In the literary world, it is often said that translators are the unsung heroes behind international success stories. As Han Kang, the celebrated South Korean novelist, clinched the Nobel Prize for Literature, one name surfaced repeatedly alongside her: Deborah Smith. At just 36, Smith is now being hailed for her crucial role in bringing Han’s works to global audiences, reaffirming her place in contemporary literature.
Born in 1987 in South Yorkshire, England, Deborah Smith never expected to become the bridge between English-speaking readers and South Korean literature. Like many, she knew only her mother tongue until the age of 21, when she made an extraordinary decision. With a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge already in hand, Smith chose to embark on a new journey: learning Korean and immersing herself in its literature. She completed her studies at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in London, where she pursued both a master’s and doctoral degree in Korean Studies.
Smith’s connection to Han Kang began when she discovered The Vegetarian, a haunting novel that she would later translate. Published in 2016, her English rendition of The Vegetarian propelled both Smith and Han Kang into the international literary spotlight, culminating in their shared win of the prestigious Man Booker International Prize. Han’s ascension from that moment to her Nobel win is, in part, a testament to the translator’s ability to capture the novel’s ethereal and disturbing beauty in a new linguistic and cultural context.
Beyond The Vegetarian, Smith has also translated other works by Han, including Human Acts and The White Book. Her style often incorporates transliterations of Korean words—terms like soju (a traditional Korean spirit) and hyeong (older brother)—which she believed preserved the essence of Korean culture.
Yet, like many translators, Smith’s career has not been without controversy. Her translations, particularly of The Vegetarian, faced accusations of inaccuracies and omissions from critics in South Korea. Some claimed her interpretations were too liberal, straying far from the original text, leading to debates about what it means to be a faithful translator. Smith addressed these concerns head-on, noting that translation is inherently a creative process, with no such thing as a purely "literal" translation.
Han Kang, for her part, has always stood by Smith, acknowledging that while some mistakes were inevitable, they did not hinder the heart of her stories from being shared. Together, the author and translator forged a unique literary partnership, one that expanded the boundaries of Korean literature in the West.
As Han’s works continue to be translated, with newer releases involving co-translations, such as Greek Lessons and I Do Not Say Goodbye, Smith's role in popularizing Korean literature remains undeniable. Her publishing house, Tilted Axis Press, has played a significant role in promoting underrepresented voices from Asia and beyond. In a recent social media post, the press proudly congratulated Han Kang on her Nobel win, calling it a “victory for translated literature.”
As we celebrate Han Kang’s monumental achievement, it is equally important to recognize Deborah Smith, the translator who helped bring her words to the world stage.