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Left/Write Lit

Korean Literature in Translation

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Lee Soomyeong

Lee Soo-Myeong (이수명)
  • Poetry

“Teeth Dance” by Lee Soo-Myeong

JibrilWednesday, November 13th, 2013Friday, October 28th, 2022

When he got home he would take out his teeth. Smiling toothlessly into the mirror, he would lay them down…

Lee Soo-Myeong (이수명)
  • Poetry

“Wave” by Lee Soo-Myeong

JibrilSaturday, November 9th, 2013Friday, October 28th, 2022

A body having thrown itself does not rise. What rises is an eagle, an eagle’s eye, and carried in that…

Heavy Rain
  • Featured
  • Poetry

“Rainy Day” by Lee Soo-Myeong

JibrilThursday, October 17th, 2013Monday, February 19th, 2024

On a rainy day, I sheltered a drenched man under my umbrella. From beneath it, he spoke without pausing —…

minimalist chair
  • Poetry

“Structure of Chairs” by Lee Soo-Myeong

JibrilThursday, October 3rd, 2013Friday, October 28th, 2022

On top of one chair, two.On top of two chairs, three.On top of three chairs, four.On top of four chairs,…

cats and trash
  • Poetry

“Cat Burglar” by Lee Soo-Myeong

JibrilMonday, September 16th, 2013Friday, October 28th, 2022

The cat has been rummaging through the trash again. The bag is torn, lying in shreds here and there. There’s…

Recent Translations

  • “Mistletoe and Winter Clothes” by Jeong Jin-Kyu
  • “A Stroll Inside a Black Pocket” by Kang Seong-Eun
  • “Drying Rack” by Kim Hye-Soo
  • “Moisture 2” by Kim Kwang-Kyu
  • “Love’s Starlight” by Heo Man-Ha
  • “An Unexpected Briskness” by Lee Seong-Bu

From the Archives

  • “Lost Gift” by Shim Bo-Seon

  • “Love for Skins” by Choi Moon-Ja

  • “A Stroll Inside a Black Pocket” by Kang Seong-Eun

  • “Flowers Blooming on the Mountains” by Kim So-Wol

  • “Lovers’ Number” by Kim Kyeong-Mi

  • “Flowers That Bloom When Shaken” by Do Jong-Hwan