New Korean literature explores empathy, societal pressures, and unexpected friendships

A selection of new Korean literary works offers a diverse range of themes and styles.

Park Si-hyun's first poetry collection, "Animalistic Empathy," contrasts different perceptions of summer, exploring the journey of individuals who "push each other forward." The poems delve into the emotional landscape of summer nights and the connections formed within them.

"No One Went Mad" brings together stories by acclaimed authors including Hye-young Pyun, Jin-young Choi, and Jin-a Jeong. The collection focuses on women who defy the label of 'madness' while dealing with societal pressures and personal crises. Stories feature a woman feigning injury for insurance money and a mother recalling her own past 'deviations' while searching for her son.

Novelist Lee Ju-hye, known for her translations, presents "I Sing," an expansion of her short story "Harry and Rosa." The novel follows Harry, owner of a hair salon, and Rosa, a nail technician, whose businesses are closing due to redevelopment. They embark on a trip to Hokkaido, Japan, where they form a meaningful friendship with a local Ainu girl named Yuki. This marks the first release from "Daram," a publishing house founded by broadcaster Park Hye-jin.

Other new releases include poet Yoo Hee-kyung's "Greeting at Work," a collection of writings from his time at the "Wit and Cynical" bookstore in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul, and writer Jeon Jin-woo's novel "Applause and White Horse," which intertwines the fictional story of a shaman with the historical figure James H. Hausman, a US military advisor involved in Korean historical events.