K-pop, K-movies, a Nobel prize … and now K-poetry: book of wise words adds to Korea’s cultural glory

Featured Photograph: Lee Seong-bok. Retrieved from theguardian

Summary:

  • South Korean poet Lee Seong-bok’s book Indeterminate Inflorescence is gaining international popularity.
  • Penguin’s Allen Lane will publish a major English edition in November.
  • Lee’s collection offers 470 poetic insights for creatives, resonating globally, including with BTS members.
  • The book’s success follows Han Kang’s recent Nobel Prize win, the first for an Asian woman.
  • The global interest in Korean literature continues to grow alongside South Korea’s cultural influence in K-pop, cinema, and literature.

A new collection of wise sayings by Lee Seong-bok, a 72-year-old South Korean poet, is the latest contribution to Korea’s rising global cultural presence. Following successes in K-pop, K-dramas, and cinema, this collection of maxims is set to make a mark. Lee’s book, Indeterminate Inflorescence, originally published by a small U.S. press, gained unexpected popularity, selling out rapidly and leading to multiple reprints. Now, Penguin’s Allen Lane imprint will release a wider English edition in November.

Lee Seong-bok’s book contains 470 poetic insights, offering advice for writers and creatives. One of his popular quotes reads, “Kick against words like you would kick back on a swing.” This unique approach to writing has resonated with readers worldwide, including fans such as members of BTS. The book’s success comes on the heels of Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the first Asian woman to receive the honor. Han, known for works like The Vegetarian and Human Acts, expressed her pride in representing Korean literature on the world stage.

South Korea’s cultural wave continues to grow, with recent literary hits such as Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Book Club by Hwang Bo-reum and Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo. The global demand for Korean stories shows no sign of slowing, and Lee Seong-bok’s thoughtful maxims add a reflective dimension to the K-culture phenomenon.

Anton Hur, the award-winning translator who discovered Lee’s collection in Seoul, played a key role in bringing the book to a broader audience. The collection has been praised for its wisdom, creativity, and ability to inspire anyone feeling creatively stuck. Penguin’s editor Chloe Currens noted that the book goes beyond writing advice, connecting deeply with readers through its vivid portrayal of the world.

With its upcoming release, Indeterminate Inflorescence promises to add to South Korea’s cultural achievements, highlighting the continued global fascination with its creative works.

Source: the guardian