By Honorary Reporter Vincenzo Acampora Carratura from Italy

Photos = Tenatoms

Michelle Zauner, a half-Korean musician who performs under the name Japanese Breakfast, talks about her acclaimed book "Crying in H Mart," a memoir about grief, identity and food, in this interview.

Your book says food was how your mother showed her love to you. How do you express love for people you care the most?
I also tend to prepare nice meals and snacks for my loved ones. If my husband is working hard on a project or frustrated by something, my first inclination is always to prepare something nice to lift his spirits like a cold beer, an appealing snack plate or an elaborate meal. 

I think love is about remembering small details about people such as things they like and don't like. I like to keep a running list of desires my loved ones mention in passing, a kitchen scale or house plant, for instance, and surprising them with it on holidays or no occasion at all.

You're not fluent in Korean, yet H Mart (a Korean American grocery chain in North America and the U.K.) is a bridge to your Korean roots. How do you related to your Korean identity?

I think I've always felt like I've never really belonged anywhere, and that type of crisis was definitely difficult for me when I was a teenager. After my mom passed away, I felt like part of my connection to my Korean identity had been severed, and so I learned how to cook Korean food as a way to keep interacting with it and preserve it. For awhile, I was taking Korean-language lessons and hope to continue when my schedule calms down. I also try to visit Korea as much as I can.

COVID-19 has caused more people to lose loved ones. Can your book offer comfort and an example on dealing with grief?
I hope so. I think grief is so individual and challenging, but it can sometimes help people discover that others have endured similar hardships. I can also see people not feeling prepared to read something like this in the wake of more recent loss.

Michelle Zauner was born in Seoul and says she tries to visit Korea as often as possible.

When did you last visit Korea? Which spots do specifically miss about the country?

The last time I visited was in May 2019. My band played a concert in Hongdae (a trendy area in Seoul) and then I stayed for an extra three weeks to finish writing the rough draft of my book. I really love the Hongdae neighborhood, which has so many wonderful venues and restaurants. I love hanging out at Gopchang Jeongol (a music bar featuring Korean oldies from the 1950s to the 90s) and visiting Gimbab Records (a music store specializing in vinyl).

Michelle Zauner's memoir "Crying in H Mart" has hit the bestseller list of The New York Times.

In addition to K-pop, many Korean bands that play traditional and non-traditional Korean music are rising in Western countries. Is there a specific act you wish to collaborate with?

I hope that someday, I can collaborate with (indie rock band) Se So Neon, I think (member Hwang) So-yoon is so talented and cool.

You met the famous Korean American food vlogger Maangchi. How was it?

I felt so lucky. She is one of the warmest and most generous people I've met. She had me over for dinner on my 30th birthday and made it so special.

Your third album "Jubilee" will be released on June 4. What can we expect?
I think it's confident, ambitious and bombastic. The arrangements are richer and larger, vibrant and joyous. I think it's our best work yet.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.