Cheon Myeong-kwan, author of the novel 'Whale,' writes from his home in a typical Korean apartment, preferring the kitchen table for its convenience in making coffee.
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He expressed his satisfaction working with translator Chi-Young Kim, a highly regarded professional in the field. Myeong-kwan emphasized that he did not need to provide specific guidance for the English edition, as he had complete trust in her abilities. While he does not speak English and is unfamiliar with her previous work, he noted that his agent and others praised her talents.
Myeong-kwan also highlighted the significance of celebrating translated fiction, stating that without translators, many readers, including himself, would miss the opportunity to engage with key literary figures like Hemingway and Conan Doyle.
When asked about fiction that has inspired him, he cited three pivotal works. First, he mentioned Luo Guanzhong’s 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' which left a profound impact on him during his school years. Second, John Updike’s 'Rabbit, Run' reshaped his understanding of life’s simplicity when he encountered it at 18. Lastly, he referred to Charles Bukowski’s 'Post Office,' which resonated with him in a tough personal period, providing comfort through its portrayal of struggle.