By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

A remarkable cultural milestone has been achieved with the Korean translation of «The Days Gone By» (O‘tkan kunlar), the iconic novel by Uzbek literary pioneer Abdulla Qodiriy. The man behind this endeavor is Professor Kim Tschung Sun of Keimyung University, who spent more than two years translating the novel — not only with scholarly precision but also with a deep emotional connection to its world.

From March 2023 to May 2025, Professor Kim immersed himself in the world of Qodiriy’s characters — their passions, struggles, and the historical backdrop of early 20th-century Central Asia. But for Kim, it wasn’t just about translating words. It was about understanding a people and a time.

In March 2025, he traveled to Uzbekistan to walk the same streets described in the novel — in Tashkent, Margilan, Kokand, and Fergana. He visited the Abdulla Qodiriy House Museum and engaged with local scholars at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. Perhaps most touchingly, he met the author’s grandson, Khondamir Qodiriy, who offered rare insights into his grandfather’s life and legacy. These encounters shaped not just the final text but also the translator’s sense of purpose.

The book’s official launch was celebrated in Seoul on June 30 at the Mondrian Hotel, in the presence of government officials, diplomats, cultural figures, and members of the Uzbek diaspora. The mood was one of celebration — not just for a book, but for a shared cultural achievement.

Speakers at the event emphasized the novel’s unique role in capturing the heart of Uzbek history and identity. Its translation into Korean represents more than literary diplomacy — it’s a cultural bridge between two nations with rich traditions and mutual respect.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Abdusalomov said, «Today's event is not simply the unveiling of a translated book - it is a cultural milestone. It is a gesture of friendship, respect, and shared values between the peoples of Uzbekistan and South Korea. The translation of this masterpiece into Korean is, above all, a sincere expression of admiration for the Uzbek people, their rich cultural heritage, and their enduring literary legacy».

«The Days Gone By» is not merely a novel about love, said Professor Kim during his speech. «It is a chronicle of transformation — political, social, and personal. It speaks to the destiny of a nation and to the eternal human values we all share».

Hon. Mr. Kim Kyo Heung, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and Chairman of the Korean-Uzbek Interparliamentary Friendship Group, echoed these sentiments. «This project builds lasting bonds between our peoples. It helps us understand one another beyond politics and economics — through stories, emotions, and shared experiences».

The novel was also featured at the Seoul International Book Fair, introducing Korean readers to a new literary classic and opening a door into Uzbek culture, language, and history.

As literature often does, «The Days Gone By» has transcended borders. Through Professor Kim’s devoted work, it now lives in a new language, carrying its universal themes — love, identity, sacrifice, and hope — to a fresh audience. In doing so, it not only preserves the legacy of Abdulla Qodiriy but also deepens the cultural connection between Uzbekistan and Korea, one page at a time.