On the day Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, another award ceremony took place. On Oct. 11, Korean-American author Kim Ju-hea received the prestigious Yasnaya Polyana Award, the largest annual literary prize in Russia, for her 2021 novel “Beasts of a Little Land.” It was a double celebration.
“I’ve been hearing a lot that this is a double celebration for Korean literature,” Kim said in an interview with Chosun Ilbo via Zoom on Oct. 21. “The reaction from both Korean and Russian media and readers has been so intense that I’m quite stunned. I’m usually confident and fearless, but I feel a bit nervous.” After the award ceremony in Moscow, she returned to London a few days before the interview. Born in Incheon, South Korea, she moved to the U.S. at the age of nine and grew up in Portland, Oregon, but her Korean identity is deeply rooted. “I decided to calmly carry out my mission, thinking that it wasn’t just my own honor but about representing Korea,” she said. “I wanted to showcase the intellect of Koreans in Russia, the home of literature.”
“Beasts of a Little Land” is a sweeping novel that spans from the 1910s to the 1960s, exploring Korean history. The author began writing it during the winter of 2016, a time she recalls as one of the worst periods of her life. After quitting her job at a publishing house, she went for a run in the park to clear her mind and had a strange experience. “I saw a tiger running through the snow, like a vision, and a hunter who had lost his way,” she said. Returning home, she sat at her computer and, as if possessed, wrote 20 pages in a flurry. That became the first chapter of the award-winning novel. “‘Beasts of a Little Land’ is about my roots. Perhaps the reason I was compelled to write it, as if by revelation, was a deeply ingrained pride in Korea.” As an environmental activist, she donated her entire Yasnaya Polyana Prize award of 1.2 million rubles (about 17 million won) to the Tiger and Leopard Conservation Fund in Korea (KTLCF), a group dedicated to protecting these endangered species.
Kim is busy preparing for the release of her second novel, “City of Night Birds,” next month, with upcoming projects already in the works. Having worked as an editor at a publishing house in New York, she has witnessed a shift in how Korean literature is perceived internationally. Just 10 years ago, having a Korean name was a disadvantage in the publishing world, but that is no longer the case. Kim said, “Having never changed my name, I’ve always found it a bit stressful to have a name like ‘Kim Ju-hea,’ which is hard to pronounce.” However, she added, “In today’s market, having a name like mine is more of a bonus since it’s definitely not common. It shows that people’s perceptions have changed and that the entire paradigm has shifted.”
Another rising Korean author, Lee Hee-joo, has also garnered attention with her 2021 crime novel “Coming of Age.” Lee sold the book to HarperCollins in the U.S. and Pan Macmillan in the U.K. for an advance of 100 million won each. The crime novel delves into the twisted desires of four women who kidnap a K-pop boy group member.
In an interview in Gwanghwamun on Oct. 21, the novelist revealed that until just last week, she had been balancing her writing with other jobs. She worked at a copyright agency from 2022 until July and briefly in a university administrative office. Aware of the publishing industry’s harsh realities, she said, “It’s hard to believe,” adding, “Even though Korean literature is gaining attention, imports and exports are about nine to one. My contract is an unusual ‘pre-empt’ agreement, where a publisher offered a high advance to avoid competition. It’s really surprising, and I’m grateful.” Lee attributed some of her success to the global popularity of K-pop, given her novel’s focus on idol fandom.
She is currently receiving inquiries about foreign rights for her debut work and her upcoming novel titled “Sacred Girl” (tentative, literal translation). The number of contracts for both long and short stories is significant. “I plan not to accept any commissions for my work until 2032,” she said, referring to the “debt of writing,” which accumulates over time. When asked if she feels burdened, she confidently replied, “There’s no pressure. I just need to do well!” With her industry experience, she understands that this is a rare opportunity. “But I can’t write just to gain attention. Being a bestselling author isn’t my goal. I want to be more courageous and grow, like great writers and artists.” The eyes of the next-generation Korean novelist sparkled with ambition.
☞Kim Ju-hea (37)
☞Lee Hee-joo (32)
