This novel is a captivating narrative that follows the journey of a young Korean immigrant as he navigates the complexities and challenges of life in the United States during the early 20th century. Through his eyes, readers are offered a rich exploration of the immigrant experience, marked by a quest for identity and belonging amidst cultural dislocation. The protagonist's encounters and observations provide a poignant commentary on the contrasts between Eastern and Western philosophies and lifestyles, as well as the universal search for meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world. This story is not only a personal tale of adaptation and self-discovery but also a broader reflection on the intersections of culture, identity, and the human condition.

The novel is a sweeping historical saga that follows four generations of a Korean family from the early 20th century to the 1980s, beginning in Japanese-occupied Korea and moving to Japan. It explores the family's struggles and triumphs against the backdrop of cultural and social discrimination. The game of Pachinko, a popular Japanese arcade game, serves as a metaphor for the randomness and challenges of life that the characters face, particularly in the context of their immigrant status and the enduring quest for identity, acceptance, and success in a foreign land. Through the family's experiences, the narrative delves into themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty, painting a vivid portrait of an often invisible segment of Japanese society.

"Land" is a historical saga that spans several generations of a Korean family from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on the trials and tribulations of the Choi family, who are part of the landed gentry, and their servants. The book presents a vivid picture of the socio-political upheavals during this period in Korean history, including the Japanese occupation, and explores themes of love, sacrifice, and survival. It is a profound exploration of human resilience and the struggle for social justice.

This historical memoir, penned by an 18th-century Korean royal, provides a deeply personal account of court life in the Joseon Dynasty. The author, born into an aristocratic family, was married at a young age to the ill-fated Crown Prince, and her narrative offers a unique perspective on the political intrigues, familial strife, and tragic events that led to her husband's execution. Her writing not only chronicles her own suffering and resilience but also serves as a poignant historical document, shedding light on the complexities of palace politics and the societal norms of her time.

"The Plotters" is a gripping novel set in a dystopian world where assassins are hired to eliminate targets chosen by a secret organization. Reseng, a highly skilled and detached killer, finds himself caught in a web of conspiracy and betrayal when his latest target turns out to be someone he knows. As he delves deeper into the mysterious workings of the organization, Reseng must confront his own past and question the morality of his profession. With its dark humor and unpredictable twists, this book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions.

"Wave" is a wordless picture book that follows the playful and imaginative journey of a young girl at the beach. Through beautifully illustrated pages, readers witness the girl's interactions with a wave, as she runs away from it, dances with it, and ultimately befriends it. The book captures the joy and wonder of childhood, highlighting the power of imagination and the beauty of nature.

The book is a collection of surreal and haunting short stories that blend elements of horror, fantasy, and folklore to explore themes of human suffering, societal norms, and the darker aspects of human nature. Each story delves into the bizarre and the macabre, often featuring characters who encounter strange and unsettling phenomena that challenge their perceptions of reality. Through its imaginative and often unsettling narratives, the book offers a poignant commentary on the complexities of life and the human condition.

This novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition set against the backdrop of the Korean War. It tells the story of a village and its inhabitants who are caught in the crossfire of conflict, focusing on their struggles, resilience, and the impact of war on their lives. The narrative delves into themes of survival, the loss of innocence, and the quest for peace amidst chaos, all symbolized by the elusive silver stallion, a figure of hope and freedom. Through its vivid portrayal of characters and setting, the book offers a deep reflection on the costs of war and the indomitable spirit of those who endure its hardships.

In a futuristic world, the empire relies on a rigid calendar system known as "The Hexarchate" to maintain control and suppress any dissent. When a rogue general stages a rebellion, a talented captain named Kel Cheris is chosen to quell the uprising. To achieve this, she must form an uneasy alliance with an undead tactician, Jedao, whose brilliance in warfare is matched only by his notorious treachery. As they navigate a treacherous battlefield filled with deceit, Kel must learn to trust Jedao's cunning strategies, even as she questions his true motives. With the fate of the empire hanging in the balance, Kel and Jedao embark on a high-stakes mission that will test their loyalties and reshape the very fabric of their world.

This book is a contemplative guide that explores the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world to discover peace, tranquility, and happiness. Written by a renowned meditation teacher, it offers practical advice and insights drawn from the author's life experiences and spiritual teachings. Through a series of short, accessible chapters, the book addresses various aspects of modern life, such as love, relationships, work, and self-care, encouraging readers to pause, breathe, and reflect on their inner lives. It combines mindfulness and Zen Buddhist principles to help readers cultivate a more mindful and compassionate approach to their daily lives, emphasizing the profound wisdom that becomes visible only when we take the time to slow down.

"Solo Leveling 02" continues the thrilling saga of a weak hunter in a world where humans with special abilities fight monstrous creatures emerging from gates. After a near-death experience in a particularly dangerous dungeon, the protagonist discovers he has become a "solo player," gaining the unique ability to level up on his own, a power unseen in the hunter community. With his newfound strength, he embarks on a journey of self-improvement and faces increasingly perilous dungeons, all while uncovering the mysteries behind his abilities and the gates. This installment follows his challenges and growth as he aims to become one of the world's most formidable hunters.

"Dragon Pearl" is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Min, a young fox spirit who dreams of leaving her impoverished planet and joining the Space Forces like her older brother Jun. When Jun is accused of deserting his post to search for the mythical Dragon Pearl, Min sets out to clear his name and find the pearl herself. Along the way, she discovers secrets about her family and the universe that threaten to unravel everything she knows. With the help of new friends and her shape-shifting abilities, Min embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and discovery.

The book follows the life of Kim Jiyoung, an ordinary South Korean woman, as she navigates the systemic gender discrimination and societal expectations imposed on women in contemporary society. Through a series of personal experiences and anecdotes, the narrative highlights the pervasive sexism and challenges Jiyoung faces from childhood through adulthood, including workplace discrimination, familial pressures, and the struggle for identity and autonomy. The story serves as a poignant critique of the entrenched patriarchal norms and the impact they have on women's mental health and well-being.

A funny, transporting, surprising, and poignant novel that was one of the highest-selling debuts of recent years in Korea, Love in the Big City tells the story of a young gay man searching for happiness in the lonely city of SeoulLove in the Big City is the English-language debut of Sang Young Park, one of Korea's most exciting young writers. A runaway bestseller, the novel hit the top five lists of all the major bookstores, went into nine printings, and was praised for its unique literary voice and perspective. It is now poised to capture a worldwide readership.Young is a cynical yet fun-loving Korean student who pinballs from home to class to the beds of recent Tinder matches. He and Jaehee, his female best friend and roommate, frequent nearby bars where they push away their anxieties about their love lives, families, and money with rounds of soju and ice-cold Marlboro Reds that they keep in their freezer. Yet over time, even Jaehee leaves Young to settle down, leaving him alone to care for his ailing mother and to find companionship in his relationships with a series of men, including one whose handsomeness is matched by his coldness, and another who might end up being the great love of his life.A brilliantly written novel that takes us into the glittering nighttime of Seoul and the bleary-eyed morning after with both humor and emotion, Love in the Big City is a wry portrait of millennial loneliness as well as the abundant joys of queer life.

The novel follows the life of a young woman named San, who navigates the complexities of loneliness and longing in urban South Korea. After a traumatic childhood experience leaves her emotionally scarred, San moves to Seoul, where she finds work in a flower shop. As she interacts with the people around her, including her enigmatic boss and a mysterious artist, San grapples with her past and seeks connection in a world that often feels isolating. The story delves into themes of memory, identity, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit.

Greek Lessons (Korean: 희랍어 시간, romanized: Huilab-eo Sigan) is a 2011 novel by South Korean author Han Kang. Published in South Korea on November 10, 2011, the book received an English-language release on April 18, 2023 by Hogarth Press. The novel was translated into English by Deborah Smith and Emily Yae Won.

The book is a candid memoir that explores the author's journey through depression and therapy, capturing her raw and honest conversations with her psychiatrist. Through a series of therapy sessions, the author delves into her struggles with self-esteem, societal pressures, and the paradoxical desire to live fully while battling mental health challenges. The narrative is interspersed with reflections on everyday life and the comfort found in small pleasures, like eating tteokbokki, offering a relatable and intimate portrayal of navigating the complexities of mental health.

The novel is a surreal exploration of the lives of individuals with peculiar abilities and experiences, known as "symptomers," who are documented in a mysterious cabinet. The story is narrated by an ordinary office worker named Mr. Kong, who becomes the custodian of this cabinet filled with bizarre and fantastical case files. As he delves deeper into the lives of these symptomers, he grapples with themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels disconnected and strange. The narrative blends elements of magical realism and dark humor, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition and the complexities of modern life.

Set in a dystopian future, the narrative unfolds within a colossal skyscraper city-state, where the lives of its inhabitants are intricately intertwined with the building's complex bureaucracy and social hierarchy. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of power, control, and the human condition, highlighting the absurdities and challenges faced by individuals navigating this vertical society. The characters' personal struggles and ambitions reflect broader societal issues, offering a satirical yet poignant commentary on modern urban life and governance.

The novel delves into the haunting legacy of Algeria's tumultuous past, weaving a narrative that explores the lingering effects of colonialism and war on its people. Through the intertwined stories of several characters, the book examines themes of memory, identity, and the struggle for reconciliation in a nation grappling with its history. As the characters navigate their personal and collective traumas, the story reveals the enduring specters of Algeria's past and the complex path toward healing and understanding.

My Brilliant Life (Korean: 두근두근 내 인생; lit. My Palpitating Life) is a 2014 South Korean drama film starring Gang Dong-won and Song Hye-kyo. It was co-written and directed by E J-yong based on the 2011 novel My Palpitating Life by Kim Ae-ran. My Brilliant Life won the Third Place Audience Award at the 17th Udine Far East Film Festival in 2015. My Brilliant Life was released under CJ Entertainment in Korea on September 3, 2014. The film received an official wide release in China on March 13, 2015.

A seductive, disorienting novel that manipulates the fragile line between dreams and reality, by South Korea’s leading contemporary writerA startling and boundary-pushing novel, Untold Night and Day tells the story of a young woman’s journey through Seoul over the course of a night and a day. It’s 28-year-old Ayami’s final day at her box-office job in Seoul’s audio theater. Her night is spent walking the sweltering streets of the city with her former boss in search of Yeoni, their missing elderly friend, and her day is spent looking after a mysterious, visiting poet. Their conversations take in art, love, food, and the inaccessible country to the north.Almost immediately, in the heat of Seoul at the height of the summer, order gives way to chaos as the edges of reality start to fray, with Ayami becoming an unwitting escort into a fever-dream of increasingly tangled threads, all the while images of the characters’ overlapping realities repeat, collide, change, and reassert themselves in this masterful work that upends the very structure of fiction and narrative storytelling and burns itself upon the soul of the reader.By one of the boldest and most innovative voices in contemporary Korean literature, and brilliantly realized in English by International Man Booker­–winning translator Deborah Smith, Bae Suah’s hypnotic and wholly original novel asks whether more than one version of ourselves can exist at once, demonstrating the malleable nature of reality as we know it.