Korean novel with a Japanese feel becomes a summer hit among young readers

A South Korean novel titled "Aquarium," originally published in January 2024, has unexpectedly become a summer bestseller. The book, written by Yoo Rae-hyuk, is gaining traction through social media, with numerous short videos on YouTube and user-generated photos on Instagram.

“

Be careful. It's so touching, wistful, and upsetting that it will make you cry buckets!

The novel, which features characters with Japanese names and is set in Japan, explores the themes of youth, love, and growth as characters move from past traumas, symbolized by an "aquarium," towards the vast sea. Despite being written by a Korean author, the book's cover prominently features Japanese hiragana, and its narrative style evokes a strong "Japanese sensibility," leading some to compare it to works by Japanese authors like Yoru Sumino.

"Aquarium" is described as a story about the poignant love and growth of young people escaping past wounds and moving toward the open sea. The author, Yoo Rae-hyuk, is introduced as a photographer who captures fleeting moments of life. The publishing house, Poster Shop, is revealed to be the author's own photo agency, highlighting the success of a new author and a nascent publishing house.

“

It feels like Murakami's sentences were colored with Shinkai Makoto's paints.

The book's unexpected popularity is attributed to its resonance with the sensibilities of younger generations who have a significant interest in Japanese culture. The novel's exotic setting and themes of freedom in an unfamiliar environment seem to captivate readers seeking an immersive summer reading experience.

“

It reminds me of Japanese author Yoru Sumino's book 'I Want to Eat Your Pancreas,' which grabbed attention 10 years ago with its provocative title.