IMet Lo Kiwan is the second novel by young writerCho Haejin, who is attracting attention with herdelicate, profound phrasing that is both sympatheticand affectionate. This story about North Koreanrefugee Lo Kiwan and the narrator who traces Lo’slife unfolds impressively and beautifully against thevivid backdrop of Brussels.Every character in I Met Lo Kiwan struggles withpain and despair. The narrator Kim brings despairto the people around her as she tries to escape fromher reality. Lo Kiwan is excluded from any formof protection or responsibility and stands at thecrossroads of life. From the sorrowful story sharedby the characters at different ages and occupations,and in different circumstances, author Cho recountshow challenging and precarious it is to try to livehumanely as independent individuals.The characters, however, do not remain buriedbeneath their misery. The narrator comes to learnhow to sympathize with others through the journalwritten by Lo Kiwan even though she has neverseen him. Lo Kiwan regains the will to live froma connection with Park. The narrative featuresthe persistent process of the narrator and Parkslowly healing their wounds as they reflect uponone another.I Met Lo Kiwan speaks of life’s fundamentalsorrow, and emphasizes the sympathy and hopefounded on intimate relationships. The processof how the characters overcome challenges andhandle conflict is deeply inspiring.We live in a generation in which everyonewants heartwarming consolation. Yet how isconsolation made possible? And with what? Justas the narrator questions the nature of sympathyfor others, we may have to reconsider the role ofliterature in this generation. I Met Lo Kiwan isa novel that approaches the reader in the sameway.