What are your future plans or aspirations as a translator?