By Honorary Reporter Anna Samolowka from Poland
Photos = Marianna Lupina

The livestreaming event "Big Book Cafe Presents: Cheon Myeong-Kwan" in Warsaw, Poland, on Oct. 28 featured the eponymous author discussing his novel "Whale," which was shortlisted for last year's International Booker Prize of the U.K. 

During his visit to the Eastern European country, Cheon participated in three events, and I attended the final one. 

The author shared his writing journey that started as a screenwriter in the hope of making his own film, but he quit. At age 40, his younger brother suggested that Cheon try fiction. 

His 2004 novel "Whale" is a haunting tale rooted in Korean folklore about a mother obsessed with whales, a daughter who speaks to elephants and a one-eyed woman who summons bees. These three characters are trapped in a world that denies them a voice.

Novelist Cheon Myeong-kwan (second from left) speaks at his Oct. 28 livestream event in Warsaw, Poland.

The author said at the event that to reflect generational stories, he used distinct styles of Korean to capture and mark eras. For instance, he used language used in pansori (traditional lyrical opera) to tell the story of the mother set before Korea's industrialization. 

Anna Diniejko, who translated the novel from Korean into Polish, said this aspect was hard to convey in Polish but that she maintained the same or similar rhythm of the sentences and used older Polish words to match the era. Audience members added that Cheon's intention was visible in the Polish edition of his book.

Author Cheon Myeong-kwan autographs a copy of his novel "Whale." 

Cheon was asked many questions by the audience like if he was working on a new novel and if his other works would be translated into Polish. He answered by saying his next novel could come in April next year and that translations of more of his works would depend on the success of "Whale."

During his stay in Poland, he said he tried traditional Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings), which are similar to the Korean equivalent mandu, and steak tartare, which also has a Korean counterpart. He expressed surprise over the many culinary similarities between both countries.

 
Cheon also said he admires Polish directors such as Krzysztof Kieslowski and Roman Polanski, mentioning "Knife in the Water" as his favorite Polanski film. He added that the film "Man of Iron" by director Andrzej Wajda greatly influenced him. 

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*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.