ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the ways in which Korean retranslations of Self-Help are inscribed with distinct cultural, political, and economic values. Originally written by Samuel Smiles in 1859, Self-Help was translated into Korean 18 times from 1918 to 2017. The present chapter investigates the complex interplay between retranslation and changes in social, economic, and intellectual conditions of the target culture by analyzing the paratexts of Korean translations and circumstances surrounding the production of retranslations. The study argues that at different points in Korean history, Self-Help was presented in Korean as a reservoir of ideas for achieving national independence and development, a timeless classic on virtues and morality, a practical self-help book on maximizing individual power, a voice of authority on managing self and money, and an easy-to read how-to book of illustrations for teens and young adults. These distinct portrayals are associated with political, social, and economic values of the target culture, needs of readers and the publishing industry, and evolving notions of self in the Korean culture. The findings suggest that retranslations crucially reflect the values that have special cultural, political, and economic relevance for translators, publishers, and readers. Furthermore, paratexts function as powerful tools for making retranslations more relevant to the conditions, desires, and needs of the target readership.
