On August 23th 2023, Dongguk University’s Department of English held a dedication ceremony and academic event for the late professor Song Yo-in. Professor Cho Eui-yeon, former professor of the Division of English Language and Literature, led the academic event under the theme of “Research on Translation of Korean Literature, Ref lection and Challenges.” Major figures in the translation industry, including professor Lee Hyung-jin of Sookmyung Women’s University and professor Lee Sang-bin of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, attended the event.
The late professor Song contributed greatly to the development of modern Korean translation and was appointed as a professor of the Division of English Language and Literature at Dongguk University. In addition, he contributed to the establishment of Dongguk University’s English newspaper, the Dongguk Post. Let us look at professor Song’s life and achievements.
The late professor Song Yo-In (1932-1989) graduated from Dongguk University’s Department of English Language and Literature and obtained a doctorate degree from Dongguk’s graduate school and was appointed as a professor of English Language and Literature at Dongguk University in 1964. As a professor, he not only devoted his life to translation research but also participated in various other activities. His books “Translation: Story and Practice” and “Topics in Translation Studies” were the first academic studies of Korean translation studies and contributed to the development of modern translation studies.
He contributed greatly to the establishment of “the Dongguk Post,” and served as president of the Korean English Education Association, director of the International PEN Korea Headquarters, president of the Korean branch of the Royal Asian Society of the United Kingdom, and an editorial adviser to The Korea Times. As his achievements were significant and his relationship with Dongguk University was deep, the Department of English Translation at Dongguk University held various events to inform and commemorate his achievements.
In 2014, the 25th Memorial Ceremony of the late professor Song was held to commemorate the academic achievements of the late professor Song and the will of love for his students. Professor Cho Euiyeon created the “professor Song In-ja Memorial Fund” for the event. Also, last August, a dedication ceremony was held.
A total of three topics were presented at the event. “professor Cho Eui-yeon’s was dedicated to professor Song,” followed by Lee Hyungjin’s “Translation of Korean Literature, Then Translation Continues,” and Lee Sang-bin’s “Reflect on us through Translation and Research of Korean Literature.” is a book compiled by professor Cho and professor Lee, and was delivered to professor Song Yeon-seok, who is the daughter of the late professor Song.
Professor Song constantly explored the discipline as a professor and researcher and developed modern translation through his knowledge. In addition, by contributing to the establishment of the Dongguk Post, he created many opportunities for Donggukians to utilize and study English. The Dongguk Post appreciates the late professor Song’s hard work, and hopes that many Donggukians will get to know about the late professor Song’s achievements and express gratitude for it.