The Korea Times
Azaleas are ubiquitous on the Korean Peninsula. These flowers are some of the first to bloom in early spring. Their persistent vitality is deeply linked to Korean emotions, especially deep sorrow. For this reason, the song “Azalea,” written by Kim So-wol in 1922, while the country was under Japanese colonization, is like a national anthem. The azalea itself seems identifiable with Korea, Koreans and Koreanness. It is one of most commonly recited poems in the nation. When you leave, weary of me, without a word I shall gently let you go. From Mount Yak in Yongbyon, I shall gather armfuls of azaleas and scatter them on your way. Step by step on the flowers placed before you tread lightly, softly as you go. When you leave, weary of me, though I die, I'll not let one tear fall. (Translated by David McCann) During the mid-1970s, I was a middle-school student. When I hiked four kilometers or so over a low mountain, I would recite this poem. Azaleas would appear there as early as March because the mountain was bare and had no trees. On my way home from school, I would pick up azalea petals and
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