Check It Out artwork

Check It Out

178 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago -

Diving into every genre of Korean Literature, from the classics to the modern masterpieces.
Reading excerpts that bring the pages to life, we find out about the books, authors, translators and culture all at once.

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Episodes

Korean Fairy Tales/The Mirror That Made Trouble (전래동화/거울을 처음 본 사람들)

May 01, 2024 09:00 - 35 minutes - 80.4 MB

Introducing [The Mirror That Made Trouble] from Korean Fairy Tales, we talk about invention and change. Adapted by William Elliot Griffis

Kim Seung-hee/Hope is Lonely (김승희/희망이 외롭다)

April 24, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.1 MB

Introducing three poems in Kim Seung-hee's collection of poems [Hope is Lonely], we talk about loneliness. - [ONE WHITE FLATFISH LYING ON A WHITE DISH], [HOPE IS LONELY], [INSIDE, I'M A MATRYOSHKA DOLL] Translated by Brother Anthony of Taize

Chung Se-rang/Take My Voice (정세랑/목소리를 드릴게요)

April 17, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 77.3 MB

Introducing Serang Chung's short story [Take My Voice], we talk about individual diversity and the pressures of living in society. Translated by Anton Hur

Kim Tong-in/Boat Song (김동인/배따라기)

April 10, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 72.5 MB

Introducing Kim Tong-in's short story [Boat Song], we talk about the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry sinking. Translated by Grace Jung

Gong Sun-ok/People I Left in Shanghai (공선옥/상하이에 두고 온 사람들)

April 03, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 77.3 MB

Introducing Gong Sun-ok's novel [People I Left in Shanghai], we talk about the Korean diaspora. Translated by Jeon Seung-hee

Park Seonghwan/Readymade Bodhisattva (레디메이드 보살/박성환)

March 27, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 27.4 MB

Introducing Park Seonghwan's short story [Readymade Bodhisattva], we talk about AI robot. Translated by Gord Sellar and Jihyun Park

Ku Sang/Infant plendor (구상/유치찬란)

March 20, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 74.4 MB

Introducing three poems in Ku Sang's collection of poems [Infant plendor], we talk about religion in Korea. Translated by Brother Anthony of Taize

Chung Bo-ra/Your Utopia-Seed (정보라/너의 유토피아-씨앗)

March 13, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 73.5 MB

Introducing the short story [Seed] from Bora Chung's collection of novels [Your Utopia], we talk about the power of science fiction as political protest. Translated by Anton Hur

Pak Kyong-ni/The Age of Doubt-The Sickness No Medicine Can Fix (박경리/불신시대-약으로도 못 고치는 병)

March 06, 2024 06:35 - 32 minutes - 73.8 MB

Introducing the short story [The Sickness No Medicine Can Fix] from Pak Kyongni's collection of novels [The Age of Doubt], we meet a tragic tale of love. Translated by Sophie Bowman

Jeon Sung-tae/Old Wrestler (전성태/퇴역 레슬러)

February 28, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 75.3 MB

Introducing Jeon Sung-tae's short story [Old Wrestler], we talk about the similarity to a real wrestler. Translated by Sora Kim Russell

Kim Sa-ryang/Toseongnyang (김사량/토성랑)

February 21, 2024 09:00 - 34 minutes - 79.3 MB

Introducing Kim Sa-ryang's short story [Toseongnyang], we meet a tragic tale of the struggle for survival in the slums of old Pyeongyang. Translated by Jamie Chang

Lee Hyo-seok/Endless Blue Sky (이효석/벽공무한)

February 14, 2024 09:00 - 34 minutes - 79.2 MB

Introducing Lee Hyo-seok's novel [Endless Blue Sky], we meet a romantic and historical story. Translated by Steven D Capener

Jo Kyung-ran/Tongue (조경란/혀)

February 07, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 76 MB

Introducing Jo Kyung-ran's novel [Tongue], we talk about the importance of food in Korean society. Translated by Chi-young Kim

Kim Bo-young/How Alike Are We (김보영/얼마나 닮았는가)

January 31, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 76 MB

Introducing Kim Bo-young's short story [How Alike Are We], we talk about gender inequality in Korea. Translated by Gord Sellar and Jihyun Park

Kim Sakkat/[Composed Extempore: Self Reflection], [First Seen Along the Road], [Cat] (김삿갓(김립)/[나를 돌아보며 우연히 짓다], [길가에서 처음 보고], [고양이])

January 24, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 72.4 MB

Introducing three poems in [Selected Poems of Kim Sakkat] - [Composed Extempore: Self Reflection], [First Seen Along the Road], [Cat] Translated by Kevin O'Rourke

Im Seong-sun/The Consultant (임성순/컨설턴트)

January 17, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 74.8 MB

Introducing Im Seong-sun's novel [The Consultant], we talk about the violence of restructuring. Translated by An Seon Jae

Kye Yong-muk/The Human Arachnid (계용묵/인두지주)

January 10, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 73.3 MB

Introducing Kye Yong-muk's short story [The Human Arachnid], we talk about the lives of Korean laborers. Translated by Eugene Larsen-Hallock

Kim Ae-ran/The Future of Silence (김애란/침묵의 미래)

January 03, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 76.9 MB

Introducing Kim Ae-ran's short story [The Future of Silence], we talk about language. Translated by Bruce and Ju-chan Fulton

Cho Nam-joo/Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories-Under the Plum Tree (글쓴이한글/우리가 쓴 것-매화나무 아래)

December 27, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 63.8 MB

Introducing the short story [Under the Plum Tree] from by Cho Nam-joo's collection of novels [Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories], we talk about Korea's aging population. Translated by Jamie Chang

Kim Hye-soon/Phantom Pain Wings (김혜순/날개 환상통)

December 20, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 73.2 MB

Introducing three poems in Kim Hye-soon's collection of poems [Phantom Pain Wings], we talk about death and loss. Translated by Don Mee Choi

Lee Miye/Dallergut Dream Department Store (이미예/달러구트 꿈 백화점)

December 13, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 81.8 MB

Introducing Lee Miye's novel [Dallergut Dream Department Store], we dive into a cozy fantasy and dream worlds. Translated by Sandy Joosun Lee

Yi I, Chong Chol, An Minyong/Shijo Rhythms (이이, 정철, 안민영/시조의 리듬)

December 06, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.3 MB

Introducing three sijo of Yi I, Chong Chol and An Minyong in the Sijo collection [Shijo Rhythms]. Translated by Kevin O'Rourke

Lee Ji-min/Walk With a Goddess (이지민/여신과의 산책)

November 29, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 74.2 MB

Introducing Lee Jimin's short story [Walk With a Goddess], we talk about life and death. Translated by Paige Aniyah Morris

Kim Sa-ryang/The Man I Met in Lock Up (김사량/유치장에서 만난 사나이)

November 22, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 74.4 MB

ntroducing Kim Sa-ryang's short story [The Man I Met in Lock Up], we talk about the lives of colonial Joseon intellectuals. Translated by Jamie Chang

Hwang Bo-reum/Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop (황보름/어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다)

November 15, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 78.8 MB

Introducing Hwang Bo-reum's novel [Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop], we talk about interesting books from Korea and around the world. Translated by Shanna Tan

Han Yujoo/Left's Right Right's Left (한유주/왼쪽의 오른쪽, 오른쪽의 왼쪽)

November 08, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 68 MB

Introducing Han Yujoo's short story [Left's Right Right's Left], we talk about the fear that many women have of men. Translated by Janet Hong

Gong Ji-young/Togani (공지영/도가니)

November 01, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 63.5 MB

Introducing Gong Ji-young's novel [Togani], we talk about a true incidents which occurred at a school for hearing-impaired persons in Gwangju. Translated by Bruce and Ju-chan Fulton

Kim Kwang-kyu/A Journey to Seoul (김광규/상행)

October 25, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 51.5 MB

Introducing three poems in Kim Kwang-kyu's collection of poems [A Journey to Seoul] - The headline work [A Journey to Seoul], [Future], [Two generations] Translated by Brother Anthony of Taize

Kim Yu-jeong / The Scoundrels (김유정 / 만무방)

October 18, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 76.6 MB

Introducing Kim Yu-jeong's short story [The Scoundrels], we talk about the hardships of life. Translated by Charles La Shure

Kim Yu-jeong/The Scoundrels (김유정 / 만무방)

October 18, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 76.6 MB

Introducing Kim Yu-jeong's short story [The Scoundrels], we talk about the hardships of life. Translated by Charles La Shure

Pyun Hye-young/The Owl Cries (편혜영/서쪽 숲에 갔다)

October 11, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.7 MB

Introducing Pyun Hye-young's novel [The Owl Cries], we talk about the disappearing villages due to the decline in Korea's population. Translated by Sora Kim Russell

Pak Kyongni/The Age of Doubt (박경리/불신시대)

October 04, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 75.9 MB

Introducing Pak Kyongni's short story [The Age of Doubt], we learn about Author Pak Kyongni. Translated by Anton Hur

Jo Kyung-ran/Looking for the Elephant (조경란/코끼리를 찾아서)

September 27, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 77.4 MB

Introducing Jo Kyung-ran's short story [Looking for the Elephant] Translated by Heinz Insu Fenkl

Su Jung-in/Three Days of Autumn, 1948 (서정인/무자년의 가을 사흘)

September 20, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 67.4 MB

Introducing Su Jung-in's novel [Three Days of Autumn, 1948], we talk about the Yeosu and Suncheon 10.19 incident. Translated by Jamie Chang

Kim Soom/Noodles (김숨/국수)

September 13, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 65 MB

Introducing Kim Soom's short story [Noodles], we talk about women in Korean families and Korean noodle culture. Translated by An Seon-jae

Djuna/Counterweight (듀나/평형추)

August 30, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.8 MB

Introducing Djuna's short story [Counterweight], we talk about AI(Artificial intelligence). Translated by Anton Hur

Shin Kyung-sook/House on the Prairie (신경숙/벌판 위의 빈집)

August 23, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 68 MB

Introducing Shin Kyung-sook's short story [House on the Prairie], we talk about horror. Translated by Bruce and Ju-chan Fulton

Kim Yeon-su/New York Bakery (김연수/뉴욕 제과점)

August 16, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 68 MB

Introducing Kim Yeon-su's short story [New York Bakery], we talk about bakeries in Korea. Translated by An Seon Jae

Pyun Hye-young/O. Cuniculus (편혜영/토끼의 묘)

August 09, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 79.2 MB

Introducing Pyun Hye-young's short story [O. Cuniculus], we talk about your place in life and the workplace. Translated by Sora Kim Russell

Hwang Yeo Jung/The Specters of Algeria (황여정/알제리의 유령들)

August 02, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 69.3 MB

Introducing Hwang Yeo Jung's novel [The Specters of Algeria], we talk about the power of theater. Translated by Yewon Jung

Jeon Sam-hye/Genesis (전삼혜/창세기)

July 26, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 68 MB

Introducing Jeon Sam-hye's short story [Genesis], we talk about unrequited love. Translated by Anton Hur

Hwang Sok-yong/Mater 2-10 (황석영/철도월 삼대)

July 19, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 70.6 MB

Introducing Hwang Sok-yong's novel [Mater 2-10], we talk about the struggles of the working classes in Korea during the 20th century. Translated by Sora Kim Russell and Youngjae Josephine Bae

Chae Man-sik/The Cuckoo (채만식/쑥국새)

July 12, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.3 MB

Introducing Chae Man-sik's short stroy [The Cuckoo], we talk about arranged marriages. Translated by Jamie Chang

Kang Hwagil/Another Person (강화길/다른 사람)

July 05, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 69.4 MB

Introducing Kang Hwagil's novel [Another Person], we talk about female victims exposed to abuse and violence. Translated by Clare Richards

Kim Bo-young/An Evolutionary Myth (김보영/진화신화)

June 28, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.4 MB

Introducing Kim Bo-young's short story [An Evolutionary Myth], we talk about Korean mythology and legend. Translated by Gord Sellar and Jihyun Park 김보영의 단편소설 [진화신화]을 소개하며, 한국 신화와 전설에 대해 이야기를 나눠 본다.

Yun Ko-eun/Table For One (윤고은/1인용 식탁)

June 21, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.4 MB

Introducing Yun Ko-eun's short story [Table For One], we talk about Honbab(Solo dining). Translated by Lizzie Buehler

Kim Yu-jeong/Spicebush Blossoms (김유정/동백꽃)

June 14, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 62 MB

Introducing Kim Yu-jeong's short story [Spicebush Blossoms], we talk about chicken fight. Translated by Bruce and Ju-chan Fulton

Lee Geum-yi/Can't I Go Instead (이금이/거기, 내가 가면 안 돼요?)

June 07, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 69.5 MB

Introducing Lee Geum-yi's novel [Can't I Go Instead], we talk about uncomfortable truths about Korean history. Translated by An Seon Jae 이금이의 소설 [거기, 내가 가면 안 돼요?]을 소개하며, 한국 역사 속 불편한 진실들에 대해 이야기를 나눠 본다.

Kim Ae-ran/Ascending Scales (김애란/도도한 생활)

May 31, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 76.5 MB

Introducing Kim Ae-ran's short story [Ascending Scales], we talk about banjiha(semi-basement) residences. Translated by Jamie Chang

Choi In-seok/A Well in My Soul (최인석/내 영혼의 우물)

May 24, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 71.2 MB

Introducing Choi In-seok's novel [A Well in My Soul] Translated by Jeon Seung-hee