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.
