A poetry reading reveals diplomats’ literary side

Ambassadors pose for a photo with other participants and organizers of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies’ poetry reading event in Seoul last Friday. Third from left, Dr. Drago Stambuk; fifth from left, Lars Vargo; and third from right, Jaroslav Olsa Jr.

Students and faculty members of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies were treated last Friday to poetry readings from three foreign diplomats in Korea.

Dr. Drago Stambuk of the Republic of Croatia, Lars Vargo of Sweden and Jaroslav Olsa Jr. of the Czech Republic each read chosen poems in their native language followed by readings by Korean translators at The Fourth Poetry Reading Event hosted by HUFS.

“The poetry reading by the ambassadors and the wines they bought to the event provides a small taste of their culture,” said Lee Young-koo, chairperson of Institute of Foreign Literature.

“Hopefully we can attract more participants from various backgrounds in the future.”

Dr. Drago Stambuk read two of his own poems, “Nordwind” and “Krug.” The Croatian ambassador to Japan and Korea started writing as an 18 year old, when starting out his post secondary studies in Zagreb, Croatia.

“I was lonely and began writing to express my feelings through poetry,” he said.

Stambuk has had 33 books published to date with translations in Japanese, Czech and a lone English translation titled, “Incompatible Animals.”

But before entering the diplomatic scene, Stambuk was originally a doctor, practicing medicine in both Zagreb and London.

“I was approached for this job [as ambassador] and although I was reluctant at first, I was intrigued by the effort to spread Croatian culture. But like they say, once a physician, always a physician.”

Lars Vargo, the ambassador from Sweden also read one of his own poems titled, “No title” followed by “Trappan.” Vargo, an historian on Japanese society considered the Arthur Lundkvist poem well suited for Korean audiences.

“The poem’s title, which means ‘stairs,’ deals with drama that takes place within an apartment building. Since there are many high rises in Korea with lots of drama within each building, I thought it was appropriate,” he said.

Vargo founded the Seoul Literary Society in 2006, and holds literary meetings at his residence as well as occasional public events. Beside an obvious love for literature, Vargo is also a devout hockey fan and former high school player.

Prior to his long diplomatic posts, Jaroslav Olsa Jr. of the Czech Republic was a journalist and publisher. At the poetry reading at Hankuk University, Olsa chose two poems about Korea, “Balada z Koreje” by Milan Kundera and “Koreo” by Frantisek Branislav. The poems were written during the Cold War, when Czechoslovakia and South Korea were on opposing ideological sides.

“The two poems are a symbol of our deep past,” said Olsa.

A member of the Seoul Literary Society, Olsa also has an avid interest in African art. He has had one book published and translated many others. Having just been in Korea for three months, Olsa was still trying to adjust to his new surroundings.

“We Europeans like calmness,” he said.

By Jason Kim Staff Reporter [jason@joongang.co.kr]