In recent years, the surge of Korean literature focusing on gender issues has been remarkable, as it courageously addresses pressing matters related to gender inequality and women's rights within Korean society.
Among the notable works that have played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse surrounding feminism in Korea are "Kim Ji-young: Born 1982" (82년생 김지영, 2016) by Cho Nam-joo and "The Vegetarian"(채식주의자, 2007) by Han Kang. These literary works have not only captivated Korean readers but have also exerted a profound influence on Chinese readers in the greater China area mainly through their movie adaptations and translations. The powerful narratives and thought-provoking themes explored in these works deeply resonate with Chinese audience, igniting passionate discussions about gender roles, societal pressures, and the arduous struggle for women's empowerment.
By promoting these exceptional Korean literary works and their translations, our aim is to build a bridge that fosters cross-cultural understanding and encourages critical reflections on shared experiences of gender within Korean and Chinese societies. Through the discussions and exhibition at the symposium, we hope to further spread Korean literature to a wider audience. The event receives funding support from the Literature Translation Institute (LTI) of Korea.