A MESSAGE OF LOVE AND HOPE TO THE WORLD - LEE HEE KUK

[Lee Hee Kuk]

[Angela Kosta]

It is a great honor for me to write a congratulatory message on the publication of the Korean translation of Perla d’Amore (Pearl of Love), the poetry collection of the esteemed poet Angela Kosta. Born in Elbasan, Albania, the poet has lived in Italy since 1995. Over the past thirty years, she has published twenty-eight volumes of poetry, novels, and fairy tales, many of which have been translated into various languages. Her works have been introduced to the world through translations into more than forty languages, appearing in literary journals and newspapers across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Africa. In 2023, she was honored as “Best Translator” by OBELISK, a literary magazine in Tirana, for her outstanding translation of Nobel Prize laureate Giosuè Alessandro Giuseppe Carducci.

Confronting the pain of wars and conflicts—both in her homeland and around the globe—along with the urgent crises of climate change and environmental destruction that threaten humanity’s future, she has consistently called for fundamental change through her writings. Her works resonate as messages of hope delivered to the world. With a spirit of sharing that seeks to benefit humanity, she has devoted herself to translating and disseminating the works of outstanding poets from around the globe. She has also actively collaborated with international media outlets in the United States, Germany, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Tajikistan, and beyond, thereby contributing greatly to global literary exchange.

Her tireless efforts—which include translating and presenting the works of more than 170 distinguished writers, including my own, as well as actively introducing over 600 poets and 85 artists in domestic and international literary platforms—constitute a shining journey. Through these noble endeavors, she has advanced the development of world literature, fostered mutual understanding and respect, and deepened the spirit of sharing. For this, I extend my enduring gratitude, admiration, and respect.

Finally, I earnestly pray that Albania, the poet’s homeland, which has long groaned under the pain of conflict, will soon cast off its darkness and, like a rising sun, be reborn as a land of prosperity and blessing under a bright and majestic sky.

By: LEE HEE KUK 

Senior Vice President of Korean Association of World Literature