Happy to create a new path for connecting Korean-Vietnamese Literature

The cover of  the anthology “Lotus in the Land of the Calm Morning”. (Photo: Character permitted)

Tieu Linh: What motivated you to initiate and complete the Korea-Vietnam Poetry Anthology 2024 – “Lotus in the Land of the Calm Morning”, and how does this project reflect your connection with both Korean and Vietnamese literary traditions?

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang: The creation of this Korea-Vietnam anthology was largely inspired by my friendship with Ms. Kieu Bich Hau. I was deeply moved after reading her short story about a child with autism. I could empathize with the family's suffering, and I wanted to introduce her works to Korean readers. Initially, I planned to focus solely on her collections, but later thought it would be better to include works of other poets as well. I believe this anthology will encourage more exchanges between Korean and Vietnamese writers. When someone creates a path, that path will naturally widen.

Tieu Linh: Could you share your thoughts on the cultural and literary significance of publishing the Korea-Vietnam Poetry Anthology in hardcover in Korea this September? What impact do you hope it will have on readers in both countries?

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang: In all works, the content is more important than the appearance. However, since this is a historic anthology created by Korean and Vietnamese writers for the first time, we spared no expense. Poet Ms. Yang Geum-Hee, the current president of the Korean Association of World Literature, and poet Lee Hee-Kuk, the vice president, covered most of the costs, while other participating writers willingly shared the remaining expenses. They are all remarkable poets who care deeply for others. I consider it is an honor to have created this anthology alongside such wonderful people.

Koreans and Vietnamese share very similar thoughts and emotions. Just as I have a deep affection for the Vietnamese people, others also appreciate Vietnamese writers. Vietnamese writers seek beauty that they can clearly share with their readers. There are many writers in Korea, perhaps ten times more than in Vietnam. Sometimes, we encounter works that are difficult to share with on an emotional level. I hope that this anthology provides an opportunity for Korean and Vietnamese poets to learn from each other's strengths.

Tieu Linh: Your deep love for Vietnamese culture and literature is evident in your extensive work translating Vietnamese literary works for Korean audiences. What drew you to Vietnamese literature initially, and how has this passion evolved over time?

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang: I have a global mindset and have traveled to 50 countries. As an international political scientist, I have studied global issues and peaceful coexistence, with a particular focus on maritime boundary disputes. In 2012, I also participated in an international seminar hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. My affection for the Vietnamese people seems to have been with me since birth. Perhaps one of my ancestors even came to Korea from Vietnam. At an International PEN exchange event, I met Kieu Bich Hau and had many discussions about literary exchange, which led to the introduction of Vietnamese writers to Korea.

However, my efforts in exchange and cooperation are not limited to Vietnam; I also collaborate with writers from other countries. I have been actively working with Taiwanese writers as well. Currently, I am preparing for the publication of a collection titled 20 Taiwanese Poets by the end of this year or early next year. As a result, I have recently been busy introducing Taiwanese poets to Korean readers.

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang, Korea. (Photo: Character permitted)

Tieu Linh: Translating literary works is often a complex and challenging process. Can you describe your journey of translating Vietnamese literature into Korean? How do you ensure that the essence and beauty of the original works are preserved?

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang: I am well aware that perfect translation is impossible. That's why, whenever possible, I aim to publish the original manuscript alongside the translation. I plan to publish the book in three languages. Having translated numerous academic books related to international politics and written newspaper editorials for decades, I always strive to fully understand what the author is trying to convey. However, I never forget that my translations will always have some shortcomings.

Tieu Linh: You've made several trips to Vietnam, including a significant visit with 20 poets from Korea in 2022. How did that experience influence your work and your commitment to becoming a cultural bridge between Vietnam and Korea?

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang: Every time I visited Vietnam, I felt happy. In fact, in 2022, I visited Vietnam with 20 Korean poets and met many people, but apart from Ms. Kieu Bich Hau, I don't remember anyone else. Without meaningful exchanges, people eventually fade from memory over time. The Vietnamese people I met were all kind and treated me with warmth and sincerity. I am someone who believes in the inherent goodness of people. I’ve never had bad encounters in any country I’ve visited—everywhere I've gone, I’ve had enjoyable experiences. However, if I hadn't met Ms. Kieu Bich Hau in Vietnam and developed a deep friendship, none of this collaboration would have happened. I even wrote a poem about Ms. Kieu Bich Hau and published it in the global press in many countries. I believe she is a treasured asset among Vietnamese writers. She has friendships with many renowned worldwide authors and I believe she will contribute greatly to expanding Vietnamese literature globally.

Tieu Linh: As a cultural ambassador between Vietnam and Korea, what challenges have you faced in promoting Vietnamese literature in Korea, and how have you overcome them?

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang: I have a deep interest in literary exchanges between Korea and Vietnam, but writers from many countries are reaching out to me with proposals, keeping me extremely busy. The great Nepalese poet Mr. Rupsingh Bhandari suggested that we publish a Korea-Nepal anthology next year, and the Korea-Nepal anthology is expected to be published in 2025. I expect that many literary organizations and other writers in Korea will continue to promote literary exchanges between Korea and Vietnam. This September, I was invited to Taiwan's International Poetry Festival and anticipate attending annually in the future.

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang and The Writer, Poet, Translator Kieu Bich Hau, photo taken in Vietnam in 2022. (Photo: Character permitted)

Tieu Linh: Looking ahead, what future projects or collaborations do you envision that will continue to strengthen the cultural and literary ties between Vietnam and Korea?

The Poet, Translator, Doctor Byeong Cheol Kang: I plan to introduce the works of Vietnamese poets and writers to Korean readers and expand my collaboration with the author Ms. Kieu Bich Hau even further.

By Tieu Linh