By Honorary Reporter Kiara Martin Arellano from Philippines
Photo by = Bae Kyung Min and Kristina Carla Rico

Korean literature is being recognized around the world thanks to translators who work hard to create a positive exchange between cultures. Because I was so impressed by the book “I Decided to Live as Me” by BTS member Jungkook, I decided to reach out to Bae Kyung Min and Kristina Carla Rico who translated the book for Filipino readers. They have worked on other Korean books such as “Being Comfortable Without Effort” and “You Can Wind Down From Time to Time” that won the 2022 Filipino Reader’s Choice Award. During an email interview from July 11, the translator duo shared their story of bringing Korean literature to the Philippines.

Bae Kyung Min(left) and Kristina Carla Rico(right) as the winner of 2022 Filipino Reader’s Choice Award. 

Briefly introduce yourselves.

Bae: I am a Korean Language instructor at the University of the Philippines, also serving as the OIC director there.

Rico: I am also a Korean Language instructor based in Ateneo de Manila University and also a part-time language instructor at the University of the Philippines.

Why did you decide to introduce Korean Literature to Filipino readers?

Bae: It was rare to see translated Korean literature in the Philippines. So we thought introducing contemporary Korean bestsellers to Filipino readers would be a great chance to promote Korean Literature and a good chance for both countries to interact.

How did the Filipino readers respond to the Korean books?

Rico: We think most of our translated books got positive reviews. Some of the books were already well-known because Korean celebrities recommended them. Books with comforting messages are also popular.

Bae Kyung Min and Kristina Carla Rico formed a bond through their translation projects. 

Bae: We first decide on which book to translate by exchanging ideas with the publisher. During the translation process, we reflect on the actual message of the author before discussing our different perspectives on the material based on the difference in cultures between Korea and the Philippines.

What are the benefits of having a co-translator?

Rico: Working with a co-translator helped me deepen my understanding of the culture and values that are reflected in the original works and allowed me to express myself better in the language I am translating into.

Bae: Because my co-translator is Filipino and I am Korean, we complement each other’s flaws. It also helps prevent falling into the same mannerisms that may happen when translating continuously.

Bae Kyung Min and Kristina Carla Rico with their translated works 

What are some of your most memorable experiences?

Rico: One of the most memorable experiences was when one of my students asked if I could sign one of the books that I translated. I felt like my connection to the Korean language had reached a whole new level, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I was given the opportunity to stay close to the language I love by teaching it.

What is the project you are currently working on and what are your hopes for the future?

Rico: We are currently working with other Filipino translators on the book “Beyond the Story: 10-year Record of BTS,” which has been published for the 10th anniversary of BTS's debut. 

Bae: I was always jealous of other Southeast Asian countries that have access to translated Korean books. I hope our work could be the beginning of more Korean literature being readily available in the Philippines. We also hope that we can work on Korean translations of Philippine literature so that a genuine cultural exchange could be possible between both countries.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*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.