July 30, 2024
The term gyopo often acts as a catch-all term for many diasporic Koreans. It is an identification that is commonly used but encapsulates a myriad of experiences and intimacies of proximity to homeland and home. In this season of GYOPO Bookclub, hosted by Marianne Park and Professor Sandy Oh, we will explore the diverse experiences of living betwixt and between the Korean peninsula, empire, development, de-colonization, queerness, hypercapitalisms and more. Bookclub is a space to discuss experiences, violence, desires, pleasures and traumas that have long been erased from written records. We welcome you into this space for a lively exchange of ideas, snacks, and camaraderie.
On Tuesday, July 30, at 7PM, we will discuss The Vegetarian by Han Kang (NYT 10 best books of 2016!) to explore themes including feminism, patriarchy, violence, alienation, the ethics of care, and the politics of translation. The protagonist, Yeong-hye’s refusal to eat meat wreaks havoc amongst those with whom she shares acts of intimacy. Whether subjected to preparing and sharing meals, living spaces, or her body, her decision throws into question the structures of values expressed through family, consumption, conformity, and how we may treat all living beings.
We welcome those who have read the book, listened to it, skimmed it, are currently finishing it, or even have interest in the reading the book at a future date to participate. BYOB - Books, (kim)Bap, Bites, and Beverages! RSVPs will be capped at 30.
ASL interpreters will be provided upon request in RSVP form (please contact info@gyopo.us with any additional questions or accessibility requests).
Links:
Order the book or audiobook through Skylight Books
NYT Review
Han Kang and the complexity of translation
Other recommended reading:
You Say Melon, I Say Lemon: Deborah Smith’s Flawed Yet Remarkable Translation of “The Vegetarian” by Charse Yun