When it comes to fiction, 2023 was a year that defied my expectations. Those novels that I hoped or expected to enjoy turned out to be disappointments; those that I thought might be heavy going turned out to be enjoyable. It was a reminder to try better to abide by the maxim of approaching a … [Read More]
Author: Cho Nam-joo (조남주 1978-)
Selected publications by Cho Nam-joo
- Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories (우리가 쓴 것, 2021) tr Jamie Chang, Scribner 2023
- Saha (사하맨션, 2019) tr Jamie Chang, Scribner 2022
- Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 (82년생 김지영, 2016) tr Jamie Chang, Scribner 2020
- Run Away (K-Fiction 023) (가출, 2018) tr Miseli Jeon, Asia Publishers 2019
Review: Cho Nam-joo – Saha
After the domestic success of Kim Ji-young (2016; English translation by Jamie Chang published in 2020), and of its encouraging sales overseas, it was natural that Cho Nam-joo’s next novel would attract interest. Accordingly, Saha had a slightly shorter journey from Korean into English: after an original publication date in 2019 its English translation came … [Read More]
A look back at our 2022 reading diary
It was a busy year outside of my Korean interests, with the result that I didn’t read as much as I would like. And of the titles that I did read, I haven’t had a chance yet formally to write up my thoughts – though there are several half-written reviews which may eventually see the … [Read More]
August Literature Night: Pachinko and Kim Jiyoung Born 1982
This August we will read the novel ‘Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee and ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982’ by Cho Nam-Joo. This month will also feature a special discussion Zoom event, with all participants able to turn on the camera, speak, and discuss the work during the talk. Prof. Jieun Kiaer (Professor of Korean Language and … [Read More]
A look back at our 2020 reading diary
Like many readers, we started the year with good intention of blitzing through the pile of new titles that were promised for the coming months, as well as making inroads into the backlog. And we genuinely got off to a good start with a string of fun K-thrillers, some of them new, some not: The … [Read More]
LKFF Teaser Screening: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
After having had to cancel the Kim Jiyoung screening earlier this year as we went into lockdown, the KCC is resurrecting the event as we gradually emerge. The official announcement on the film festival website promises an introduction, though currently there are no further details. The planned screening in March was going to be by … [Read More]
July Literature Night: Kim Ji-young Born 1982
July’s literature night features one of the most talked-about books of recent years. If you’re thinking about entering the 2020 literature essay contest, this session might help. Nice that they’re bringing in In-sook Chappell to lead the discussion. LKL review here. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982, by Cho Nam-Joo Wednesday 29 July 2020, 7pm on Zoom … [Read More]
LKFF Teaser Screening: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
The first LKFF Teaser screening of the year: Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 (82년생 김지영) + Introduction by Sarah Shin Dir: Kim Do-young (2019, 118 mins) Cast: Jung Yu-mi, Gong Yoo Tuesday 12 May 2020, 18:15 Barbican Cinema 2 | Beech Street | London EC2Y 8DS Tickets £12 | Buy tickets Based on Cho Nam-joo’s landmark … [Read More]
Book review: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
Cho Nam-joo: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 Translated by Jamie Chang Scribner, 2020, 163pp Originally published as 82년생 김지영, Minumsa, 2016. Kim Jiyoung, as the blurb on the back cover of this translated novel tells us, is every woman. Her given name is unremarkable, familiar, and of course her family name is the most common in … [Read More]
Cho Nam-Joo talks about ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982’ at Waterstones TCR CANCELLED
The first big book event of 2020, but sadly now cancelled: TCR Presents: Cho Nam-Joo on ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982’ Monday 9th March 18:30 – 20:30 Waterstones | 19-20 Tottenham Court Road | London W1T 1BJ Tickets £7 | Book tickets Join us as we celebrate International Women’s Day (8th March) in partnership with the … [Read More]
Upcoming literature and fiction titles in 2020 [updated]
I’m hoping that, as in previous years, by posting my own list of upcoming literature and fiction titles – pulled together by some targeted searching on Amazon and a trawl through Barbara J Zitwer’s website – I might persuade others to supplement it from their own specialist knowledge. Whatever happens, books inevitably fall through the … [Read More]