Korean Subtitle Translation: Unveiling the allure of the Korean Wave (Hallyu)

The Korean language is becoming increasingly popular globally, primarily through K-dramas, K-pop MVs, eSports, etc. This trend intensifies the demand for Korean subtitle translation more than ever. 

Let’s deep delve into Korean subtitle translation with Thao & Co.:

• ● Challenges
• ● Demands
• ● Processes
• ● Trusted services

What’s special about Korean subtitle translation?

1. Hangeul – A Cultural Treasure Beyond Writing

Korean language, known as “Hangeul” or “Hangul”, is a source of pride for Koreans.

Initially designed to make the language more accessible for users. Hangeul has gone through centuries of existence and development in every aspect.

2. Challenges for Korean subtitle translation

A huge vocabulary

The extensive Korean vocabulary comprises 1,149,538 words (according to the Woori Mal Saem Dictionary, 2017). This number is far higher compared to other languages, such as:

• ● French contains around 60,000 words and 300,000 definitions (according to the two well-known dictionaries by Larousse and Le Robert)
• ● English has approximately 600,000 word forms defined (according to the second edition of the Oxford Dictionary)

With such a vast vocabulary, translating Korean subtitles into other languages faces significant obstacles.

Sentence structure and usage

• ● Basic sentence structure: Subject – Object – Verb
• ● Daily communication: Shortened sentence structures
• ● Linguists need to pay special attention to context to create accurate subtitle translations. 

Honorifics and Hierarchy

• ● Another characteristic of the Korean language is honorifics in daily communication.
• ● Korean honorifics can be divided into three categories:
  • Subject honorifics
  • Object honorifics
  • Addressee honorifics
• ● Don’t lose the subtle beauty embedded within this special honorific system.
• ● Localization is a necessary step to ensure the translation aligns with the local culture.

What does the Korean subtitle translation service include?

Here are some common Korean subtitle translation services available today. 

1. Film subtitle translation

Korean films, also known as K-dramas, are creative scripts, professional production teams, and the attractive appearance of actors/actresses. Romantic plotlines also contribute to the popularity of Korean films globally.

Therefore, translating film subtitles is currently a thriving field with the following benefits:

• ● Eliminate language barriers
• ● Help the movie easily leave a strong impression on audiences
• ● Provide the best viewing experience

There are two fundamental requirements for film subtitle translation:

• ● Precisely conveying the original nuances: It means ensuring the “encoding” process is meticulous enough for the audience to “decode.”
• ● The timing of subtitle translation: It aims to avoid discrepancies between subtitle text and character dialogue.   

2. Video game subtitle translation

South Korea is widely known as the birthplace of esports, it is a widely beloved sport in this country. Many Korean games have conquered millions of users globally, such as:

• ● Lineage 2M
• ● Lost Ark
• ● Blade and Soul
• ● Phantomgate
• ● Black Desert Mobile
  

Korean game subtitle translation is the “key” to successfully introducing Korean games into new markets. The translation agency plays a crucial role to have the high-quality game subtitle translation.

At Thao & Co., we have experience in delivering various successful translation projects. Thao & Co. always commits to providing you with culturally localized subtitle translations to help your game reap success in the target market. 

3. YouTube video subtitle translation

YouTube video subtitle translation is the primary solution to help K-pop music videos, reality shows, or entertainment programs attract a large amount of traffic and views.

It requires the translators:

• ● Have a deep understanding of language and culture
• ● Embed suitable cultural elements into the videos to stimulate viewer interest
• ● Execute the project promtply to help your video quickly catch up with the trends of the platform

4. SRT file translation

The SRT (SubRip Subtitle) is a common file format used to save subtitles for a video, including information:

• ● Subtitle timestamps
• ● Font and size
• ● Display position

SRT file translation goes beyond mere linguistic conversion, it involves:

• ● Maintaining the correct timecodes as in the original
• ● Impacting the viewer’s experience through subtitle display quality

5. Subtitle integration for videos

Integrating subtitles is a crucial step in determining the quality of subtitle display in a video. Subtitles in a video must meet some important criteria:

• ● Synchronization
• ● Accuracy
• ● Aesthetic appeal

Korean subtitle translation process

You can refer to the Korean subtitle translation process implemented at Thao & Co. as follows: 

1. Content research 

Our translation team will thoroughly analyze and research of the original content.

Requirements:

• ● Grasp cultural nuances that need appropriate localization
• ● Determine the main message that needs to be conveyed

This step is crucial for our translators to capture the entire “essence” of the original content. 

2. Translation and Proofreading

Our translation team will proceed with translating the text.

Requirements:

• ● Concentrate to produce an accurate and high-quality subtitle translation
• ● Apply their refined understanding and valuable experience to handle the translation flexibly and effectively

To optimize the translation time, we carry out proofreading concurrent with the translation process.

In this phase, our proofreaders will review and correct errors related to grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and sentence structure.

The proofreading process ensures that the translated subtitles are of the highest accuracy, free from any translation errors.  

3. Final delivery 

We will proceed to deliver the final product to you within the specified deadline. Depending on your requests, we can also provide complementary services such as:

• ● Creating SRT files with timecodes
• ● Integrating subtitles into the video
• ● Delivering the file format that meets all agreed-upon criteria

Why choose Korean subtitle translation services at Thao & Co.?

Finding a Korean subtitle translation agency is not overly challenging, but finding an agency that offers professional Korean subtitle translation is never easy.

You can consider criteria like translator quality, pricing, and workflow to choose a credible translation unit.

Thao & Co. is confident in providing you with high-quality and professional Korean subtitle translation services. Why should you choose Thao & Co. for your projects? 

1. Native translation team

Translators at Thao & Co. are native experts with in-depth knowledge of language and native cultural understanding.

They can guarantee the accuracy of the translated content.

2. Extensive experience in translation and localization

A translation team with ample experience in translation and localization is the “key” to the success of the project.

At Thao & Co., our translators have successfully implemented many small and large Korean subtitle translation projects. With their extensive experience, our translators are flexible in handling any project-related issues seamlessly. 

3. Internal technicians

We have a team of internal technicians specializing in providing quality and efficient technical solutions.

Internal technicians help us meet your technical requirements, delivering a high-quality final product to customers.  

4. Transparent quote and process

Workflow and pricing are two factors that most people are very concerned about. Every translation project Thao & Co. carries out is based on an optimized and scientific workflow to better manage turnaround times and project quality.

With our exclusive B2B Translation Process, we always provide clear and detailed quotes to you to avoid any additional costs during the execution process. 

Thao & Co. is always committed to providing you with the most professional and quality Korean subtitle translation services. 

For more detailed information about Korean subtitle translation services at Thao & Co., please visit Thaonco.com or our Get a Quote page to get in touch with us as quickly as possible.