The Romanian-Korean Studies Center (CSRK) recently launched Hanji Reads, a new book club designed to introduce Romanian readers to the richness of Korean literature. The inaugural session, held on Saturday, February 1st, drew a crowd both in person at the Korea Corner (Romanian-American University) and online. Participants delved into Sohn Won-pyung's "Almond", a novel exploring themes of empathy, emotional connection, and resilience.
The discussion was expertly guided by Diana Peca (CSRK coordinator), alongside Laura Stan and Cristina Mantu (CSRK professors and translators). Adding to the event's significance was the presence of Andreea Lupescu, PR Manager at Alice Books Publishing.
Beyond the engaging discussion, attendees had the opportunity to personalize their experience at a Hanji Reads bookmark workshop, crafting bookmarks with their names written in Korean. To celebrate the launch, two lucky participants won a book, courtesy of Alice Books Publishing, through a raffle.
"Almond" has resonated with readers worldwide, and its recent Romanian translation, thanks in part to a collaboration with Alice Books, has made it accessible to a wider audience in Romania. Alice Books, renowned for publishing high-quality international literature, has been instrumental in bringing "Almond" to Romanian readers, contributing significantly to the growing interest in Korean literature within the country. The novel's exploration of complex human relationships and the search for belonging clearly strikes a chord, making it a compelling read for many.
I read "Almond" myself and I was amazed by the way Sohn Won-pyung portrays the nuances of empathy. It's not just about feeling for someone, but understanding their experience in a way that goes beyond our own perspective. Yunjae's journey isn't about suddenly developing normal emotions, but about learning to interpret the world and connect with others on his own terms. It made me think about how quick we are to judge others based on our own understanding of emotions, when actually, connection can exist in so many different forms. It's a powerful reminder that empathy is a skill, one that requires constant work and reflection.
Hanji Reads is a testament to the increasing fascination with Korean culture, and especially its literature, in Romania. CSRK, well-known key player in strengthening Romanian-Korean relations, understands the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding. By establishing a dedicated space for discussing Korean works, Hanji Reads not only enriches the Romanian literary landscape but also provides a platform for readers to connect with diverse narratives. The book club promises to be a valuable resource for both seasoned readers of Korean literature and those who are just beginning their exploration of this wonderful literary tradition.
How about this article?
- Like0
- Support1
- Amazing3
- Sad0
- Curious0
- Insightful0
