Storytelling of K-literature expanding further in the global market

Korean literature has been adapted into films dating back to the 1960s and '70s.

But after author Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature last year, Korean literary works have garnered even greater attention in the global content market.

Lee Eun-jin tells us more.

Korean author Cheon Seon-ran's heartwarming science fiction novel 'A Thousand Blues.'

Set in the near future where humanoid robots are commonplace, it tells the story of a robot jockey named Collie and a horse named Today, with the plot revolving around emotional connections.

Hubble Publishing signed a six-figure film adaptation deal with major film production company Warner Bros. Pictures. Though the exact value of the rights deal was not disclosed, it's reportedly 440-thousand to 510-thousand U.S. dollars.

Published in 2020, A Thousand Blues was adapted into both a play and an original musical just last year in Korea, and is now set to meet audiences on global screens.

"Usually, film deals are signed once the casting of actors and directors is confirmed. But in this case, an exception contract was signed, solely based on the storyline of the original novel. This suggests they have high expectations for the power of the story."

Another work with growing popularity is author Kang Ji-young's female-led action novel 'Mrs. Shim is a Killer.'

The "cult" bestseller tells the story of a woman in her 50s whose skills as a butcher lead her to become a cold-hearted assassin.

Its compelling plot attracted significant film and drama production interest, leading to rights deals worth over 750 thousand U.S. dollars, including publishing deals with Doubleday in the UK, Harper in the U.S., and translation rights sold to over 10 countries.

"We're receiving ongoing inquiries from Asia and South America, so we expect exports to expand even further. The story itself is engaging and relatable, rooted in universal themes while carrying a distinctly Korean sensibility. That's the book's greatest strength."

We've already seen a book-to-screen adaptation of author Baek Hee-na's 'Magic Candies.'

First published in Korean in 2017, a Japanese animation studio turned the picture book into a short animated film, which was even shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

The film's success stemmed from its whimsical and heartwarming storytelling.

"I really love fantasy, but not the kind that feels too far removed from reality. I prefer small, believable fantasies — the kind that make you think, 'This could actually happen.'"

Other literary works making international strides include Jeong You-jeong's 'The Good Son,' which has sold film rights overseas, and Pyun Hye-young's 'The Hole,' which is already in Hollywood production and set for a North American release next year.

Since the 2000s, as Hallyu took hold, the international expansion of K-literature into the film market has been accelerating, and has been fueled further by milestones like the success of director Bong Joon-ho's film 'Parasite' and Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature.

Lee Eun-jin, Arirang News.