Characterized by genius wordplay, Oh Eun’s poems play with homophones and homonyms while keeping the wit, criticalness, and beauty we associate with Korean poetry. In their sonic play, Oh Eun’s poems bounce dangerously on a tightrope of language. These are poems that in their content and form simultaneously expand the boundaries of language and delight, … [Read More]
Archives: Books (page 3)
Night Picture of Rain Sound
Seventeen short stories transcending the line between fantasy and reality. Sue Ja Joo is on the frontier of ‘Smart Fiction’. A new genre between poetry and the short story, unique to the Korean literary world. ‘Night Picture of Rain Sound’ opens the small door in the corner where certitude is imagination, and imagination is certitude. … [Read More]
Zero: Four Modern Plays
Where is the line? Was there ever a line? Between time-between space-between circumstance. This dreamlike theme reverberates throughout ZERO. ZERO Four Modern Plays is a collection of four plays by Playwright Sue Ja Joo. Each of these searingly brilliant plays form an integrated structure, each with its own message. Night Picture of Rain Sound, bridges … [Read More]
Anti-Nationalist (K-Poet 45)
It is an English poetry collection that contains 20 of the works included in poet Byun Yoon-je’s poetry collection “Anti-State Forces” and translated into English. If his first collection of poems, “I Will Be Lovely Next Year,” firmly depicts solid depiction of solidarity, hope, and the will to not let go of love while struggling … [Read More]
Dark Miracle (K-poet 47)
This book is an English collection of twenty poems translated from Jeong Hyun-woo’s 검은 기적. In this volume, the poet traces the world of lingering light and shifting forms as he passes through the absence of his beloved mother, remembering from the lowest and most enduring place of the heart. Memories bound to the body-like … [Read More]
A Theory of Happiness: Lessons from a 100 year old Korean Philosopher
What does real happiness look like? How can we find true purpose, meaning and connection in our finite time on Earth? 105-year-old Professor Kim reveals key aspects of ancient Korean philosophy and shares stories from over a century of living to help us live better. Showing us how to lean into the world with more … [Read More]
It’s Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone
RSVPing yes to an event even though you don’t want to go; feeling drained responding to text messages; networking with colleagues that you can’t stand. You need to hear that it’s okay not to get along with everyone. We live in an era of constant communication and obligation – messages, calls, meet-ups, events – and … [Read More]
The Last Chance Convenience Store [forthcoming]
The much anticipated sequel to the million-copy international bestselling debut The Second Chance Convenience Store. Welcome back to the store where everyone has a story. The Second Chance Convenience Store is open again. After captivating millions of readers worldwide, The Second Chance Convenience Store is back with a delightful sequel that’s just as moving and … [Read More]
The Psychology of Luck: Korean Secrets for Attracting Wealth and Success
Praised as a book that ‘brings you luck the moment you open it’, this book contains lessons on how to understand – and use – the psychology of luck. Why are successful people so obsessed with luck? Because they want to draw things of value to them. The average person will experience at least a … [Read More]
So What If I Love My Single Life [forthcoming]
So What If I Love My Single Life by YouTuber Seen Aromi, who has captivated 400,000 readers, covers everything you need to live alone successfully. If you want to live a fulfilling day all by yourself, this book is a must-read. When you say you want to live alone, you often hear nagging from people … [Read More]
Dreamt I Found You
From the critically acclaimed author of The Apology comes a contemporary retelling of Korea’s Romeo & Juliet, as the cousin of the star-crossed lovers helps them avoid a tragic fate. When Dahee Shin was nine years old, she made a promise to protect her favorite cousin, Channing, who has always been like a sister to … [Read More]
Reprimands and Admonitions: Reflections on the Japanese Invasions of Korea, 1592-1598
Reprimands and Admonitions (Chingbirok 懲毖錄) is a record of the events surrounding the Imjin War (1592–1598). In the work, government minister Ryu Sŏngnyong vividly portrays all the major developments of the crisis. This revised translation by Choi Byonghyon brings to the modern reader the author’s seasoned wisdom and sincere efforts to overcome national crises. Ryu … [Read More]
Cold War Comrades: An Emotional History of the Sino-North Korean Alliance
In this major new interpretation of Sino-North Korean relations, Gregg A. Brazinsky argues that neither the PRC nor the DPRK would have survived as socialist states without the ideal of Sino-North Korean friendship. Chinese and North Korean leaders encouraged mutual empathy and sentimental attachments between their citizens and then used these emotions to strengthen popular … [Read More]
The Korean Communist Movement, 1918-1948
Tells for the first time the fascinating story of the old Korean Communist movement before the takeover in the North. It presents the fullest and most reliable account of the origins of that hitherto enigmatic leader of the northern Communist regime, Kim Il-sŏng. At the same time it throws new and valuable light on the … [Read More]
The Mermaid from Jeju
Inspired by true events on Korea’s Jeju Island, Sumi Hahn’s “entrancing [debut] novel, brimming with lyricism and magic” (Jennifer Rosner, The Yellow Bird Sings) explores what it means to truly love in the wake of devastation. In the aftermath of World War II, Goh Junja is a girl just coming into her own. She is … [Read More]
Behind Five Willows
From the New York Times-bestselling author of A Crane Among Wolves comes a warm and romantic homage to Jane Austen set in historical Korea, about a reader and a writer who secretly fight against government book banning and find themselves irresistibly drawn together. As the dutiful second daughter of a poor family, Haewon is expected … [Read More]