Korea’s celebrated writer Seong Seok-je recently published the first love-themed novel of his literary career.

The 52-year-old has previously written on love and intimacy in his short stories, including the famous coming-of-age tale “First Love,” but this is his first full-length novel delving into the subject.

Titled “One and Only,” the book tells the story of Se-gil, a young boy who falls for fellow student Min-hyeon ― whom he runs into during their entrance ceremony to elementary school. From that very moment, Min-hyeon becomes the love of Se-gil’s life.

The two live in a small fishing village: While Se-gil’s mother is a “haenyeo,” a female diver who gathers sea products, Min-hyeon’s abusive father supports his family by whaling.

The story follows Se-gil and Min-hyeon’s lives, until they hit their 50s in present-day Korea.

Though Se-gil’s life is relatively ordinary and uneventful, Min-hyeon’s is full of drama and ups and downs. At a young age, she escapes her abusive father and becomes a foster daughter of a female shaman. She is beautiful, almost manipulative and unusually ambitious. She enjoys the full attention of teachers and boys, while always getting the top grades in class.

Min-hyeon eventually enters one of the top colleges in the country, and gets fiercely involved in the pro-democracy student movement before she is arrested by the police. Later, she makes her way to the U.S. to continue her studies, and becomes a high-profile executive at an international consulting firm.

At first, the young Min-hyeon considers Se-gil one of many men who are interested in her, but eventually learns his genuine feelings for her. However, she refuses to be committed to anyone ― her self-interest and needs are always the top priority in her life.

Regardless, Se-gil keeps his life-long love for her; his love is loyal and generously giving. He’s there for her whenever she is in danger or needs someone’s support.

With much insight and lyricism, Seong delves into the theme of attraction and intimacy, possession and belonging, as well as the singular and unrepeatable in life that cannot possibly be replaced by something else. The novel’s love story is also deftly interwoven with Korea’s contemporary history ― including the democracy movement of the ‘80s and the financial crises of the ‘90s ― reflecting the collective experience of Korea’s baby-boomers now in their 50s and the 60s.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)