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INTERVIEW Interview with Jin Eun-young: Buttons from the Gift Giver by An Heeyeon
INTERVIEW Mediating Lyricism and Historicity: Han Kang’s Translators by KLN Editorial Team
INTERVIEW Parallel Worlds, Not Knowing, and the Art of Gaping by Janet Hong
COVER FEATURES [Cover Feature] Aging and Death Attuned To Ecological Hospitality From 2008 to 2017, I worked as a geriatric social worker, caring for poor, elderly people who, in terms of health, were in their middle- to late stages of life. For the past fifteen years, I have been working with twenty to thirty elderly individuals of various classes, genders, and regions to record their life histories through oral accounts. I published a book titled Farewell Diary that closely documented the last three years of a wealthy elderly woman’s life until her death at the age of eighty-seven. In the last five years, I have focused primarily on being on the ground supporting the homeless around Seoul Station, where I have witnessed firsthand the aging and passing of those considered to be on the “lowest rung” of society. Through my interactions with these individuals, I have had a preview of the physical aspects of my own eventual aging and death, which in turn prompted me to engage in extensive research and inquiry. At sixty-eight, I myself have also entered old age, and the changes in my body, sentiments, and thoughts are interesting subjects of study. Despite a similar trajectory, experiences, memories, feelings, and interpretations of aging and death vary greatly among individuals depending on their attitudes and perspectives, whether it concerns themselves or others. What is it that makes us fear death?All sorts of doubts about things considered “ordinary,” including feelings and emotions that people say naturally permeate us such as sadness or joy, are the driving force behind my thoughts, writings, and life. One such example is the question, “Why do people fear death?” Death is everywhere around us, and everyone knows that we all die. In fact, for the person concerned, death is a complete disappearance that allows for an eternal escape from all pain and problems—a perfect exit. The fact that all living beings perish is the ultimate consolation for those in the process of dying. Concern for the people left behind may be a reason for fearing death, but with death, even that concern ends, and the rest becomes the business of the living. These days, I often think, “I might not wake up” before going to bed and “I’m still alive” when I wake up in the morning. If I had died, my life would have ended with me being the only one unaware of my demise, while everyone else would know about it. The same goes for other deaths. Although one may sense the end approaching, at the moment of passing, they are the only one unaware of their own death. Of course, in the sense that those left behind must handle the deceased’s affairs, an individual’s death is not the end from a societal perspective. Whether in life or death, every individual is intertwined with society. Thus, it is understandable to talk about regret or sadness—but invoking “fear,” no matter how much I think about it, seems unwarranted. It is as if we were being deceived by someone and then, caught up in that deception, inadvertently deceive ourselves. Aging and death are matters of time and beyond human control. When it comes to fearing and confronting something, we need to be clear about what we are dealing with—poverty, isolation, inequality, or excessive medical care that are prevalent in the process of aging and dying. Money and capitalism, and our attitude toward them, are the real matters. If we let disorienting rumors frighten us into believing our enemies over ourselves, irrational fears will seize us. Without a chance to fight back, we’ll drown in a deep well of our own making, pulled under by imaginary ghosts. One way I challenge disturbing common beliefs is by weighing who benefits and who loses from them. “When it comes to the pervasive fear of death, who stands to gain and who loses?” This question also translates to, “Who is fueling this fear?” The first groups that come to mind are the superfluous medical, pharmaceutical, and sports industries, as well as the industries related to old age, death, and religion. They form a conveyor belt plastered with “Nothing’s more important than health,” a slogan that is so widespread it has become an ideology. The consumers, of course, are the ones who suffer the loss. Fear surrounding aging and death is an outrageous rumor, a manipulated ideology, and the flip side of it is aversion. Neoliberalism attaches abnormality, uselessness, and even the notion of “sin and punishment” to death—the destination of life—as well as to aging, illness, and disability, then pushes away and abhors these realities. Finally, when someone dies, we are presented with a range of products and services that urge us to pray for the deceased’s blessing in the afterlife. This neoliberal ideology is the very source of such rumors. To avoid being deceived by such potent rumors, clarifying one’s stance on aging and dying is a must. This stance is rooted in a person’s outlook on life itself. Thus, the questions to continually ask are, “What makes me happy?” and “Why do I live?” There is no point in discussing likes or dislikes regarding aging and death, as these are inevitable aspects of life that everyone must face. If aging and death are something that cannot be avoided, the course of action should be to enjoy them to the fullest. If this is not possible, then one must just accept and endure life as it comes. The future is uncertain anyway, and pulling out all sorts of variables and getting anxious about them early on only makes life chaotic. Not all preparations are useless, as some do have value, but the most crucial preparation is to establish one’s attitude. In my case, “a life of self-sufficiency, conviction, and shared practice” is what ultimately makes me happy, both then and now. Living simply, with just enough materials to uphold self-respect, is both a way to live frugally and to reinforce these principles. Should I continue to live the way I do now, I will age with the passing of time, and old age, illness, and disability will follow and shape me. If death does not arrive before the moment where my body and mind can no longer sustain themselves, I intend to take death into my own hands. What comes after is not my concern. I am neither curious about life after death nor the remaining time I have in this world. I plan to live as it comes. When the body and mind feel like “this is it,” some people open the door to death themselves; some offer their bodies to beings in the mountains, the sea, and the air. The manner of death is also each person’s responsibility. My life, from beginning to end, is solely and uniquely mine, and I desire a free death. I have serious doubts on views that regard choosing one’s own death as a sin. For the people remaining in this world who will be hurt by my choice, I leave my convictions about free death in speech and writing whenever I have the chance. I often hear people around me, both young and old, expressing that they cannot bear life and wish to die. Hearing these words so frequently is what I find truly unbearable. Sometimes, to those who have the capacity to grasp the meaning of my words, I offer a blunt response: “Living and dying are nothing extraordinary. This world and life itself are absurd, after all. The life or death of a person is a matter of utmost significance only to the individual concerned and a source of sorrow for close acquaintances, but it has little social consequence and can even be a positive thing from an ecological perspective. The decision to live or die is yours to make; if you choose death, then see it through. However, if you choose to live, you must clearly define the kind of life you will lead regardless of all the absurdities, contradictions, and hardships life holds. Then live the way you desire and that serves the common good of society until your final breath.” People often say that the fear of pain in the process of decline is greater than the fear of death itself. This sentiment holds more truth than simply stating a fear of death. The future, however, is an extension of the past and present, and it steadily approaches with each passing moment. Aging and illness generally do not strike suddenly; the deterioration happens so stealthily that you might not even notice it yourself. Only acquaintances you haven’t seen in a while might catch the changes. On rare occasions, you may be suddenly hit with such changes but that is something to accept as “my turn.” If there is consciousness left at the moment of passing and you can think to yourself, “I lived a decent life,” that in itself is sufficient. In case you lose your mental faculties first, it would be wise to prepare for things like refusing life-sustaining treatment. The process of resistance, resignation, and acceptance: “I want to die not knowing this!” Aging is a process of repeatedly resisting, resigning to, and accepting the gradually increasing losses and impossibilities, saying, “Okay, I accept!” and then planning the next step. It involves passing through phases, at times navigating periods of confusion and depression, while strategizing “selection and concentration” that fits the new version of oneself. Since time continues to slip away, aging calls for categorizing what to do and what not to do, focusing first on what you really want to accomplish. The Lower Village that I have been frequenting lately is a venue for a night school for the homeless run by homeless individuals and volunteer teachers. I have been teaching the “speaking and writing class” there for four years. The roughly twenty or so teachers are mostly in their twenties to forties, and I am the only “old person” among them. When faced with tasks that take a long time for me to learn or are headache-inducing, such as installing Google Drive or creating web posters, I sometimes shamelessly say, “I want to die not knowing this. Let the young people who will continue using it handle it!” I take advantage of my “old age” as an excuse, indirectly informing others what it is like to be old and suggesting a division of roles. In the rapidly evolving material world we live in, the “cultural aging” of the elderly is inevitable. To avoid being alienated from a civilization that seems beyond reach, cooperation and division of roles between generations become necessary. It is fine to live and die without mastering certain technologies or cultural trends that are difficult to grasp. You can discern what you would like to learn, even if it is just to get a general sense and even late in life, and then find enjoyment in making use of it. You can also determine what you want to give up learning and ask someone else for help after weighing the cost-effectiveness between the degree of use and the remaining time, and what you do not feel like learning at all. After figuring that out, you can let things be and focus on living with ease. The elderly should steer clear of exerting too much effort on matters that aren’t truly important to them. As I age, I feel that although my physical strength and memory have declined, my insight and ability to form relationships have significantly improved. I experience ongoing progressive symptoms such as farsightedness and arthritis, so I make sure to take care of my eyes and joints by doing eye and muscle exercises whenever I find time in my daily life. My curiosity and desires remain the same, and as always, the challenge lies in making choices. I have significantly cut back on learning new topics of discourse, as I am already well-versed in enough discourse to engage with the people I want to meet. For the studies that are more essential, I rely on talented young activists or professionals, following their work and finding pleasure in learning from it. However, I sometimes find myself hopelessly drawn to settings that stir my instincts, or to study topics that ignite my curiosity—things that bring a thrill, even to an old person! I do not agree with the saying, “If you cannot go all the way, it is better not to go at all,” since you can still enjoy the journey as far as you are able to go. After all, are not most things in life pursuits without a true end, no matter how far you go? Differences and discrimination in aging and death What should be problematized are discrimination and inequality rooted in differences of class, gender, identity, and culture throughout the journey of aging and living. In this sense, while aging and dying are deeply personal matters, they are also political and social agendas. In a society driven by wealth, the aversion toward the elderly is often an emotion directed more towards poverty than aging itself. Old people collecting waste paper on the streets evoke discomfort or, at most, fleeting sympathy. This sympathy and aversion carry an underlying anxiety that in a society with a fragile safety net, one’s own old age could end up like this with just a single misstep. On the other hand, wealthy elders are favored by the state, corporations, and younger generations alike. The deaths of the poor are often simple and swift compared to those who prolong their lives with money. Having resigned themselves to their fate early on, their minds are less conflicted, allowing them to reach a sense of freedom sooner. As someone unlikely to become a wealthy elder, I feel I have secured the best possible outcome in advance, exchanging the time, emotions, and costs associated with the aging and dying process for a “life and death true to myself.” I reject the gaze that labels the simple and swift way the elderly poor prepare for their departure—both mentally and physically—with words such as “miserable” or “forlorn.” While their lives may have been challenging and their acceptance of death painful, this straightforward and quick process reflects an approach to aging and dying that embodies ecological hospitality. Many of my acquaintances belong to social minorities, including sexual minorities, so I often hear about the deaths of young people who have taken their own lives. These deaths, largely due to stigma and hatred, can be seen as a form of social murder. Whether someone dies by suicide, illness, or the natural process of aging and decline, I do not express sadness in front of others. As someone without religious beliefs, I also refrain from using common expressions like “in a good place” or “bless your soul.” Instead, for those who lived with too little means or endured too much suffering, I conceal my heart’s celebration of their reaching death by simply saying, “You have gone through a lot. Now you can rest.” Whenever I witness people in power who could not confront their life’s errors or shame and escaped them through suicide, I consider myself fortunate not to have such power. For me, mourning is a process of reflecting on and interpreting the life of someone who has reached death, and as opportunities or needs arise, examining the positives and negatives, achievements and limitations of the deceased’s life, so that it can serve as a mirror for the living. I desire my own funeral to be as simple as possible. Rather than focusing on the ceremony, I hope that the detailed aspects of my life will spark ongoing debates and controversies. My wish is for the living to sharply and faithfully reinterpret the context, meaning, and limitations of my existence. My interest extends only up to my own death. Funerals are irrelevant to the deceased; as soon as one passes, everything becomes a ritual and I believe that all rituals contain a significant amount of deception. Funerals are for the living, events that showcase the power and resources of those left behind. They cover up the deceased’s struggles, joys, and sorrows in life with packaging and polite words, turning the matter into a business disguised as “human duty.” This business mobilizes not just blood relatives and acquaintances, but even people who never met the deceased while they were alive. The funeral industry assigns a quality level and price tag to all the products and services down to the smallest item, and employs funeral workers at near minimum wage, all while profiting behind the scenes. I rarely attend funerals, except for public ones for so-called “unclaimed” deaths, such as those of the homeless. However, on the rare occasions when I find myself in a funeral hall connected to a large hospital, the atmosphere evokes the image of a vending machine. Old age is a messy chapter in life, making it an opportune time to fight until the moment of cessation. When fear seeps in, whether it stems from aging, death, poverty, illness, or alienation, the first step is to face yourself head-on. Only by confronting yourself squarely can you effectively challenge the multitude of rumors that circulate this world. Translated by Kim Soyoung KOREAN WORK MENTIONED:Choi Hyunsook, Farewell Diary (Humanitas, 2019) 최현숙, 『작별 일기』 (후마니타스, 2019) Choi Hyunsook has worked as a caregiver and life manager for elderly individuals living alone while also conducting oral history projects. She has published works such as Is the Difference Really So Big Between Heaven and Hell?, Just When You Think It’s a Dead End a Narrow Path Appears, The Life of Grandpas, The Life of Grandmas, The Origin of Determination, the essay collections Facing Life Head-On and Farewell Diary, and the novel The Case of the Missing Old Man Hwang.
REVIEWS [SPANISH] New Families As in her novel Concerning My Daughter, for which author Kim Hye-jin is best known not only in Korea but in several countries thanks to multiple translations, her 2022 novel Counsel Culture also places the theme of care at the center of the conversation. In Concerning My Daughter, one of the protagonists is a caretaker for the elderly. In Counsel Culture, the protagonist has worked as a psychotherapist for ten years. In principle, their common task is to help and—to some extent—protect. Nevertheless, for different reasons, both fail and the terrible ostracization that results disrupts their previously stable lives. Besides working at a therapy center, Im Haesu, the protagonist of Counsel Culture, is a consultant on a television program where she gives her professional opinion on a variety of topics. One day, Haesu thoughtlessly repeats a talking point that the screenwriters have given her about an actor while on air. Her comment is just one of the many already in circulation about this actor’s chaotic behavior on set and his strained relations with his co-stars. But to her surprise, her opinion becomes the final blow to his online public crucifixion. The actor commits suicide and the shoal of digital commentators line up against Haesu to destroy her reputation and career. The words carelessly spoken on air return to Haesu like a boomerang, leaving her perplexed. “She learned that a few words or one line was enough to stab a person in the heart. In the days following the incident, she died hundreds, thousands of times looking at her phone and her computer screen.” Her husband, her best friend, her neighbors, her boss, her colleagues—everyone distances themselves from her. The author masterfully reveals all of this very slowly, through the letters the protagonist writes day after day. Letters that never reach their conclusion much less the mailbox. Letters in which Haesu strenuously tries—but fails—to explain her behavior to her closest relations nor manages to confront those who have done her harm. Haesu wanders through her neighborhood at night, using the darkness to avoid being recognized. On one of her errant walks, she meets a girl and shortly after, the two of them join efforts to save a stray cat which, like Haesu, wanders through the streets scared and hurt. Here is where another of Kim’s recurring themes appears. The woman, the solitary girl, and the sick and hungry cat quickly form an unconventional family, even more so than the one in Concerning My Daughter. And it’s the girl who becomes the head of this quite unusual family. She makes suggestions and gives guidance in coordinating the rescue project, despite living a solitary life at home and being excluded at school. It is she who names the cat “Turnip.” Not long after, an enormous ginkgo tree on the edge of the neighborhood becomes home for the three of them where they gather in the afternoons. In this tree, they set a trap to catch the cat and take it to the vet. “The ginkgo tree becomes something of a place of worship to Haesu. The time she spends there waiting for Turnip brings her calm. She does not know where this calm and peace are coming from. Sometimes she stays past sundown, until darkness settles in.” The waiting in this green sanctuary cures her, to the point she finally decides to meet the wife of the deceased actor. Their meeting teaches Haesu how powerful words can be, something she had not fully grasped in her previous life as a therapist. Kim Hye-jin’s novels move on a scale that some might consider minor. Even her transparent writing, transmitted with serenity and efficacy by her translators, can give the false impression of lightness. There is no epic catharsis, nor lessons. Rather, her book deals with a discovery of themes that concern us today—the nature of care, the reach of language in the age of social media, the intangibility of forgiveness—through ordinary fumblings in the dark and new ideas of family. Kim tells us that if we give these factors sufficient attention, perhaps we can find the path of return. Translated by Lucina Schell Andrés Felipe SolanoWriter, Gloria (Counterpoint, 2025)
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
READINGS A Poetry Reading by Poet Jin Eun-young "In Houyhnhnmland"
READINGS A Novel Reading by Son Bo-mi "The Substitute Teacher"
READINGS A Poetry Reading by Poet Kim So Yeon "Second Floor Guest Lounge"