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Philippine literature finds new readers in Korea, thanks to Hansae Yes24 Foundation
Three books mark fourth installment by the foundation dedicated to introducing Southeast Asian cultures through literature The literary world of the Philippines has had little exposure in Korea but one corporate foundation is changing that by offering a glimpse into the country's literature. On Friday, the Hansae Yes24 Foundation unveiled three books featuring works by two Filipino authors, Nick Joaquin and Mica De Leon. Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, introducing Joa
Feb. 14, 2025 -
Korean book of essays secures six-figure deals with Penguin Random House, HarperCollins
Book about two women living together set for English release in October The Korean essay "Two Women Living Together" by Kim Ha-na and Hwang Sun-woo has secured significant deals with major overseas publishers, Penguin Random House in the UK and HarperCollins in the US, according to book publisher Storyseller on Tuesday. Both Penguin Random House’s imprint Doubleday and HarperCollins’ imprint Ecco have signed preemptive contracts with six-figure advances. The collection of mini-essays about two f
Feb. 12, 2025 -
As a museum guard, he stood in silence for a decade, but now world is listening
‘All the Beauty in the World’ author, former Met security guard Patrick Bringley on art and loss, his unexpected global journey and what's next Patrick Bringley never imagined that his memoir about working as a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York would resonate globally. But when “All the Beauty in the World” became an international bestseller, finding especially enthusiastic readers in South Korea, he knew something profound was at play. “I wrote this book 7,000 miles a
Feb. 11, 2025 -
‘Something very pure inside’: Biology professor calls for moral restoration in ‘Conscience’
Choe Jae-chun, a renowned professor of behavioral ecology at Ewha Womans University's College of Natural Sciences, has chosen “conscience” as his top keyword for 2025. The 71-year-old, who earned a doctorate in evolutionary biology from Harvard University and is now also a YouTuber, said that justice in human society ultimately stems from conscience, emphasizing the importance of humanity’s moral sense. “It would be great if we could create a social atmosphere where we talk about conscience. And
Feb. 8, 2025 -
Fake dating, enemies-to-lovers: 'Bingsu for Two' serves up sweet rom-com
Set in Korean cafe, YA debut novel explores identity, coming-of-age moments Korean American author Sujin Witherspoon has made a delightful debut with her young adult novel, "Bingsu for Two," released last month. The enemies-to-lovers rom-com follows two teens who reluctantly fake a relationship online to save a struggling Korean cafe. River Langston-Lee, a half-Korean high school senior, experiences a dramatic life change in a single day: He walks out of the SATs, breaks up with his girlfriend o
Feb. 7, 2025 -
Read this before picking up Han Kang’s latest, 'We Do Not Part'
A novel can be enjoyed independently, but understanding its historical and thematic context can enrich the reading experience. Here are some key insights to know before, and after, reading "We Do Not Part."
Feb. 2, 2025 -
With 'Jang Won-young effect,' book of Buddha's words becomes bestseller
Ryunosuke Koike's 'Super-Translation: The Words of Buddha,' jumps in ranking after singer's recommendation Did Jang Won-young propel a book of Buddha’s words to the top of the bestseller list? The timing certainly suggests so. The K-pop girl group IVE member mentioned the book as one of her recent favorite reads on a variety show on Jan. 15, and its sudden surge in sales followed soon after. “Super-Translation: The Words of Buddha,” (translated) introduced by the 20-year-old singer, has overtake
Jan. 31, 2025 -
Can time be stolen from you? Yes, in 'Time Thief'
"The Time Thief" By Sonder Hanki Sometimes we are too busy or having so much fun that time seems to fly. But we know we actually all have the same 24 hours in a day -- or don't we? Maybe not in this novel. Ha-jin, heartbroken after a breakup, spends her time aimlessly drifting. To sort out her emotions, she visits her hometown, where she is drawn to her grandmother’s cuckoo clock and later brings it home. After a few days, while mindlessly staring at the clock, Ha-jin spots something strange --
Jan. 28, 2025 -
Who lives, who dies? 'Vincent Table' puts pairs of diners to test
"Vincent Table" By Seol Jae-in Vookda Vincent Table, a unique one-person Italian restaurant, has strict rules: no electronic devices and only two diners per table. What’s more, diners must sit side by side, rather than facing each other. This concept has made it a popular spot for those seeking a special escape from the prying eyes of others. One Saturday for lunch, eight individuals -- four pairs -- visit the restaurant. They are two graduate school classmates dreaming of becoming novelists, a
Jan. 27, 2025 -
Secret organization works to keep monsters hidden in occult fantasy
"Once Upon a Time" By Bae Ye-ram Safehouse Set in a Korea where monsters and spirits roam unseen by the public, a secret organization works tirelessly to maintain balance. Officially registered as the Korean Cat's Cradle Association, the covert Korean Monster Management Association is tasked with managing and protecting supernatural beings. With five branches across the country, the KMMA operates much like an ordinary corporation -- except its employees possess special abilities to deal with the
Jan. 25, 2025 -
Kim Ryeo-ryeong's novel 'Trunk' gets Netflix makeover
Lowkey original novel remade into whirlwind, high-stakes drama Marriage is still often idealized as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion -- a joyous celebration surrounded by loved ones, filled with blessings, cheers and the promise of a happily ever after. But here, in the quiet wedding hall with only an officiant and a witness, this couple stands apart. The groom, his hands shoved into his pockets, stands with a clear look of discomfort. The bride, with an unreadable expression, keeps her emotions hi
Jan. 25, 2025 -
Edward Lee reflects on his culinary journey from Netflix show to reconnecting with Korea
Star chef of 'Culinary Class Wars' embraces his busiest moment yet For Korean-American chef Edward Lee, being the runner-up on Netflix’s hit cooking competition show “Culinary Class Wars” was yet another defining moment in his illustrious career. Now, he says, he’s living his long-harbored dream of exploring Korea more deeply, rediscovering himself and reconnecting with his Korean heritage in recent months. Based in Washington, D.C., Lee now travels to Korea almost every month. His visits are pa
Jan. 20, 2025 -
Bora Chung’s 'Your Utopia' nominated for Philip K. Dick Award
Booker-shortlisted author's second English-language book delves deeper into science fiction themes Internationally acclaimed South Korean author Bora Chung’s science fiction collection "Your Utopia" has been nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award, the award organizers announced Friday. Translated by Anton Hur and published by Algonquin Books, "Your Utopia" is among six candidates for the 2025 award, which honors distinguished science fiction works published in paperback original form in the US d
Jan. 13, 2025 -
Unraveling of secrets, mysteries beneath once grandest greenhouse
"The Grand Greenhouse Renovation Report" By Kim Keum-hee Changbi Publishers The Grand Greenhouse at Changgyeonggung is the first glass greenhouse in Korea and was once the largest in the East. The place holds a controversial history as a symbol of Japanese imperialism, as the palace was demoted into a recreational park with a zoo and botanical garden during the Japanese colonial period. Kim Geum-hee’s latest historical novel, "The Grand Greenhouse Renovation Report," is set against the backdrop
Jan. 11, 2025 -
Boulder rhino and penguin take stage after book's success
The last white boulder rhinoceros on Earth and a young penguin hatched from an abandoned egg might seem an unlikely pair to anchor a story. Yet, in the musical adaptation of “The Longest Nights,” their journey in search of an ocean they have never seen leaves audiences rooting for them every step of the way.
Jan. 11, 2025