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  Book for You

  [Book for You] The Guilt of an Imperfect Vegan

  [Heo Gyun]I’ve just had a nap,so it’s the perfect time for a new story. [Heo Nanseolheon]Are you even fully awake? [Heo Gyun]Don’t you know that a good story clears your head?Today, we’ve got a letter from the Philippines. Dear Team Heo,I’ve been wanting to go vegan,but it hasn’t been easy due to my lifestyle and financial situation.I share meals with the people I live with,so sticking to a vegan diet on my own is tough.Plus, many of my favorite foodscontain meat or seafood.So, I feel like a hypocrite for sayingthat I love and respect animals.What should I do?- Ember   [Heo Gyun]This reminds me of No Need to Try So Hard,a collection of short stories by Choi Eunyoung.Let’s delve into the story “Goodbye, Cucu.”As a young girl, the protagonistfinds a dying chick at a playground.She takes it home, names it Cucu,and cares for it with love.When Cucu grows into a chicken,her parents suggest sending it away.Reluctantly, she says goodbye, sensing its fate.From that day on, she stops eating chicken.When asked why, she simply saysshe’s allergic to meat. [Heo Nanseolheon]She probably doesn’t want to spoil the mood.  [Heo Gyun]That’s right. She was also hurt by her family,who teased her for being too attached to Cucu. But her perspective shiftswhen she meets Seon-ah, a college juniorwho, like her, doesn’t eat chicken. Unlike her, Seon-ah refuses to eat it because of the unethical ways of raising chickens.This gives her the courage to stand by her beliefs,even if some might call her a hypocrite. It may seem natural for humans to eat meat,but nothing about factory farming is natural.She believed that even animals destined for slaughterdeserve minimal standards of life while alive,hypocritical as that may sound.- Choi Eunyoung, “Goodbye, Cucu,” No Need to Try So Hard (Maumsanchaek, 2022), p. 189.  [Heo Nanseolheon]People say, “A group of imperfect vegansis better than one perfect vegan.”Even making an effort to avoid meat occasionallyis a step toward a vegan lifestyle.Shouldn’t we each find our own wayto coexist with animals?  [Heo Gyun]The fact that Ember is reflecting on thisand feeling conflicted showsshe’s already doing her best.When the time comes,she can practice veganism in her own way.Who could possibly call her a hypocrite? [Heo Nanseolheon]And even if it were hypocrisy, so what?In part, hypocrisy makes the world go around.Even if Ember could be deemed hypocritical,her daily resolution to uphold her beliefsdeserves praise for sure. Now it’s my turn.I’d like to share an excerpt from the poem “Let People Be Born”in Let Love Be Born by Yi Won. Let people despair. Let people be born.Let love be born. Unravel our hearts again.Our hearts.Different heartbeats gather to formOne heart.All our breaths together createA single heart.- Yi Won, “Let People Be Born,” Let Love Be Born, (Moonji, 2017)  The poem suggests that everyoneis bound to face despair.Nobody has enough money, will,or strength on their own.But if our hearts keep beating through despair,true love and humanity can be born.It shows how individual efforts unite,forming “one heart” with a shared purpose. [Heo Gyun]Veganism costs a lot of money. Plant-based proteins are more expensive,not to mention harder to find. Everyone knows that!Also, it’s easy to lose resolvewhen it feels like cutting out meat on your ownwon’t make a real difference. [Heo Nanseolheon]It’s only natural for Ember to feel “despair.”But when people who share this despair unite,true solidarity through “love” and “humanity”becomes possible.No one is perfect, and that’s okay.I hope Ember keeps practicing veganismwith persistence and sincerity.The world needs people like Ember, who inspire others and help build solidarity. [Heo Gyun]In Korean, there’s a proverb that says“The first spoonful doesn’t fill you up.”No one is perfect from the start, so don’t be too hard on yourself. [Heo Nanseolheon]Being a vegan is a huge challenge. Focus on making small, gradual changes and practice veganism steadily and consistently. [Heo Gyun]I hope our advice puts Ember’s mind at ease. [Heo Nanseolheon]All right then, let’s get going.  Translated by Helen Cho

  by Korean Literature Now

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  Book for You

  [Book for You] The Guilt of an Honor Student

  [Heo Gyun]I’m curious what will come our way today. [Heo Nanseolheon] These days, it seems like you’re livingfor the joy of giving book recommendations. [Heo Gyun]How did you know? Today’s story is from Algeria. Dear Team Heo,I still feel guilty about something I did in high school.We all took the same test at different times,and so took advantage of that to cheat.The first person to take the testsecretly passed the test papers to others.Since everyone else was doing it,I sent the papers to my friends too.Eventually, the teacher found outand punished the whole class, except for me,because I was a top student who always behaved.The teacher still doesn’t know I was involved,and I feel terrible about it.I regret not speaking up back then.I wish I’d just been honest.-Aby   [Heo Gyun]I'm reminded of a character named Oh Chanifrom Because of One Point by Lee Sang-kwon.Like Aby, Chani is a model student burdened by guilt.Chani, aiming for medical school, scoresjust one point short of the top grade in her physics exam.Since she needs a first-grade scoreto get into medical school, she is devastated.Her academy teacher mentions that her answermight be considered correct as well.Chani files an official complaint,but Min-sik, the physics teacher, refuses to accept it,claiming the question is error-free.However, the school quietly decides to accept itas a correct answer and asks Min-sik to handle it discreetly. [Heo Nanseolheon] It must be a tough situation for Min-sik, too. [Heo Gyun]Exactly, and out of guilt, Chani starts avoiding him.She formally requests a review committee,and Min-sik agrees to take part. But on the day of the review,a student with better grades decides to move abroad.As a result, Chani automatically receives the top grade. [Heo Nanseolheon] So, she finally gets the top grade!But she’s probably left feeling a bit overwhelmed. [Heo Gyun]After some time, Chani runs into Min-sik on the street. Then she finally musters the courageto offer him a heartfelt apology. The teacher turned around and waved.After a brief pause, Chani lowered her head.Just as Min-sik was turning away, she called out,“Sir!”Tears started welling up again.“Sir, I’ll come visit you soon!”“Sure! I’ll treat you to some spicy rice cakes!”-Lee Sang-kwon, Because of One Point, (Jamobook, 2024), p. 202-203. Even after weathering the storm on his own,Min-sik never rebukes Chani.Instead, he accepts her apologyand responds with warm words.Isn’t his forgiveness and kindnessa true sign of being a grown-up?  [Heo Nanseolheon] A good teacher would understand a student’s sincere feelings, no matter how much time has passed. [Heo Gyun]Aby's teacher seems like a good person, too.How about speaking your true feelings before it's too late? [Heo Nanseolheon] Now it’s my turn.I’d like to read an excerpt from the poem “Sickle” in A Knife Called a Sickle by Kim Ki-taek. The blade curvesinward. Showing its blunt back,unable to pierce,it bends inward,closer to where the heart lies. Like arms,the blade tries to embrace something.A green, round stalkand a neck lined with rising veins,stand before it.- Kim Ki-taek, “Sickle”, A Knife Called a Sickle, (Moonji, 2022)  There are many ways to interpret this,but for Aby, let’s view it as a poem about guilt.Sometimes, the only way to ease a heavy heartis to confess our mistakesor resolve misunderstandings.Otherwise, guilt can become a ""sickle,""its blade curving inward, drawing closer to the heart.Eventually, that sickle might aim forthe ""neck lined with rising veins."" [Heo Gyun]The teacher might have suspected Aby’s misdeedand chosen to overlook it, but that only left her with lingering guilt. [Heo Nanseolheon] There’s no need to be afraid of coming clean!Don’t worry about disappointing your teacher.After all, it’s been a long time.Just think of it as having a casual conversation.If I’m right, the teacher will admire Aby’s couragefor offering an apology, even after all this time. [Heo Gyun]You’re right.The fact that Aby has carried this regret for so long might be enough for the teacher to understand and forgive her. [Heo Nanseolheon] Instead of carrying the burden alone, why not talk to the teacher directly? Maybe the teacher has been waitingto hear from Aby all this time.It would surely ease her heart, too.  [Heo Gyun]I hope our advice gives her the courage to finally tell the truth. [Heo Nanseolheon] All right, let’s get going.  Translated by Helen Cho

  by Korean Literature Now

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  Book for You

  [Book for You] A YA Novel Reader's Guilty Pleasure

  [Heo Gyun]My stomach says it’s time to eat. [Heo Nanseolheon] We’ll be receiving a letter soon.Let’s sort it out before grabbing a bite.Oh, here it is! [Heo Gyun]We have a message from Thailand today. Dear Team Heo,Even as an adult, I still enjoy YA fiction.I've been urged to read more grownup books, but I still find myself drawn to that genre.Is it okay to continue indulging in YA fiction?-Jed  [Heo Gyun]I know just the book for Jed!It’s Lee Seon-ju’s short story “Choice”included in the collection Moro’s Tomorrow.In the story, YA novelist Seon-min receives a complaint email from a reader, expressing discomfort with her bookabout people opting out of marriage.As Seon-min writes a reply,she reflects on her teenage years,when she decided to become a writer.Back then, her mother was a relentless insurance salesperson, often harassing others in her pursuit.In hindsight, Seon-min realizes that her motherwas only trying to support her family. Having long understood her motheronly on a superficial level,Seon-min starts to grasp her mother’s complex emotions and circumstances.In the end, she conveys her mother’s individuality and life story through her writing. I meant to return to writing adult fiction,but even when the opportunity arose,I couldn’t do it.It felt like wearing clothes that didn’t fit.Ever since, I’ve been writingchildren’s stories and YA fiction.What drives me to write? (...)I wrote to look into myself,to comfort my past self,and to prove my existence.I wrote what I believed to be true.-Lee Seon-ju, “Choice,” Moro’s Tomorrow (Sakyejeol, 2022) 32.  [Heo Nanseolheon] So Seon-min saw a hidden side of the world through her mother and grew up before her time. [Heo Gyun] That’s right. And this isn’t just Seon-min’s story.Haven't we all somehow fallen into adulthood?As you can see, YA fiction offers plenty of food for thought. [Heo Nanseolheon] It’s about time we dispelled the misconceptions about YA literature.It's much more than just simple stories in big print.It offers valuable nourishment for growthto readers of all ages. [Heo Gyun] Just as Seon-min felt like she was wearing the wrong clothes, Jed would probably feel uncomfortable forcing himself to read other genres. After all, reading is supposed to be fun. [Heo Nanseolheon] Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to read anything special.Jed, just go for whatever takes your fancy.People often see life as “one straight line,” starting on the left and ending on the right. The issue is that the journey from left to rightis often dismissed as “something unfinished.” [Heo Gyun] Exactly. That way of thinkingputs ""adult fiction"" at the far right,while ""YA fiction"" in the middle gets brushed offas “immature stories” to pass by. [Heo Nanseolheon] I'd like to read an excerptfrom the poem “Happy End” by Oh Eun, which takes a positive look at what we often dismiss as a mere “process.” I want to be happy along the way.Once in the morning, once at midday,and twice in the evening.I want to feel a little excited,thinking about yesterday,living today, and waiting for tomorrow.As spring and autumn grow shorter,and summer and winter become longer.My friend leaned over the net and said:We need a “happy and,” not a “happy end.”-Oh Eun, “Happy End,” Matters of the Heart (Changbi Edu, 2020) What truly matters isn’t just a happy ending. What gives meaning to lifeis a journey filled with many “happy ands.” [Heo Gyun] Some may view YA fiction simply as “a phase” or “immature reading,” but I disagree.While it’s wise to break the habit of only seeking out easy reads,today’s YA fiction has considerable depth.So I think it’s all right. [Heo Nanseolheon] Avid readers of YA fiction must connect deeplywith young adult characters.If this experience helps Jed mature and find happiness, that’s all that really matters. [Heo Gyun] I hope Jed continues to enjoy YA fictionto his heart’s content.He can always explore other genreswhen his interest naturally shifts. [Heo Nanseolheon] That’s true. YA fiction isn’t just for young adult readers. [Heo Gyun] I hope Jed finds this message as precious as YA fiction. [Heo Nanseolheon] All right. Let’s get back on track. Translated by Helen Cho

  by Korean Literature Now

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  Book for You

  [Book for You] A Hidden Truth about His Computer

  [Heo Gyun]I can't wait to see what’s in store for us today! [Heo Nanseolheon]Doesn’t it feel amazingto help people around the world?Here’s a new message for us! [Heo Gyun]We have a message from Peru. Dear Team Heo,A year ago, I accidentally short-circuiteda colleague's computer. Thankfully, it still works, but one program is faulty.  I should have apologized immediately, but I haven’t told him yet. I’m still scared. Now that a year has passed, should I finally come clean and ask for forgiveness?-Judy  [Heo Gyun]No other storyhas ever given me cold sweats like this. Let’s find a book for Judy! I recommend “Plant-Based Physiognomy” by Han Eunhyung, included in the collectionSuccessful People Despite Their Character. [Heo Nanseolheon]Does the protagonist of the storyhave an experience similar to Judy's? [Heo Gyun]Like Judy, the protagonist Min-jistruggles to be honest with her co-workers. Working part-time caring for plants, she catches the eye of the ownerof the vegan restaurant Plant-Eating Tigerand becomes the manager of its Yeonnam-dong branch. However, both the owner and the restaurant only have a veneer of social consciousness and lack genuine convictions. This likely explains why the owner’s aggressive sales tactics make Min-ji uncomfortable. [Heo Nanseolheon]What sort of sales tactics are they? [Heo Gyun]Min-ji's first task is to hire a team of entirely foreign staff.The owner instructs her to createa diverse mix of nationalities and genders,reserving the last positionspecifically for a ""black"" person.However, he specifiesthat it can’t be just any black person,but someone with the tall, sleek appearanceof a French model. [Heo Nanseolheon]For all his pretenseof supporting racial diversity, he's actually more racist than anyone else. [Heo Gyun]That’s not all. Min-ji’s second task isto suggest that the other staff members move into the owner’s shared houseand subscribe to the meal service. Once again, she complies with the request. Of course, all this moneygoes straight back into the owner's pocket. The employees, who barely earn minimum wage, end up spending half their salary on rent and a quarter on the meal subscription. The shared house they lived inbelonged to the owner.It could be said that Min-ji deceivedLucas, Tam, Yulia, Haruka, and Antoine.The house was registered in someone else’s name,and the owner insisted on hiding the truth.“There’s no point in creatingunnecessary misunderstandings.”This left Min-ji feeling conflicted. -Han Eunhyung, “Plant-Based Physiognomy,” Successful People Despite Their Character (Munhakdongne, 2024), 237."  [Heo Nanseolheon]I feel bad for her. Min-ji must be uneasy knowing that she has to keep deceiving her colleagues. [Heo Gyun] She justifies her deception of othersas a way to make a living.But it causes her a lot of inner turmoil.I’ll let Judy find out how it all ends. [Heo Nanseolheon]Emotional burdens can take their toll.I can only imaginewhat Judy must have been throughover the past year.If I had been there, I would have given hera reassuring pat on the back and said, ""It's okay!"" [Heo Gyun] Didn't she say that the computer works fineexcept for one program? If a year has passed without any issues, her colleague might not consider it a big deal. [Heo Nanseolheon]In situations like this, sometimes it’s best to just let it go.But if it continues to weigh on your mind, mustering the courage to speak upis another option. For Judy, I’d like to share my favorite part from the poem ""Now"" by Kim Un. Speak now. If you wait until later, things will change. What you once said will also change. Speak now. About what you’re saying now. How you say it and why. Speak about “now” without reason or context. “Now” is the standard. “Now” is changing. Speak before it shifts. Speak as it changes, and speak after it has changed. Speak about “now.” If not now, then speak even now. Speak before it passes. Speak even for a moment. “Now” is fleeting. “Now” is absolute. Speak about that. -Kim Un, “Now,” One Sentence (Munji Publishing, 2018).  Aren't you curious about when this “now” is?In fact, it represents a fluid momentthat's difficult to define or pinpoint.I believe the relativity of ""now""can give Judy more freedom.Since she’s reading this poem “now,”a year after the short-circuit incident,it’s not too late for her to apologize ""now,"" is it? [Heo Gyun] I agree. The moment Judy musters the courage to speak to her colleague will be her ""now."" If she decides to seek forgiveness, she should act before that ""now"" slips away. [Heo Nanseolheon]I'm not urging Judy to speak up ""soon"".But I want to emphasize thatif she has something to sayshe should definitely come out with it.Perhaps she can share her feelingswhen she's ready to do so sincerely. [Heo Gyun]Even after a year, her continued concern shows that she genuinely feels remorse.What matters is whether she decides to let it goor chooses to speak the truth. [Heo Nanseolheon]Either way, I’d like to send my best wishes to Judy, who must have had a tough year. [Heo Gyun]I hope this message helps her make the right decision. [Heo Nanseolheon]All right. Let’s get going again. Translated by Helen Cho 

  by Korean Literature Now

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  Book for You

  [Book for You] Unusual Craving

  (On a boat at sea) [Heo Gyun]The weather is simply glorious.A perfect day for book recommendations. [Heo Nanseolheon]That's right. I nearly forgot.It looks like we’re getting a letter [Heo Gyun]This one has come all the way from Algeria.  Dear Team Heo,I’ve had a weird habit since I was little.I like eating things that aren’t exactly good for me,like dirt, especially sandy dirt, and paper.I used to munch on the notebooks that my dad bought me.And honestly, they still taste great.I’m excited to find the right book to snack on. - Cha  [Heo Gyun]Let’s find a book that might help Cha. I’ve got it! Kim Hee-jin’s novel No Matter How Strange would be perfect. It centers on Jeong Hae-jin,who suffers from OCD, and the lives of those tied to her workplace, Insomnia Convenience Store. [Heo Nanseolheon]What is “Insomnia Convenience Store”? [Heo Gyun]The store owner has insomnia.So instead of lying awake in bed,he chose to open a convenience store.As it turns out, it’s a strange placewhere truly unusual people gather [Heo Nanseolheon]Really? Is there someonewith a quirky habit like Cha? [Heo Gyun]Of course! The protagonist, Jeong Hae-jin,who works part-time at the convenience store,believes in a ton of superstitions,like never stepping on manhole covers,thinking she’ll have bad luckif she doesn’t see her neighbor in the morning,and always rinsing her face exactly 19 times. [Heo Nanseolheon]She’s definitely one of a kind! [Heo Gyun]It doesn’t stop there. There’s Ahn Seung-ri,who keeps failing auditions;Mark, who hasn’t returned to the UK in seven yearsafter having a panic attack at the airport;and Su-jin, a playwrightsurrounded by countless clocks, lost in their ticking.Everyone at the Insomnia Convenience Storehas their own strange habitsand deep, inexplicable shadows. Still, they support and understand each other, finding joy in life. As the story unfolds, they inspire one another to face new challenges and let go of their superstitions. They might turn up in a rather odd outfit. But don’t be too quick to judge. They're completely normal! -Kim Hee-jin, No Matter How Strange (Jamobook, 2021), 134.  [Heo Nanseolheon]Even if they seem a bit odd to others,it’s heartwarming how they embrace each other with kindness and affection. [Heo Gyun] Even if it’s not just paper and dirt,we all have our quirky eating habits.Whether related to food or not,everyone has their own peculiarities.So, here’s my message to Cha.As long as your eating habits aren’t harmful,enjoy them! We’re all a bit strangein our own ways,so there’s no need to feel odd.It’d be wonderful to have friendswho fully accept your habits.Even I, all the way in Korea, ate paper as a kid,so you might find someone similar nearby. [Heo Nanseolheon]It's my turn now. I’d like to share Lee Hyun-seung’s poetry collectionAn Answer and a Request at Once.I appreciate people’s unique traits.Distinctive behaviors and attitudeshelp shape one’s personal style.But if health is compromised, what good is individuality?With that in mind, I’d like to read an excerptfrom the poem “Birthday Wish”included in this collection. When making a wish,you’re granted only one,so you wish for health.People in love wish to do so much together,but it’s impossible to do it all at once;that’s why you become family.As you share meals and mirror each other's expressions,you start to resemble one another.Did you know that people in loveoften begin to look alike?I want to create dishesthat make people resemble each other. -Lee Hyun-seung, “Birthday Wish,” An Answer and a Request at Once, (Munhakdongne, 2021).  As in many cultures,the birthday person makes a heartfelt wishwhile blowing out the candles,usually for the health of their loved ones.Family members “wish to do so much together,but it’s impossible to do it all at once,”so they wish for each other’s well-being.To share daily life with loved ones,we must live long and healthy lives.That’s why the poem’s narrator wants to cookwhile wishing for the health of their loved ones. [Heo Gyun]Eating dirt or paper may not be healthy, so it’s important to be cautious. A small taste might be fine, but I hesitate to give this advice. [Heo Nanseolheon]That's true. Notebooks and books undergo extensive chemical processing,and you can’t be surewhere the dirt comes from.I’d advise against consuming large amounts. [Heo Gyun]I also ate paper when I was young.I’d nibble on colored paper in secret,and the taste still lingersin my nose and on my tongue.Each color had its own distinct flavor.We all have our own quirky habits like that. [Heo Nanseolheon]True. I don’t find it strange to take joyin the taste of dirt and paper,and I respect that.These unique experienceshave likely shaped Cha’s identity.However, I hope it doesn’t go too farand negatively affect health. [Heo Gyun]You might tear off a corner of this scroll to eat.But in any case, I hope it helps. [Heo Nanseolheon]Now, let's be on our way. Translated by Helen Cho

  by Korean Literature Now

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  Book for You

  [Book for You] A Story She Hid from Her Husband

  (On a boat at sea) [Heo Gyun]The weather is great and so is my mood. [Heo Nanseolheon]I bet the messenger bird is happy too. [Heo Gyun]This one is from Indonesia. [Heo Nanseolheon]Let’s have a look.  Dear Team Heo,I'm a 34-year-old woman,who recently became passionate about writing.I’ve written a story based on my first love,but my husband thinks it's fictional.Should I come clean and tell him the truth?- Siti Uliyah  [Heo Gyun]That's a tricky one to answer. [Heo Nanseolheon]She must be in a major dilemma.She’s even reached out to us for advice. [Heo Gyun]It’s a tough nut to crack.Still, this book will probably help.I’d recommend “The Lingering Feelings”from Waiting for Sunlight by Park Seonwoo. [Heo Nanseolheon]What is the story about? [Heo Gyun]The first-person protagonist is a man.He’s been with his boyfriend for 100 days.Whenever his boyfriend is away, he searchesfor a woman named Su-kyeong on social media. [Heo Nanseolheon]So is Su-kyeong his first love? [Heo Gyun]Not exactly. She’s a former coworkerwith whom the protagonist had a special bond.She’s the first person he confided in abouthis sexual identity, but thinking of her stirs uppainful memories he wants to erase.He wonders if it’s necessary to revisit the past,once and for all, in order to move forward.So, he tells his boyfriend about Su-kyeong,saying he wants to reflect on her one last timeby writing a story about her. The boyfriend says,"Sounds good," and goes back to his book,leaving him feeling both lonely and comforted.  I’ve realized there’re stories I can’t share,even with the person I’m most honest with.And even if I manage to tell them,I must accept that my protagonistwon’t always stay by my side.-Park Seonwoo, "Lingering Feelings," Waiting for Sunshine (Munhakdongne, 2022) 40.  [Heo Nanseolheon]If your partner responds with such a curt replyafter you’ve mustered up the courageto talk about someone weighing on your heart,it’s only natural to feel that way. [Heo Gyun]Siti, if you love your husband,you may want to be honest with him,like the protagonist in the novel.But if your husband is the jealous type,it may be better to keep it as your secret. [Heo Nanseolheon]My catch is Choi Ji-eun's poetry collection,Spring Night Is Ending and the Poem Is Too Short.I'd like to read an excerpt from the poem“In the Summer You Walk Alone.”  I’m a suicide survivor.When the sound of my father’s halted call,from years ago in the summer,suddenly fills my mind,I, too, feel the urge to give up.A summertime in a daze.Yet somehow,the love that holds me backendures within my summer as well.- Choi Ji-eun, “In the Summer You Walk Alone,” Spring Night Is Ending and The Poem Is Too Short (Changbi, 2021)  The narrator admits there are momentswhen they want to give up on life,burdened by the guilt of missingtheir father’s final call.But they find peace by recalling the lovethat dispels such dark thoughts.For readers, it likely doesn’t matterwhether the narrator is Choi Ji-eun herself.When a writer consciously distances themselvesfrom their work, it allows for more honestand liberated writing.Siti should feel free to write in the same way,without constraints. [Heo Gyun]However, when writing about your first love,be mindful not to disrespect that person. [Heo Nanseolheon]In any case, the question of howto authentically weave personal storiesinto one’s work is a challenge many writers face.I hope you take the time to reflect on it. [Heo Gyun]I encourage you to reflect on why you wishto write about your first love.I understand if it’s simply to processunresolved feelings.However, consider whether you’re using itmerely as material for your work.Writing about someone else’s experiencesrequires a thoughtful approach. [Heo Nanseolheon]No matter which path you choose, trust yourself and give it your all! [Heo Gyun]May fortune smile upon your choice. [Heo Nanseolheon]All right. Let’s continue our journey. Translated by Helen Cho 

  by Korean Literature Now

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  Book for You

  [Book for You] A Late Bloomer's Love Fears

  (On a boat at sea) [Heo Gyun]The weather is lovely today.A perfect day for book recommendations. [Heo Nanseolheon]Ah, right! I almost forgot…It looks like we’re getting a message. [Heo Gyun]We have a message all the way from Nigeria. [Heo Nanseolheon]Let’s take a look.  Dear Team Heo,I’m turning 21 soon, but I’ve never dated anyone or been kissed. I’m really worried that if this keeps up,I might never get married. What should I do?– YourGirlXOXO  [Heo Gyun]She’s still pretty young,but if she’s not dating anyone,it’s worth giving some serious thought. [Heo Nanseolheon]I agree. [Heo Gyun]Let me find a book that could help her. Here is it! Romance Dopamine.It contains five stories. The more familiar you are with the different forms of love, the easier it will beto recognize it when it comes your way.I particularly recommend Kim Yi-sum’s “Listen to Popcorn.” [Heo Nanseolheon]Listen to popcorn? What is it about? [Heo Gyun]It features a woman named Seo-u.Having lost her voice from trauma,she is unable to speak.Meanwhile, “Popcorn” is a dating devicethat matches people by analyzing vocal waves. [Heo Nanseolheon]What a mysterious device! [Heo Gyun]At first, Seowoo doesn’t seewhy anyone would use Popcorn.But one day, she buys one on a whim.Then she connects with Si-hun, a musician,and slowly falls for him. [Heo Nanseolheon]It must be encouraging when Seo-u, who lost her voice, starts having conversations.So what happens to them in the end? [Heo Gyun]Unfortunately, they never become a couple.Just as they’re about to meet, in a crowded subway,Seo-u and others drop their Popcorns.She mistakenly picks up Min-u’s Popcorn.To find hers, she calls Ju-jin,who is connected to Minwoo’s Popcorn. [Heo Nanseolheon]What a mess!With only a call with Ju-jin as a clue,even tracking down Min-u seems impossible. [Heo Gyun]Eventually, Seo-u finds Min-u.As they exchange their Popcorn,she sees Min-u and Ju-jin meetfor the very first time.  Why do people always run away?What are they so afraid of?What was I afraid of?With each step forwardquestions crowded Seo-u’s mind.But the moment she saw Ju-jin and Min-u’s faces,all her questions dissolved.It was the look of people in love.-Kim Yi sum, “Listen to Popcorn,” Romance Dopamine (Safehouse, 2024), 195.  [Heo Gyun]Though Seo-u has complex feelingsabout love, watching the two meetmakes all of them vanish.It’s because she witnesses loveunfolding right before her eyes. [Heo Nanseolheon]This is a perfect story for YourGirlXOXO!Since she has yet to experience love,it’s natural for her to feel scared and unsure. [Heo Nanseolheon]It’s my turn now. I’d like to read from Kim So Yeon’s poem “Second Floor Guest Lounge.”  What if… Just what if…After thinking this about 50,000 times,I become the “what if” myself.By thinking too muchI turn into thought.I open the door,gather all those thoughts, floating like dust, on my palms, and then release them, like setting a bug free.-Kim So Yeon, “Second Floor Guest Lounge,” Catalyzing Night (Moonji, 2023)  [Heo Nanseolheon]It’s all right to think aheadand worry about the future.But overthinking makes worries pile up.The narrator feels trapped in a statewhere too much thinkingmakes them “turn into thought.”So they decide to open the door,gather “all those thoughts, floating like dust,”on their palms before letting them go. [Heo Gyun]Sometimes, stepping back from a problemhelps solve it more easily.By the way, I find YourGirlXOXOto be a romantic and innocent person.Some people separate “kissing”from “dating” and see them as different.Some crave only physical contact,while others long for emotional connection.But YourGirlXOXO sees it all as one—kissing, dating, and even marriage! [Heo Nanseolheon]Exactly. I hope YourGirlXOXO holds onto her romantic belief in love.It’d be a shame to get worn outfrom overthinking while waiting for love.I’d suggest loving yourself moreand waiting for love with excitement and joy! [Heo Gyun]Love will find everyone at the right time,and the pace is different for each person.I hope she doesn’t rush it. [Heo Nanseolheon]One day, she’ll definitely meet her other half.Until then, why not enjoy exploringdiverse forms of love? [Heo Gyun]I wish the best for YourGirlXOXO’s lovethat will surely come. [Heo Nanseolheon]Now then, let’s be on our way again. Translated by Helen Cho

  by Korean Literature Now

• 

  Book for You

  [Book for You] A Teddy Bear Lover's Guilty Pleasure

  (On a boat at sea) [Heo Gyun]The wind is picking up today. [Heo Nanseolheon]I know. Hope we still get a letter, though. [Heo Gyun]Whoa! That was a close call. [Heo Nanseolheon]Let’s see what we’ve got today.  I’m in my 30s but still attached to my teddy bear.I feel uneasy without it, sleeping or traveling.Should I try to be more grown-up?- Soontare  [Heo Nanseolheon]That could easily happen to anyone. [Heo Gyun]I know a poet who’s been usingthe same fountain pen for 10 years. [Heo Gyun]Let’s see what I can find.Ah, here it is!My Little Doll’s House by Joung Yumi [Heo Nanseolheon]Oh, it must be about dolls! [Heo Gyun]That’s right. A girl named Yujin loves playing with her doll.But she’s too timid to tell her friends. Startled, Yujin snapped around.Three girls stared at her curiously.“What’s in that box?” Feeling embarrassed about her dollhouse, Yujin quickly closed the lid.“It’s nothing,” she mumbled.The girls turned around and walked away.- Joung Yumi, “My Little Doll's House,” My Little Doll’s House (Culture Platform Inc., 2015)  [Heo Gyun]Yujin journeys inside the dollhouse she built,meeting various characters along the way.First, she meets a girl lying in bedand asks her to join her outside.But the girl says it’s warm and cozy inside.Undeterred, Yujin wants to explore the world.She meets more characters and invites them out,but they all decline.Yujin reassures them, saying it’s okay.With each refusal, they disappear,leaving Yujin alone. [Heo Nanseolheon]They’re manifestations of her fears! [Heo Gyun]In the end, Yujin greets the other kids with her doll.She gains deeper self-understanding, and the courage to explore the wider world. [Heo Nanseolheon]Soontare, your teddy bear helps you sleep welland travel with peace of mind.[Heo Gyun]Just as Yujin struggled to face the world without her doll, Soontare’s cherished companion makes daily life richer and more fulfilling.That’s something to celebrate! [Heo Nanseolheon]Absolutely! Your life is going great. It doesn’t get more mature than that. [Heo Nanseolheon]It’s my turn now.My catch of the day is a poem by Lim Seung-yu,titled “A Long-Sleeved Green Shirt and Black Trousers.” It brimmed with vitality—soft and moist.I stroked it gently with my palm and even took a sniff.As I repeated these motions, I grew more and more impatient.What else should I do to stay beside this blue thing? - Lim Seung-yu, “A Long-Sleeved Blue Shirt and Black Trousers,” Vitality Unfolded (Munhakdongne, 2024)  [Heo Nanseolheon]‘This blue thing’ is a stone covered in moss.Why so much affection for a mere stone? Haha!To the narrator, it’s a special object full of life. [Heo Gyun]If someone can treasure a blue stone like that,imagine how much more a teddy bear could mean.By the way, how does the poem end? [Heo Nanseolheon]I bet you’re curious!What are you doing here?Someone was looking down at me, holding a child’s hand.They were dressed in a long-sleeved blue shirt and black trousers.I was about to get up.Like every other living thing around me, I slowly made my way toward the sunlit horizon.- Lim Seung-yu, “A Long-Sleeved Blue Shirt and Black Trousers,” Vitality Unfolded (Munhakdongne, 2024)  [Heo Nanseolheon]The narrator ends up leaving the blue stone behind.One simple question makes them walk awayfrom the stone they cherished so deeply.Isn’t that fascinating? [Heo Gyun]They must’ve realized they’d been sitting by the stone for too long. [Heo Nanseolheon]Exactly. The unexpected question made it possiblefor them to leave the stone behind. I must point out that having a teddy bear is neither good nor bad. There’s no need to stress about carrying it around. Someday, you might leave it behind by chance. When that moment comes, it’s okay to get up and part with it. [Heo Gyun]I'll tell you a secret. I have a soft toy that I keep by my bedside. A friend gave it to me as a gift. At first, I wasn’t sure what it was for, but over time, it has given me great comfort. [Heo Nanseolheon]I didn’t know that. I envy both you and Soontare for having a source of comfort in life. [Heo Gyun]I hope your teddy bear remains a good friend to you. [Heo Nanseolheon]Now, let’s get going again. Translated by Helen Cho

  by Korean Literature Now

• 

  Book for You

  [Book for You] An Ex's Guilty Pleasure

  (On a boat at sea) [Heo Gyun]The world is a vast place,and people's stories are truly varied. [Heo Nanseolheon]Absolutely. It's surprising to seehow many people have daily struggles!Wouldn't it be wonderfulto live in a worry-free world? [Heo Gyun]Here comes another story! [Heo Nanseolheon]This one is from Sri Lanka. Dear Team Heo,I created a Facebook account to spy on my ex-boyfriend once.- Hellotalk [Heo Gyun]Well, in the age of social media,we've all been there, done that. [Heo Nanseolheon]Just don’t hit the like buttonby mistake, right? Haha. [Heo Gyun]Let me find something that could help.Got it! It’s a short story titled "About Naju"by Kim Hwa-jin. [Heo Nanseolheon]Naju must be an important character. [Heo Gyun]In this story, a woman named Dan meets her late boyfriend’s ex, Naju, at work. But already having spied on her online, Dan knows a lot about her.Instead of being jealous, she likes Naju and wants to impress her. [Heo Nanseolheon]Some people might not get the way Dan behaves towards Naju. Haha. Maybe Dan is trying to remember her late boyfriend, Gyuhee, through Naju?  [Heo Gyun]Incessantly going through her Instagram,Facebook, and blog,I'm bound to find traces of Gyuhee.I do it over and over again.Even when there are no new updates,I keep browsing until I find his traces.I look at his comments and photos,not to mention the posts he is tagged inbefore I finally close the window,with my heart pounding and cheeks flushed.- Kim Hwa-jin, "About Naju," About Naju (Munhakdongne, 2022)  With Gyuhee gone, Dan spies on Naju’s social media to hold on to her feelings. [Heo Nanseolheon]In a way, it’s natural to feel that way. [Heo Gyun]Exactly. Wondering how an ex is doing,checking if they’re having a hard time like you,not wanting them to move on too quickly—those are the most natural reactions. [Heo Nanseolheon]The key is to realize that what you're feeling is natural, and that you should accept it. It's my turn now.I've got ""Ghost's Time"" by Eugene Mok. I was in the wrongYou did nothing wrongOnly if lies would keep us togetherLoveYetSilence was the only answer- Eugene Mok, "Ghost's Time," Birth of a Writer (Minumsa, 2020)  The speaker thinks they're to blame for the breakup. But the message of the poem is that blaming oneself is a "lie." The speaker desperately wants to keep the love, even if it involves lying. Yet, the speaker knows thatthey can't fix broken love that way.Still, they can't let go of past love, lingering around it constantly like a ghost. [Heo Gyun]Nobody is completely fine after a breakup.Many people get hung up on past love.Who knows? The speaker might have spiedon their ex's social media, too. Hahaha! [Heo Nanseolheon]It won't be easy for the time being,but I suggest deleting your new FB account.Whenever you feel like looking him up,just ask yourself, ""What good would it do?" [Heo Gyun]But if you still can't look away, what else can you do but keep going?I guess the obstacle only fuels the desire.If it makes you feel better, do whatever your heart desires. [Heo Nanseolheon]That's one way to deal with it.Even right now, many people are creating secret SNS accounts to spy on their exes.People get over breakups at different speeds.Hellotalk, you're just taking a little longer.Please don't worry about it too much. [Heo Gyun]This, too, will pass. Time heals everything, so don't worry. [Heo Nanseolheon]Aright, let's move on then. Translated by Helen Cho

  by Korean Literature Now

• 

  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