The inaugural event of a new literary festival in Porto, featuring philosopher Byung-Chul Han, experienced significant disruptions. Han, a German-Korean intellectual, was delayed in appearing by over an hour, frustrating attendees. Concurrent with the delay, technical difficulties arose with the translation services during his presentation. The issues sparked both criticism and applause from the audience, highlighting a mixed reception to the event’s start. Organizers have not yet released a statement addressing the problems encountered. Despite the rocky beginning, the festival aims to establish itself as a key cultural event in the city. The incident raises questions about logistical preparation for international speakers and the importance of reliable translation at such events.