VOL.81/2025.04

Crafting Connections Through Korean Literature:
Books Curated and Translated by BACA Publishing House

2025.02.17

In 2016, Han Kang became the first Korean author to win the International Booker Prize for her novel The Vegetarian (Changbi Publishers). This triumph also marked a milestone for BACA, a young but feisty publishing house from Indonesia. In February 2017, just a month before celebrating its first birthday, BACA took a bold step by publishing The Vegetarian, followed by Human Acts (Changbi Publishers), another brilliant novel by Han Kang.

From that point on, BACA began to consistently publish K-books, initially focusing on literary fiction, including The Hole (Moonji Publishing) by Pyun Hye-young, The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly (SAKYEJUL PUBLISHING) and The Dog Who Dared to Dream (imazubooks) by Hwang Sun-mi, among others. The themes in contemporary Korean literature resonate deeply with Indonesian readers. These novels delve into the complexities of human experience, exploring psychological depth, emotional intricacies, and societal pressures. Such universal themes strike a powerful chord with Indonesian audiences, who grapple with their own challenges related to tradition, family expectations, and societal roles.
But then, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. In a time of uncertainty, isolation, and the haunting grief of losing loved ones, BACA understood that the readers craved something comforting and uplifting. At the same time, healing fiction—feel-good novels with a touch of magical realism, often set in familiar places like department stores, bookshops, and salons—began to rise in Korea and quickly gained popularity. One title, in particular, stood out: Dallergut Dream Department Store (Sam & Parkers) by Lee Miye. Without hesitation, BACA published this whimsical and heartwarming novel, translating it as Dallergut: Toko Penjual Mimpi. Sweet, mostly episodic, and easy to read, healing fiction offered escapism—a gentle refuge after long, exhausting days. It was exactly the kind of coziness the readers needed. And as expected, the book became a massive success, selling over 12,000 copies.

Of course, these successes wouldn’t be possible without a strong promotional strategy—particularly the power of social media platforms such as Instagram, X, and TikTok. Thanks to the valuable support of bookstagrammers and resellers, BACA’s books have reached and resonated with a broader audience.
After that, BACA felt compelled to expand the genres of K-books they published, hoping to offer a richer and more diverse reading experience, ranging from psychological thriller, YA, slice-of-lice, essay, and even a graphic novel. Most recently, BACA released a historical fiction titled The Story of Geoncheong Palace (Gyoyu Books) by Park Yeong-Kyu (translated as Maharani Myeongseong: Jurnal Istana Geoncheong). This novel is based on a diary believed to belong to Empress Myeongseong, the most influential female politician in the Joseon era.

Yet, ultimately, literary fiction will always hold a special place at BACA. In September 2024, I represented BACA in Seoul, fulfilling an invitation from LTI Korea to attend the 2024 K-Literature Fellowship. During this trip, I was fortunate to meet Han Kang and share a warm conversation, primarily about The White Book (Munhakdongne), which BACA will publish in 2025.

A month later, the Swedish Academy announced that Han Kang won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. This wonderful news sparked curiosity among Indonesian readers, leading to a surge in demand for The Vegetarian and Human Acts. They also insisted on the immediate publication of The White Book. At the end of the day, every book has its reader. And it is our responsibility to bring them together.

Written by Dian Pranasari (Former Editor of BACA Publishing House)