Why Gen Z Is Loving These Korean Novels: 5 Books That Speak to a Generation

Korean culture has permeated around the world. From K-pop playlists to Korean films, beauty standards, and food, there is no doubt that this country’s culture is now recognized worldwide. However, it seems that Korean literature has finally found its way to international readers. In a world full of popular Gen Z fiction, Korean novels provide an essential perspective that delves into the themes of identity, loneliness, friendship, societal rules, and relationships, portraying universal yet unique coming-of-age experiences.

The rising popularity of Korean literature among international readers is certainly driven by the unique atmosphere of the books that explore themes relatable to people worldwide. Here are five Korean novels that Gen Z readers might find interesting to check out.

1. Almond – Sohn Won-pyung

What would you do if you could not understand your feelings? Almond is a story of a boy named Yunjae, who has a physical disability that stops him from feeling physical pain. However, he also struggles to comprehend his emotions alright. His life changes dramatically when he discovers Gon a rude and violent boy who acts violently towards him initially but later befriends him. The novel portrays the development of Yunjae and Gon’s friendship and how the latter helps the former to heal and learn about himself.

This coming-of-age story is a deep exploration of emotions and feelings that teaches a reader to acknowledge their pain, whether physical or emotional, and understand it to heal. Almond is a must-read because it shows that not all people have a ‘normal,’ healthy connection with their emotions, and that is completely okay.

Why Gen Z will like it: A story of friendship and understanding emotions and feelings.

2. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 – Cho Nam-joo

Jiyoung, the protagonist of the novel, is an ordinary woman she had a childhood, studied, worked, and got married. But what does it mean to be a woman in the world? Kim Jiyoung, born in 1982, reflects the discrimination women face in their daily lives. The story presents a severe look at the patriarchal system and its violent nature. Jiyoung’s struggles are universal as she has endured oppression throughout her life, starting from early childhood.

The book received outstanding feedback from both local and international audiences after its publication and has been translated into more than ten languages. Its strength lies in its subtlety and restraint, presenting a pervasive sense of the patriarchy that has been embedded in the narrator’s life.

Why Gen Z will like it: Discussion of gender roles and stereotyping, identity, relationships, and careers.

3. The Vegetarian – Han Kang

Yong-hye, the main character of this novel, has decided to turn into a vegetarian, which starts the chain of tragic events in her life. She is opposed by her husband, who views her choice as an effort to sabotage their marriage. Her vegetarianism has taken a more violent form as the story proceeds, and her family tries to institutionalize her. The reader will find themselves pondering if vegetables can make one free or if animal flesh is an indelible part of human nature.

The novel is a meditation on freedom and violence, as well as a horrific look at how society deals with the idea of people whose minds are not working conventionally. Han Kang’s story is thought-provoking and horrifying, depicting the various forms of animal rights violations and human rights violations.

Why Gen Z will like it: A story of freedom, violence, identity, and rebellion.

4. Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop – Hwang Bo-reum

For those of you who dreamt of escaping your job and starting a bookshop to hang out there all day long, this novel is a perfect pick. The book is about Yeongju, a woman who finds herself in a routine, which pushes her to open a bookshop. Her patrons keep becoming her friends, while she contemplates her lost youth and the love she failed to find. The story revolves around her journey of finding her place in the world the place where people appreciate books as much as she does.

The novel’s relaxing and friendly atmosphere is perfect for cozying up in a blanket and delving into the world of bookkeeping, friendships, and romance. Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is a touching story about getting stuck in a routine and losing the meaning of life, searching for it, and finding it in the people and books.

Why Gen Z will like it: The story is about burnout and job loss, finding a new career path, dating, and making friends.

5. Pachinko – Min Jin Lee

Pachinko is a multigenerational saga telling the story of a Korean family that arrived in Japan at the beginning of the twentieth century and lived in a state of persecution for almost a century. This novel depicts the relationships between parents and children, their hopes, dreams, and the sacrifices they make for the sake of their children. The book is the story of prejudice, immigration, identity, and resilience – the main themes that tie up the lives of the main characters and their decisions. The author uncovers what it takes for people to survive under the circumstances, where their lives are constantly put in danger.

Why Gen Z will like it: The story is told through four generations of women and men who struggle to find their place in a world that is threatening from the start.

Conclusion

From Almond to Parchinko, Korean novels have it all. Gen Z fiction reflects a diverse spectrum of voices and experiences. These five books may have different narratives, but they all bring out the central ideas that resonate with readers from all backgrounds and cultures. Notably, Korean literature provides an in-depth look at the struggles of youth, aging, identity, rebellion, prejudices, relationships, and finding a path in life.

Reference

https://library.ltikorea.or.kr/