Sweet Potato by Kim Tongin
Korean Literature Night
Application must be arrived by Sunday 9th June.
The Korean Literature Night (KLN) is a monthly discussion group that explores various themes and topics relating to that month’s chosen book.
About the Book- Sweet Potato
A collection of Kim’s short stories translated by Grace Jung provides a compelling glimpse into the birth of a new national literature through a body of exquisitely wrought, profoundly philosophical fiction.
The title story, “Sweet Potato,” is a classic iteration of the “fallen woman” narrative. Pongnyo gives up her miserable job as a moth larvae collector to become a prostitute, until a rich farmer blackmails her into becoming his mistress after she steals a few yams. When the farmer takes a wife, Pongnyo disrupts the wedding, and the farmer kills her in a violent struggle. Adhering to the grim naturalist paradigm, he suffers no punishment.
"This new collection is undoubtedly an significant addition to the body of work of Korean literature in English." - Peter Gordon, Asian Review of Books
About the Author- Kim Tongin
Kim Tongin (1900-1951) is one of Korea’s earliest and most respected modern writers whose naturalist fiction brilliantly depicts Korean life during a period of profound social change. Namesake of the prestigious Dong-in Literary Award, Kim Tongin’s succinct writing style can still inspire readers and provide insight into early 20th century Korea over 60 years after his death. Finally, a volume of Kim Tongin’s short stories, most of them previously untranslated, is available to readers of English.
Available Seats: 15
Apply to info@kccuk.org.uk or call 020 7004 2600 with your name and contact details by Sunday 9th June.
Or you can click the 'RSVP now' button in the top right corner of this page.
The booking system utilises a lottery based programme that picks names at random, once the final selection has been drawn we will send you an e-mail regarding the result of the selection.
You can pick up a copy of the book from the Korean Cultural Centre UK, once you have received your confirmation e-mail.
