ㅣ Togani  [English]

Author Gong Ji-Young 
Translators Bruce and Ju-Chan Fulton
Publisher University of Hawaii Press
Year Published 2023
Originally published in Korea by Changbi in 2009

Gong Ji-Young’s novel Togani, based on a shocking true story, left society heartbroken twice: first upon its release and again in 2011 as a movie featuring actors Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi. The inspiration for the novel came from a newspaper article about a sexual violence case at a school for disabled students in Gwangju. The combined success of the book and movie led to the passing of the so-called Togani laws, imposing stricter punishments for sexual crimes. Togani was directed by none other than Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mastermind behind the hit series Squid Game, whose fans will not want to miss this book.

ㅣ The Old Garden  [English]

Author Hwang Sok-yong
Translator Jay Oh
Publisher Seven Stories Press
Year Published 2012
Originally published in Korea by Changbi in 2000

Hwang Sok-yong’s name is synonymous with Korean literature. As a prominent realist writer, Hwang explores diverse topics, such as history, society, and modernization. The Old Garden depicts lives under dictatorship, recounting the tragic love story of democracy activist Oh Hyun-woo and art teacher Han Yoon-hee, shedding light on the violence of the political system of that ear. Told through letters, flashbacks, and monologues, the plot never dulls. The movie starring Ji Jin-hee and Yum Jung-ah leans more towards the melodramatic genre, focusing on the characters’ love story.  

ㅣ Tunnel [Chinese] 

Author So Jaewon
Translator 胡椒筒
Publisher 暖暖書屋
Year Published 2020
Originally published in Korea by gcbook in 2013

So Jaewon’s novels have inspired numerous filmmakers. I’m a Ten was made into Beastie Boys in 2008, and Wish (Searching for the Wings of Hope) and its film adaptation followed in 2013. In 2016, Tunnel  became yet another hit movie, featuring Ha Jung-woo and Bae Doona. While the film emphasizes efforts to rescue protagonist Lee Jungsoo from the tunnel, the novel provides a stronger social critique. As inferred by the subtitle, Tunnel—We Were All Faceless Murderers, So’s novel shines a light on society’s problems, the structural issues leading to accidents, and how easily people are swayed by public opinion. 

ㅣ I Met Loh Kiwan  [English]

Author Cho Hae-jin
Translator Ji-Eun Lee
Publisher University of Hawaii Press
Year Published 2019
Originally published in Korea by Changbi in 2011

In Cho Hae-jin’s novel, the narrator seeks out Loh Kiwan, a North Korean defector, in Brussels, Belgium. Though the plot may exude a peculiar detective vibe, I Met Loh Kiwan is a story of compassion, friendship, and affection, and it extends comfort toward refugees while retaining a strong sense of humanism. Cho’s novel is set to be adapted into into a Netflix movie, with actor Song Joong-ki expected to play the role of Loh Kiwan. Unlike the original story, the movie will portray the unintentional love story between Loh Kiwan and Mari, a South Korean and former sport shooter. 

ㅣ The Greenhouse at the End of the Earth  [Russian]

Author Kim Choyeop
Translators Mavleeva Darya Vladimirovna, Ekaterina Pokholkova
Publisher АСТ Мейнстрим
Year Published 2023
Originally published in Korea by Giant Books in 2021

Kim Choyeop, one of Korea’s beloved young writers, has garnered a devoted fan base with her science fiction short story collections like If We Can’t Travel at the Speed of Light. Her first full-length novel The Greenhouse at the End of the Earth will be made into a television series produced by Studio Dragon. Set in the near future after the world is destroyed by dust, the novel, true to Kim’s style, evokes deep emotions and memories.

Jiyeon Kim

Jiyeon Kim is a content creator who reads, writes, and breathes contents. She dreams of devouring as much content as possible. After a career in online news media, she is now working as a writer for an online movie magazine.