earticle

영어

This study employs Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to analyze two English translations of The Vegetarian, examining how various human and non-human actors interact to establish translation networks. Janet Hong’s translation, intended to introduce Korean literature to the English-speaking world, faced challenges due to the absence of publisher enrollment within the network. In contrast, Deborah Smith’s translation successfully established a robust actor-network by engaging the publisher, agents, and the author, while strategically leveraging non-human actors—such as the London Book Fair and sample translations—to secure a publishing contract. The findings indicate that the success of a translation is not solely dependent on the translator’s individual expertise but also on the effective collaboration and stability of a diverse network of actors. This study further underscores the translator's role as an active actor who not only conveys textual meaning but also reshapes and enhances value within networks. For Korean literature to achieve international recognition, it is essential for actors to actively construct networks within the target culture and strategically mobilize non-human actors. By employing a sociological approach to translation, specifically through the application of Actor-Network Theory, this study contributes to translation studies by illuminating the complex social dynamics involved in literary translation processes, thus providing significant insights into the global circulation of Korean literature.