Kyobo Bookstore Unveils Franz Kafka's 'Icon Book'

Kyobo Bookstore has selected Franz Kafka as the 'Icon of the Year' to celebrate 'World Book Day' on the 23rd and will introduce an icon book of the author. They will produce and sell 'Sudden Departure,' which includes the author's autograph, handwritten manuscripts, drawing illustrations, and letters.

원본보기 아이콘

'Sudden Departure,' produced by Kyobo Bookstore and Minumsa, contains the original letter and translation that Kafka sent to Oskar Pollak. It also includes handwritten manuscripts, the author's autograph, and drawing illustrations from his lifetime. Additionally, it features newly translated short stories by translator Jeon Young-ae and a Kafka homage poem titled 'Kafka, My Kafka.' Customers who purchase above a certain amount will receive a linen bookmark embroidered with Kafka's autograph.

On Kyobo Bookstore's online channels, a playlist of instrumental pieces capturing Kafka's atmosphere will be presented in collaboration with the playlist YouTuber 'by the way,' who curates various music according to themes. They also provide a Padlet wall where readers can freely share their thoughts about books, recommended books by publishing company staff, and Kafka reading guide postcard goods.

Furthermore, Kyobo Bookstore has chosen 'Classics' as the core keyword for this year's World Book Day. They have received recommendations of books and memorable passages that could remain future classics from 16 authors including Gu Byeong-mo, Kim Yeon-su, Jang Gang-myeong, and Choi Jae-cheon, and will exhibit them through online and offline channels. Also, the 'Classics Lecture' series will be held six times from April to June at the Daesan Hall on the 23rd floor of the Gwanghwamun Kyobo Building. The first lecture will be opened by Professor Kim Heon at 2 p.m. on April 22.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.