Ko Un’s poems on German literary group’s ‘best list’

Poet Ko Un’s collection of poems, “Instant Flowers,” has been listed on the “Best List” compiled by litprom, a non-profit organization in Germany that promotes literary works from Africa, Asia and Latin America, last week.

The German organization selects a total of seven books written by authors in Africa, Asia and Latin America that have been translated into German twice every year ― one in March and one in June. The first list was released in 2009.

The listing of Ko’s book comes after the selection of two other Korean books ― “Tongue” by Jo Kyung-ran and “The Poet” by Yi Mun-yol ― for the same list which was released in March.

Aside from the three Korean books, works of prominent authors such as Argentinean author Jorge Luis Borges, Mexican author Juan Jose Arreola and Chinese author Yu Jian were listed for this year’s two “Best Lists.”

Korea Literature Translation Institute ― who supported the publication of German-translated versions of the listed Korean novels ― said litprom’s list would help promoting Korean literature in Europe as the listed books will be introduced in German-speaking countries through their broadcasters and newspapers.

By Claire Lee (dyc@hearldm.com)