A Korean Konnection: How a boy band krush introduced me to Korean authors
Written by Maya B.
Indulge me for a moment and think back to the early days of the lockdown. I know you’re thinking STFU “UGH! Not this again.”
But for me, it was quite a fruitful time.
Though I was still working, I did manage to dab into some new and exciting hobbies and adventures.
Now, before laughing at me when I tell you what one of those things was — and I will allow you to make fun of me because frankly I don’t care you wouldn't be the first! I would love you to slide down the rabbit hole and show you what wonderful things I found. (And by “things” you know I mean novels)
Before the lockdown, I kept on hearing musings about a K-pop group that was making waves. If you don’t know, K-pop is short for Korean pop music, a genre originating in South Korea. Essentially, they are manufactured musical acts that have been popular in Southeast Asia for decades.
One group, in particular, was gaining huge momentum with North American audiences around 2018-2019. That group was called BTS — also known as the Bangtan Boys. The musical group is composed of seven members, all young males, who were put together by a then unknown entertainment production company. (Fun fact? Since the 21st century, South Korea has been renowned for its globally influential pop culture, particularly in music, TV dramas and cinema, a phenomenon known as the “Korean Wave.”)
Though they had many predecessors, BTS managed to do what their counterparts could not – break into the music industry worldwide. The record-breaking group consists of Jungkook, V, and Jimin (the vocalists) and Suga, J-Hope, and RM (the rappers).
First, I heard a song or two, then I saw a picture or two, and then I dove headfirst into the world of BTS. I became so obsessed with this manufactured boy band sensation that I could write an entire book about everything I know about BTS and K-Pop — but I will spare you the details, save for one very important fact. (#priorities)
One of the members of BTS is an avid reader. (I’m talking rapping about you, RM!)
Now, I know one would surmise this was the reason I was drawn to RM the most. Or as K-pop lingo would describe this amazing rapper, “He is my bias!”
But it isn't. I am proud to share I was shallow and I was attracted to him purely because of his looks and rapping abilities.
So, imagine my glee when I found out that he also reads for pleasure.
Me, being me, I then did a deep dive search of my crush RM’s reading list.
In the article “Six BTS Book Recommendations From BTS Leader RM” on Book Riot, I found some very appealing reads — and some not so appealing.
But this also sent me on a mission to look for great reads by South Korean authors.
The plethora of material I found has been incredulous. This is not to say that I have been ignorant of other cultures’ literary achievements – I’ve read many culturally relevant novels, but it just so happened that I never crossed paths with South Korean ones before. This new Korean Konnection I feel I now have, thanks to a boy band crush that turned into sort of a mini book club, I’ve hand-picked a few books by South Korean authors that I enjoyed and want to share with you. Because if you haven’t had a chance to read a great South Korean book, I highly suggest you try one.
My South Korean book recommendations
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, is perhaps the most important novel written in South Korea with respect to feminism and women’s rights. It can be seen as the novelisation of the lived experiences of every ordinary Korean woman for the past forty years. It traces the life of a single woman from early childhood to marriage and motherhood. This book is, at times, a harsh realization of the misogyny, sexism, aggression, bias, and abuse perpetrated against South Korean women, which mirrors the female experience around the world.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a study of empathy and equity and a great insight into familial South Korean culture. Set between 1910 and today, it’s the story of a Korean family after they emigrate to Japan. It focuses on the time when Korea was under Japanese rule. This historical novel covers the story of a nation in ruin that triumphs and wins the right to its own independence, mirroring the circumstances of the family. Poignant and engrossing, this novel is a best seller and a finalist for the National Book Award.
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. On the Korean Island of Jeju, Young-sook and Mi-ja form an unbreakable bond that spans over 70 years. On the island, the women are trained to dive for sea creatures to provide for their families. The two girls come from very different backgrounds and circumstances — and those differences threaten their friendship. Themes of guilt, betrayal, and forgiveness decorate this story set on a backdrop of real historical events and cultural change.
Written by Korean-American author Michelle Zauner, Crying in H-Mart is a raw and haunting memoir of the things and people we take for granted. Also, the importance of finding a connection to who we are and where we came from. When cancer inflicts its terrible realities on her family, Michelle uses Korean food to try and heal the relationship with her mother that she could never have. Through H-Mart and cooking lessons, she reflects on her childhood, the culture she was born into, and how it is more a part of her than she could have ever imagined.
Last month, BTS announced that the group is going on a hiatus so members can pursue individual projects (This? After 10+ years of being attached at the hip 24/7?).
You can’t imagine how their fan base, nicknamed ‘The BTS Army’ reacted.
Not going to lie – I may have shed a tear or two! Still, whether or not we will ever be honoured to have them re-band and create new music, I will always have not only their hordes of songs, videos, games, tv-shows, magazines, etc., but I can also always find a connection to them through a huge selection of books that exemplifies their amazing culture and country. (And here's The Army’s list of their favourite BTS reads!)
Have you read any good South Korean novels? Let us know here!
xo
Maya B.
* Fun fact: “Borahae” or “I Purple You” means "I’ll love you till the end of days,” since violet is the last colour of the rainbow. The phrase combines two Korean words: “Violet” (bora) and “I love you” (saranghae) 💜