From The Korea Times: Seoul’s new minister of culture says blacklisting artists critical of the government is over. He vows new assistance.
Industry Notes: South Korea’s Ridibooks Raises $20 Million; Quarto Distributes Zest Books
Characterized as South Korea’s largest ebook service, Ridibooks’ parent company raises funds. And Quarto Group Takes on Zest Books distribution.
Seoul’s International Forum Tackles Challenges to Literature in Commerce
From The Korea Times and The Hankyoreh: Commercialization, globalization, and the plight of ‘the history of individuals’ factor into the Seoul Forum.
Seoul International Forum for Literature Underway in Korea This Week
From The Korea Times: Held every five years, Seoul’s forum brings together Korean and international authors with readers for discussions of current events.
On Korean Readers’ Fondness for Murakami in Translation
Haruki Murakami has more books translated into Korean than English, writes Colin Marshall for the Los Angeles Review of Books.
Examining Korean Literature in Translation and International Reach
Both the number and nature of commercially successful translations of Korean titles are questioned in a crowded international marketplace for books.
Agent Neil Gudovitz: Looking to Clean Up on the De-Cluttering Craze
Neil Gudovitz, who repped Marie Kondo’s ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ went to Frankfurt with ‘Room To Breathe’ and ‘Goodbye, Things.’
South Korea’s ‘Small Concept’ Bookstores: Niche and Trendy
In South Korea, a number of ‘small concept’ bookstores have emerged, attracting attention and offering a fashionable alternative to larger retail stores.
Harry Potter Ebooks Released in South Korea
South Korea becomes the latest country to get the Harry Potter series of seven books and the new ‘Cursed Child’ playscript in ebook format. This time, they’re in both Korean and English.
Are South Korean Readers Rediscovering Their Literature?
As a growing number of readers in South Korea reportedly are rediscovering their authors’ literature, industry players are upbeat about this year’s book sales potential.