K-Book Trends - Beyond Borders: A Foreigner’s Perspective on Korean Literature

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I Read Beyond Borders: A Foreigner’s Perspective on Korean Literature Reviews of Korean Literature by International Readers 2025.02.17 This article is a review written by a Moroccan reader of K-Book Trends after reading Korean books. If you want to share your wonderful experience of reading Korean books with other overseas readers, please send us an email! kbooktrends@gmail.com Human Acts (Changbi Publishers) by Han Kang English and Korean covers of Human Acts Han Kang’s Human Acts is a profoundly moving novel set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea. Through interlinked chapters, the book portrays the lives of individuals affected by the brutal government crackdown, including a boy searching for his friend, survivors coping with trauma, and those bearing the weight of collective memory. The novel is a heartbreaking meditation on the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable suffering. “Is it possible for the pain of the past to transform into something other than rage?” Han’s prose is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the physical and emotional scars of violence while asking vital questions about humanity, memory, and justice. This work of extraordinary depth and power leaves an indelible mark on the reader. I Have the Right to Destroy Myself (Bokbok Seoga) by Kim Young-ha English and Korean covers of I Have the Right to Destroy Myself Kim Young-ha’s I Have the Right to Destroy Myself is a provocative and existential novel that delves into themes of identity, art, and the allure of death. The story is narrated by a mysterious “helper” who assists people in ending their lives. Through his encounters with individuals seeking release, the novel explores the human psyche’s dark corners and the search for meaning in a fragmented, urban world. “Life is a series of choices, but some of us are afraid of the responsibility those choices bring. So, we drift, waiting for someone else to decide for us.” Kim’s writing is stark yet poetic, and the narrative’s philosophical depth challenges readers to confront uncomfortable questions about life, freedom, and choice. It’s a hauntingly beautiful work that lingers in the mind long after reading. Our Happy Time (Hainaim Publishing) by Gong Ji-young English and Korean covers of Our Happy Time Gong Ji-young’s Our Happy Time is a deeply moving novel about redemption, love, and the possibility of healing even in the darkest moments. The story centers around Yujeong, a woman burdened by emotional scars, and Yunsu, a death-row inmate with a tragic past. Through their unlikely bond, the two characters confront their pain and find solace in their shared humanity. “Pain doesn’t disappear just because you ignore it; it waits quietly until you face it, growing heavier every day.” The book’s exploration of forgiveness and the human capacity for connection is both heartrending and uplifting. Gong’s writing is lyrical and introspective, capturing the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. Written by Nazih Mohammed (Reader of K-Book Trends) Nazih Mohammed (Reader of K-Book Trends) #Korean Literature #Review #Reader

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