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| Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Ovind, left, poses with Kim Miy-he after presenting Kim with the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for translation of all Henrik Ibsen's plays into Korean at the ambassadorial residence in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of Norway in Korea |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Kim Miy-He, professor emeritus of Hanyang University's Theatre & Film Department, has been awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for her contribution to the translation of Henrik Ibsen's entire catalogue of plays into Korean.
This honor, conferred by King Harald V of Norway, underscores the recognition of her effort to introduce Ibsen's work to Korean readers as Kim translated all 23 of Ibsen's plays into Korean over 15 years.
Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Ovind presented Kim with the diploma and insignia of the order during a ceremony at her residence in Seoul, Thursday.
Ambassador Ovind noted how Kim contributed to strengthening the cultural bonds between Korea and Norway, marking a historic moment as she is the first Korean recipient of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in literature and drama.
"Professor Kim's dedication, skill and passion for translating Ibsen's plays will not only elevate the appreciation for the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and Norwegian literature in general, but also contributes to deepen the cultural ties between Norway and South Korea," the ambassador said.
The 75-year-old Kim, who holds a doctoral degree in Theater Studies from the University of Vienna, has written several books about theater as well as translated a number of books and dramas into Korean, cementing her standing as a leading translator and theater scholar.
She is considered the leading Ibsen expert in Korea and her book "The Cornerstone of Modern Theater Henrik Ibsen" was recognized for its excellence by the Academy of Sciences in 2011.
For over 15 years, Kim has devoted herself to the intricate task of translating Ibsen's 23 plays. In an effort to maintain the authenticity of Ibsen's work, she took the step of learning Norwegian to translate directly from the playwright's mother tongue ― a feat accomplished by very few. Her commitment to preserving Ibsen's work in its truest form took her to Norway on several occasions, where she was invited to present at the International Ibsen Festival.
Beyond academia, Kim has also held several significant roles in theater management and organization. She served as the president of the Korean Theater Studies Association and chairman of the Korean Arts Management Service, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of Korean theater on the global stage.
Established by King Olav V of Norway in 1985, the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit recognizes the "distinguished services rendered to Norway and to mankind."
2028 will mark the 200th anniversary of Henrik Ibsen's birth and the occasion will be celebrated worldwide. Thanks to Kim, all Ibsen plays are now available in Korean, laying the groundwork for a grand celebration in Korea, the embassy said in a statement.
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