Sign up for LTI Korea's Newsletter
to stay up to date on Korean Literature Now's issues, events, and contests.
[Book for You] An EXO Fan's Guilty Pleasure
by Korean Literature Now
[Book for You] A 68-Year-Old K-Drama Fan's Guilty Pleasure
by Korean Literature Now
[Book for You] My guilty pleasure, BL Dramas
by Korean Literature Now
[Book for You] I love my daughter, but I feel alone.
by Korean Literature Now
[Book for You] I Still Miss My Father.
by Korean Literature Now
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse
Book for You
[Book for You] An EXO Fan's Guilty Pleasure
(On a boat at sea) [Heo Gyun]Summer is already here!It's getting so hot. [Heo Nanseolheon]I should've brought my fan. [Heo Gyun]Let's get some watermelon and cool off later.Here is our letter for today. [Heo Nanseolheon]Flying all the way from India must have been pretty strenuous for the bird. Dear Team Heo,My secret is that I buy EXO merchandise like light sticks, albums, and clothes with my own money, and then tell my family that I got them as gifts.- Juban [Heo Gyun]That's so sweet! Why does Juban keep it a secret? [Heo Nanseolheon]She must have her reasons.I hope she finds today's catch helpful. [Heo Gyun]Let's see what I can fish out for her.Here is Hold My Universe by Park Sa-rang. [Heo Nanseolheon]What a romantic title! [Heo Gyun]The novel follows Yang, Didi, and Jenna,three women in their 30s brimming with love and passion.They’ve been fans of various idols since they were 19.Now they feel like they're raising babies.Oh, this is not a story about dating, but about fandom culture. Their first idols were older than them. Now much older than their idols, the women affectionately call them 'babies.' Despite their modest salaries, high rent, and social pressure to marry,they each keep their passion alive. When Didi learns of the passing of her idol Yuya,she travels to Japan and meets Ken, a male fan. I hastily pulled out my purse and offered to pay, But he refused, saying: “Just consider it a gift from Yuya.” - Park Sa-rang, "Hold My Universe," Hold My Universe(Jaeum&Moeum Publishing, 2019) [Heo Nanseolheon]Eating out with someone you’ve just met can lead to awkward moments when the bill arrives. This is such a lovely way to handle it. [Heo Gyun]I agree! Despite the solemn occasion, Didi can't help but compliment him. Juban, why not consider your purchases as gifts from your favorite EXO member? That way, it will be easier for you to tell your family that they're from your friends. [Heo Nanseolheon]I appreciate you spending your own money.But there must be other reasons why you want to keep it a secret. If you feel that your family might interfere too much, it's probably best to keep them in the dark. This 'white lie' will help you preserve your love and passion. [Heo Gyun]After all, you should eliminate anything that gets in the way of your love. [Heo Nanseolheon]I’ve caught “Bronze Mirror” by Park YeonJoon. But in the past I was wrong.I was wrong. Like twisted jokes in twisted times,I grew up. It’s worth recording. I was wrong time and again,wrong repeatedly,wrong in all different ways! Not now. But in the past, I was wrong. -Park YeonJoon, “Bronze Mirror,” Go See If Love Is Dead (Munhakdongne,2024) Park's message is clear and simple.She has experienced countless “wrongs!”Now she's mature enough torecord them all with honesty. Her confession that she was “wrong time and again”and “wrong repeatedly” conveys her determinationthat she will follow the right path from now on. Juban, you may believe it's wrong to claim that you received EXO merchandise as gifts.While others may not see it as a big deal,what matters is that you feel guilty about lying. I'm not saying you should come clean about everything. It's important that you try not to be ""wrong"" from now on. [Heo Gyun]There is a Korean proverb that says“To make a sore by scratching.”It means you should not stir up a hornet’s nest.One solution is to let sleeping dogs lie,and bury minor wrongdoings of the past. [Heo Gyun]Please don't trouble yourself too much. Just remember one thing when buying merch in the future.Don't go overboard just because your bias is paying for it, hahaha! [Heo Nanseolheon]You know what? I'm actually a little jealous of Juban for having the means to buy merch, the energy to cherish her passion, and also for having someone who brings joy into her life. [Heo Gyun]I hope our book prescriptions are helpful.Think about what gives you peace of mind,and enjoy being an idol fan! [Heo Nanseolheon]Alright then, it’s time for us to go! Translated by Helen Cho
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] A 68-Year-Old K-Drama Fan's Guilty Pleasure
(On a boat at sea)[Heo Gyun]Did I eat too much earlier?I’m so full I could burst.[Heo Nanseolheon]I told you not to have another bowl.[Heo Gyun]Not to worry!It won’t stop me from going over the letters.And here’s our first letter for today. [Heo Nanseolheon]This one is from the UK. Dear Team Heo,I’m a 68 year old woman with a guilty secret that none of my friends would understand.I swoon over the male leads in K-dramas!They’re gorgeous and incredibly talented. Am I too immature for my age?- Lulu [Heo Gyun]What a cute letter![Heo Nanseolheon]Just another passionate K-drama fan.But she’s one of a kind in her age group.She must’ve been so lonely.[Heo Gyun]Right, then! What’s the catch of the day? Phantom Limb Pain by Lee Heejoo[Heo Nanseolheon]What a fascinating title![Heo Gyun]This is the story of two twentysomethings, M and Manok, both avid fans of an idol named Minkyu. Alongside them is another person, also named Minkyu, who harbors deep feelings for M. The narrative delves into the profound depths of human love. Whether I’m nine or ninety, Minkyu remains his lovable self.(…)But people always take issue with our age gap. Despite knowing that everyone is drawn to beauty, they see me as an eccentric solely because of my age. — Lee Heejoo, "Phantom Limb Pain," Phantom Limb Pain(Munhakdongne, 2016)[Heo Nanseolheon]Sounds like Lulu's story!She’d find it relatable and burst out laughing.[Heo Gyun]It’s a lot like her situation, isn’t it? Lulu thinks that her friends won't understand herbut I wonder if that's really the case. She could be worrying over nothing.Maybe if you muster the courage to talk about it, you might be delighted to discover that your friends feel the same. And if anyone does judge youhow about you shoot back?Lee Sora once sang, ‘Don’t tell me that my love isn’t true.’ [Heo Nanseolheon]Indeed, everyone’s love is unique in its depth and expression.[Heo Nanseolheon]It’s my turn now!The Lovely Calves of My Life by Hwang Insook.A not-very-long escalatorComes down not-very-fastSquirm, squirm, squirmThe steps descendAnd upstreamMy soles itch to leapThe escalator gathers speedAt that rate, I think I can winBut if I fail, what a sorry sightTwo hands braced before meBottom out, slidingAnd if I succeed, what a sorry sightA woman her age,Doing something like that?They’d all take shots at meSquirm, squirm, the escalator stepsDescend endlesslyInviting me to give it a climb—Hwang Insook, “Waiting for the Train,” The Lovely Calves of My Life(Munhakgwajiseongsa, 2022)The poet is in her 60s but still writes like she’s in her prime.I'm reminded of Lulu’s unwavering passion.Some might criticize a woman her age for trying to run up a downward escalator, saying: 'A woman her age, doing something like that?' But when the escalator tempts us, inviting us to climb,age becomes irrelevant.how could we resist such a sweet lure?[Heo Gyun]That’s right. Isn’t that how our hearts work? They remain the same no matter how old we are.[Heo Gyun]I remember a conversation I had with Mother when I was about 10.One day, I came home after running around outside, having fun with my friends.I found her doing the dishes.'Do grown-ups ever have any fun?' I asked.Mother, who was in her 40s at the time, stopped washing the dishes and said, ‘Your heart remains the same no matter how old you are.’[Heo Nanseolheon]Huh, I didn’t know about that.The heart ages much slower than the body.Those whose hearts grow old before their bodies are unfortunate. I wonder if Lulu’s ageless heart might be the most essentially human part of her. I hope that Lulu remains the same at age 78, 88, even 98! [Heo Gyun]Make sure this gets there in one piece![Heo Nanseolheon]Right then, let’s get going again. Translated by Jean Kim
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] My guilty pleasure, BL Dramas
(On a boat at sea) [Heo Gyun]What a beautiful day it is, Sister. A great day for a book recommendation, I’d say. [Heo Nanseolheon]That’s right! It completely slipped my mind… Oh, looks like the letter’s coming in now. [Heo Gyun]This letter’s come all the way from Egypt. [Heo Nanseolheon]Let’s take a look. Dear Team Heo,I grew up in a conservative household.But when I was in high school, I stumbled upon a BL TV series and got hooked. I started watching more in secret.But I couldn’t share my new interest online.Things are different now, because I’ve met a group of supportive friends. We talk about our favorite shows together,and even share recommendations. Still, I can’t bring myself to share this guilty pleasure with others just yet.Should I do something about it?—Noono [Heo Gyun]BL…Keeping that secret must’ve weighed heavy on her heart. [Heo Nanseolheon]That’s for sure. Not to mention the constant worry that her parents might find out… [Heo Gyun]Right!Let’s start fishing. Ah, Dear My Bias by Ryu Shieun. [Heo Nanseolheon]That title alone is really something. [Heo Gyun]This is a story about otaku just like Noono. The narrator goes to an idol performance.There she meets a young woman with green hair, who strikes up a conversation upon seeing her phone wallpaper. Having scrutinized me carefully, Green Hair leaned forward and asked furtively:“Unni, we’re in-laws, right?”“Excuse me?” “Well, you’re a Hobil shipper too, aren’t you? Everyone knows this photo. Hobin and Jinil? No?” —Ryu Shieun, Dear My Bias (p. 15) They say one otaku attracts another. It turns out both the narrator and Green Hair have a soft spot for the Hobin and Jinil pairing, commonly known as ‘Hobil.’ Isn’t it funny how two peopleimmediately become “in-laws”when they realize their top two favorites overlap? [Heo Nanseolheon]What a rare and precious connection. [Heo Gyun]The two geek out over a beer until late into the evening. When Green Hair says she plans to spend the night at a 24-hour café, the narrator convinces her to share her hotel room, where they both get a hot shower and a good night’s rest. The next morning, they buy matching outfits before parting ways. [Heo Nanseolheon]It seems to me that Noono’s connection with her friends is like the narrator’s with Green Hair. The friends who support Noono’s passionate love without trying to change her feel like her haven, just like the safe shelter the narrator provides for Green Hair. [Heo Gyun]I see Noono’s gratitude toward her friendsreflected in the image of Green Hair waiting for the narrator to wake up with a freshly bought morning coffee in hand. You know as well as I do, don’t you, that you can’t click like this right away with just any friend? [Heo Nanseolheon]Of course. So it’s my turn now! I’ve caught “A Poem Good for Your Health” by Ko Seonkyeong, featuring a poet-cum-narrator and her mother. My mom is always wondering about the potency of things—the potency of blueberries,the potency of tomatoes,the potency of gardenias. I obsess over the potency of kindness,or the potency of poetry. Affection and gazes filled with warmth and attention…think you want them? […] But Mom, do you see?They see me and laugh. The reason Mom eats blueberriesis because blueberries are good for the eyes—Bullshit. Mom just likes blueberries. —Ko Seonkyeong, Shower Gel and Soda Water The narrator does not believe there’s any ‘pathos, kind gazes, or warm attention’ in her poetry. In fact, some people even mock her work. Still, she considers her poem to be ‘good for the health.’ [Heo Gyun]Efficacy and health… [Heo Nanseolheon]Noono, don’t you think that healthy peoplecan have their own preferences? And doesn’t having those preferences make you healthier in turn? The poet’s mother “just likes blueberries.” There’s no reason for your preferences, so just like what you like. Isn’t that what a truly healthy preference is? [Heo Gyun]That’s right, there’s no shame in liking something. Noono, I’d like for you to focus on the people with whom you can safely share what you like, not the people you have to hide it from. That way, couldn’t you one day be a safe space for your friends when they share their own special preferences? [Heo Nanseolheon]Absolutely!There’s no need to reveal your secrets to everyone! Doesn’t everyone have their own private story? It’s enough for you to open up when you feel it’s safe to do so. Having definite preferences is a testamentto your health in both mind and body. I hope you can share your healthy preferences with your healthy friends to your heart’s content! [Heo Gyun]Make sure this gets there in one piece! [Heo Nanseolheon]Right then, let’s get going again! Translated by Jean Kim
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] I love my daughter, but I feel alone.
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello! We’re the book prescribers, providing comfort in your time of need through the medium of books.I’m Sohn Jeong-seung!
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] I Still Miss My Father.
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello!Providing comfort through the medium of books,I’m Sohn Jeong-seung, the book prescriber!
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] I’ve Received Two Proposals.
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello! Providing comfort through the medium of books,I’m Sohn Jeong-seung, the book prescriber!
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] Over two years, I still can't get over him.
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello everyone! We’re the book prescribers, providing comfort in your time of need through the medium of books.I’m SohnJeong-seung !
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] Is it a problem that I’m asexual?
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): We are book prescribers, providing comfort in your time of need through the medium of books. I’m Sohn Jeong-seung. Kim Sanghyuk(Kim): And I’m Kim Sanghyuk. Sohn: Today’s letter is from someone who was faced with rejection from others due to her asexuality, a sexual orientation that hasn’t received a lot of societal attention to date.Kim: This letter comes to us from Egypt, written by UGLY DUCK.
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] I'd like to learn how to love myself before I try loving anyone else.
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello, viewers of KLN’s Book for You! This is Sohn Jeong-seung, sending warm messages of comfort through the medium of books!Sohn: This year I’m joined by a new book prescriber to double the warmth of that comfort, and here he is!
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] What should I do to increase my courage and confidence?
You Hee-kyoung(You): Hello. This is Book for You from KLN. I’m your host, Yoo Hee-kyoung, a poet. Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): I’m Sohn Jeong-seung, director of Thanks Books. You: Do people tell you you seem confident? Sohn: Yes, sometimes. You: Wow. Sohn: I’m the type to come forward, not on my own but when someone urges me to. You: A confident answer. Why suddenly this talk about confidence? Sohn: That’s the topic of today’s letter. Will you tell us about it? You: Yes, I’ll read the letter for you. Mayang’s letter addressed to ‘Book for You’ I am an introvert with the inhibitions and fear of socializing or public speaking. While dreaming of being a teacher sharing knowledge with students, I don’t have the confidence to be in front of them. What should I do to increase my courage and confidence? You: Confidence is something I also lack. I should leave all the talking to you, the one full of confidence. Sohn: Oh, no. You: First, let me prescribe a book to Mayang. It’s a poetry collection titled Inglorious Black Blood. It was first published in 1995, out of print for a while but back in publication in 2014. One of the major poetry collections from Minumsa, the publisher well known to you for Kim Ji-young, Born 1982. Heo Yeon, the poet, used to want to be a priest, but gave up that dream and became a poet. He had a long career as a newspaper reporter. This is the first of his total of five poetry collections. What I can do to you is not living in this world Not living in this country Not living this era If I had been rainwater to you Would you be alive Alive in the river’s swell Salutations to all that flows without forgetting Even so, the thought that I am butterfly in sunset From "Thought That I Am Butterfly" (translated by Hoyoung Moon) You: The poet was deeply in love with ‘you’ but broke up. The only thing the poet can do for ‘you’ is to be gone, but that’s impossible. What remains is ‘me,’ or ‘hope.’ What Mayang must have, and does have, is hope. Mayang exists as a human being in this world and must be self-protective no matter what happens. There’s a chance this poetry collection will find Mayang. In fact, it is being translated and will be published in English. Hopefully, Mayang will read it someday and have hope. The one thing we can never let go, the thing that makes anything possible, even the butterfly in the sunset, is ‘hope.’ Sohn: As for my impression from the letter, Mayang may not be a teacher yet,but struck me as one. Mayang already has the right mindset and makes me envy her future students. Here is a book that will give Mayang courage: Listen, I’m Speaking, a novel by Jeong Yong-joon. Sohn: The title says it all. “Listen, I’m Speaking!” Might as well have an exclamation mark. You: As in “Attention!” Sohn: Exactly. This book is about Muyeon, a 14-year-old patient of ‘Spring Speech Clinic.’ But Muyeon is not his real name. This clinic’s patients are assigned names after the words they cannot pronounce. You: So, Muyeon can’t pronounce ‘Muyeon’? Sohn: Right. ‘Muyeon’ is the name of his middle school. This clinic has other patients, including a doctor who is called ‘prescription’ because that’s the word he cannot pronounce. Their speech disorders are due to psychological reasons. They try, fail, run away from the curriculum, try again, only to fail again... This is repeated throughout the story. A spoiler alert. Muyeon suddenly becomes... a fluent speaker...is not how the story ends. You: Too bad. Sohn: But hope remains. The story won’t leave you sad at all. You: Even though Muyeon can’t pronounce that word, what remains is hope so it won’t make you sad in the end. Sohn: That’s right. To be fair, public speaking is scary and difficult to anyone. You: It is. Sohn: Let me read some related passages. Normal people stutter, too. They aren’t good speakers, either. Nor do they say everything they want to. Everyone is a stutterer to a certain extent. We’re simply a little worse than others. You will see once you stop stuttering. From Listen, I’m Speaking Sohn: Here is my message for Mayang: She is already fully qualified to be a teacher and all she needs is a little more courage. Teenagers seem to have a special radar. They recognize adults who empathize with them. You: They do! Like a magic eye! Sohn: Exactly. Mayang already has that empathy. I believe that’s enough to be a good teacher. You: We’re all humans, good at something and bad at something else. What matters is whether we do what we can do right now, see where we stand and what more to prepare. Sohn: This was another happy episode of sharing our stories through books. You: We promise to come backwith other books to comfort us. Sohn: Book for You You: Book for You You&Sohn: Bye~
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] I hope to find courage to achieve my dream.
You Hee-kyoung(You) : Hello! This is Book for You from KLN. I am your host, You Hee-kyoung, a poet.
Today, we have a special new book prescriber. Please introduce yourself.
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello. I am Sohn Jeong-seung, your new book prescriber and the director of Thanks Books.
You: How are you doing these days?
Sohn: It’s New Year. I am setting new goals and plans, preparing for a new beginning.
You: Today’s episode, based on a letter from the Philippines, is also about the future and resolutions.
Sohn: That’s right.
You: Will you read the letter for us?
Lyka’s letter addressed to Book for You
I am looking for a job as a certified librarian, a dream come true. But my real dream is to open a coffee shop with a small library in it, where customers could relax while browsing my collection. This is an exciting dream, but I wonder, not even having a job yet, when I will have enough money saved to make it come true. I hope to find courage through your book prescription.
by Korean Literature Now
Book for You
[Book for You] Can you recommend books about adventure, travel or journey?
Jeong Ji Hye(Jeong) : Hello. This is Book for You from KLN.
by Korean Literature Now