Thriller master Jeong You-jeong trades terror for tenderness in 'Bonobo'

Korean novelist Jeong You-jeong, known as the "Stephen King of Korea" for her psychological thrillers, turned her focus to romance with the release of her English translation of the 2019 novel "Bonobo" in Britain. The author, dressed in a bright yellow cardigan and smiling widely during an interview in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, appeared far removed from the writer who crafted some of the country's most unsettling bestsellers.

Jeong's cheerful demeanor was attributed to her solitary writing process; she often isolates herself while working on a novel, typically for a year or two, before emerging to share her thoughts. She explained that once she begins writing, she "hows up at home and never goes out," spending her days alone. Consequently, the rare times she steps out of her home are filled with excitement and stories to share.

This occasion marked the debut of "Bonobo," the English version of her 2019 novel, published by Honford Star this month. Translated by Brother Anthony, also known as An Seon-jae, it represents Jeong's foray into a different genre.