Yi Sang: Selected Works showcases the literary creations of the Korean modernist poet Kim Hye-kyŏng (1910–1937), known as Yi Sang during the era of Japanese colonial rule in the early 20th century. The collection features forty-nine poems translated by Jack Jung, eighteen poems translated by Sawako Nakayasu, six essays translated by Jack Jung, three stories translated by Don Mee Choi and Joyelle McSweeney, a Yi Sang collage by Don Mee Choi, and an afterword by Joyelle McSweeney. Yi Sang’s work, influenced by Dada and surrealism, blends urgency with playfulness as it delves into themes of dehumanization, violence, and dreams portrayed through estranged language.
Yi Sang’s Korean and Japanese pieces touch on various subjects like imperialism, war, childhood, art, and capitalism, weaving words into intricate webs of poetry, storytelling, and essays. Each linguistic unit retains its unique essence, akin to threads of different colors woven together to form a tapestry.
The collection opens with a timeline to provide context but dives into Yi Sang’s captivating Korean poems, serving as an entry point for readers. The initial pieces introduce children in a counting exercise, gradually evolving into a reflection on fear and vulnerability. The poems invite readers to contemplate the essence of childhood and the purity of being true to oneself without excuses, drawing on experiences that resonate deeply.
In contrast, Yi Sang’s Japanese works exhibit a whimsical, free-spirited nature, as seen in “Le Urine,” where unconventional wordplay and imagery create a surreal landscape. The fluidity and unpredictability of the Japanese poems reflect a world where meanings shift, akin to the complexities of an evolving empire.
More than a translation compilation, Selected Works offers insights into the personal connections and influences shaping the translators’ encounters with Yi Sang’s legacy. Through anecdotes and reflections, the collection highlights the intimate ties between the translators, poets, and Yi Sang himself, uncovering layers of interpretation and appreciation for his work.
Ultimately, Selected Works serves as a tapestry of literary threads, showcasing Yi Sang’s diverse styles and themes. From surreal Korean narratives to enigmatic fairytales and reflective essays, the collection provides a profound glimpse into the poet’s world and political resistance. Through this book, readers embark on a journey into Yi Sang’s realm, connecting with a soul that embraced transient and ever-evolving identities.
