Min Jin Lee on "American Hagwon" and writing "social novels"
The Korean-American novelist and bestselling author of "Pachinko" talks about her latest book, "American Hagwon," part of her series chronicling the migration of Koreans around the world.
Min Jin Lee, an acclaimed author known for her social novels, discusses her latest work, "American Hagwon," and her experiences as a Korean immigrant in the United States. Lee's previous novel, "Pachinko," sold over two million copies in the U.S., but initially struggled to gain traction, eventually becoming a bestseller after receiving critical acclaim.
"American Hagwon" is the third installment in Lee's "The Diaspora Quartet," a series exploring the migration of Koreans worldwide. The novel delves into education, focusing on the prevalence of for-profit learning centers, or "hagwons," in both Korea and the U.S. Lee conducted extensive interviews with Koreans, highlighting the crucial role of education in their lives.
Raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in Queens, Lee faced shyness and struggles in her youth but eventually found success in the Ivy League and a career in law. However, a liver disease diagnosis led her to leave her high-paying job and pursue writing, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and societal reflection. Lee's characters in "American Hagwon" experience upheaval when they relocate to America, prompting questions about the true value of education and personal transformation.
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