Madrid, Spain — [11/10/2025] — The grand halls of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid were transformed last night into a sanctuary of poetry and shared emotion, as world-renowned Korean poet Ko Un delivered a captivating poetry reading that left the 300 invited guests spellbound.
The event, hosted at one of Europe’s most distinguished cultural venues, brought together poets, writers, academics, diplomats, and devoted lovers of literature for an unforgettable evening celebrating the universal power of poetry.
Ko Un, often described as the conscience and chronicler of modern Korean literature, read from his vast body of work — poems that weave history, humanity, and spirit into an art form of rare depth. His voice, both gentle and commanding, filled the space with rhythm and resonance, drawing the audience into an intimate communion with language itself.
The emotional impact of Ko Un’s reading was so profound that when the Spanish actor and actress who were invited to read translations of his poems took the stage, they responded with humble gestures, expressing that they could not possibly match Ko Un’s poetic energy. Their sincerity and admiration for the poet’s mastery moved the audience deeply, sparking laughter, joy, and a standing ovation that echoed through the museum’s grand gallery.
The evening quickly turned into a celebration of poetry’s universality — a bridge between cultures, languages, and hearts. Listeners described the experience as “a moment of transcendence,” while others remarked that “Ko Un doesn’t merely read poetry — he becomes it.”
The event was organized in collaboration with cultural institutions in Spain and Korea, continuing the museum’s tradition of honoring global artistic voices. It also marks another milestone in Ko Un’s enduring international presence — a poet whose words have been translated into more than 30 languages, and whose life and work embody resilience, peace, and creative spirit.
As the evening concluded, the atmosphere in the Thyssen Museum was one of elation and unity — a testament to the timeless truth that poetry, in any language, speaks directly to the human soul.
Ko Un (born 1933) is Korea’s most celebrated living poet and a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature. His prolific oeuvre spans over 150 books, including poetry collections, essays, and novels. Known for his monumental series “Ten Thousand Lives” (Maninbo), Ko Un’s work chronicles the stories of people he has met, blending individual memory with collective history. His poetry has been translated worldwide and continues to inspire generations across continents.
